Skin is tight and shiny after breast augmentation, am I at risk of getting stretch marks? How can they be avoided? (photo)

Thanks for the question. 

In my practice, after performing a BA I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense. 
In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow the formation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling. 

Kind regards

The breasts are typically as you describe them after breast augmentation, particularly after inserting 470 cc implants. As the swelling subsides, your skin should return to normal. I have not found it necessary to do additionally to the skin since this seems to be a short term issue.

It is uncommon but possible to get stretch marks after breast augmentation, especially if you have been prone to develop them in the past.  With larger implants, the risk is higher due to the increased stretch on the skin envelope.  The shiny appearance of the skin does not necessarily mean you will develop them, however.  Unfortunately there really is not a good treatment for stretch marks but certainly talk to your surgeon about the best way to manage your skin postop with massage and a good conditioning moisturizer. Using ice and compression to control the swelling is also a good way to limit the effects on your skin.  Good luck.

This shininess to your skin is simply because it is stretched tight at the moment.  As the skin relaxes and accommodates the implant, this will go away in the next couple of weeks.  There is nothing signed typically proven to avoid the formation of stretch marks.  Do not waste your money on fancy and expensive creams claiming to do so.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Stretch marks depend on your genetics, how much the skin is stretched, and how fast it is stretched. They represent areas where the deep layer of skin looses elasticity and essentially tears, while the thinner upper layer of skin stays intact. If you got stretch marks during puberty and/or preganancy, you may get them after augmentation. Not everyone gets tight and shiny skin after augmentation, and not everyone who does develops stretch marks. In fair skin, you can sometimes see little broken blood vessels along where stretch marks will occur. This is the "red" phase of stretch marks and can respond to laser. Moisturizer helps with itching, but it's almost impossible to truly prevent stretch marks if your implant is large and your skin is prone to them. The good news is that usually small stretch marks are difficult to see with implants in place. 

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  It is very common for a patient's breast skin to be tight and shiny after implant placement and this will resolve as the swelling from surgery resolves and the overlying tissues stretch over the implant.  Though there is no specific treatment you can follow to minimize stretch mark formation, I would maintain your breast skin well-moisturized to avoid dry skin.  Hang in there and allow your results more time to mature. 

I recommend that you stay very well hydrated and use a heavy moisturizing cream or lotion on your skin several times per day. It is hard to truly prevent stretch marks but these suggestions can help. Good luck.

Thank you for your question. Remember, it is best to be seen in person by a double-board-certified plastic surgeon for precise diagnosis and treatment.

It is hard to predict if you will develop stretch marks.  You are also very early in the healing process and the implants have not descended.

Most breast augmentation patients experience some tightness of the skin following breast augmentation.  Please use good moisturizing creams to keep your skin hydrated.  There are many laser treatments that will help with the stretch marks seek help early so you can get a good outcome for your stretch marks.