Severe stretch marks after breast augmentation (Photos)

Question

I had breast augmentation done on December 6. I went to 520cc. I had no stretch marks before (on my breasts or body) and recently developed very severe stretch marks covering the entire area of each breast. I don't know what to do about them, my breasts were so beautiful and now I am scared to even show cleavage. I can only provide photos of the one breast because of visible tattoos.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question and photos. Whether or not a patient develops stretch marks following breast augmentation depends on a number of individual factors. The most important of these elements are the patient’s predisposition toward developing stretch marks, the size of the implant used in the procedure (larger implants cause greater skin stretch) and the techniques used during the augmentation procedure itself. A large implant can cause the skin to be pulled quite tightly. Red stretch marks tend to change to a much lighter shade after 6 months or so. You may try moisturising lotion to keep the skin healthy and soft. All the best

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Stretch marks are essentially fractures of the dermis, the deeper layer of skin. Their appearance can be improved with two modalities. IPL (intense pulsed light) will improve the purple color and Blanche them. An Erbium laser will make them narrower and more like fine lines.I recommend you discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. If he or she does not offer these services, I recommend you seek a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who can evaluate and treat you. Best of luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear of your stretch mark formation.  Because we do not have an opportunity to review your before photographs I would recommend seeing your surgeon for an in-person evaluation and discussion of possible laser treatments to help with the redness of your stretch marks.  Hope this helps.

Adam C. Augenstein, MD · Answer

Although not common, this can occur after breast augmentation when the skin is stretched out as it accommodates the new volume of the implant.  The red and purple colors will fade with time, but several treatments with an IPL laser will help speed this process up.  Of course its best to discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and let them evaluate you.

David Rosenstein, MD · Answer

It does appear to be stretch marks and unfortunately if you're susceptible to them, you will most likely develop during breast augmentation surgery. You can ty rubbing vitamin E oil on the area to possibly help and know that stretch marks fade in time. It is similar to pregnancy or weight gain because the skin stretches at a rapid pace tearing the dermis causing the stretch mark appearance.

James E. Leake, MD (retired) · Answer

stretch marks after BA are individual and related to your body's reaction to the increased tension on the skin. i would keep the breast skin well moisturized during this period. the photos show that the marks are red now and these will eventually lighten up, hopefully making them less visible.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Without a close up, well lit preoperative photograph, it's difficult to assess whether the stretch marks were really present preoperatively but very difficult to see. In my experience, rather than new stretch marks, what we usually will see is a reddish coloration to a previous very pale stretch mark. As the initial stretch of the skin relaxes, this color will usually dissipate over a few months or so. It can be readily treated with intense pulse light which will make the red disappear more quickly. Ask your plastic surgeon about this modality. Congratulations on your surgery.

Severe stretch marks after breast augmentation (Photos)

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