Will the presence of stretch marks on breasts affect my breast lift surgery results? (Photos)

Question

I have stretch marks on my breasts since teen years and I have developed saggy breasts due to recent weight fluctuations. I plan to undergo breast lift surgery without implants. Will the presence of stretch marks affect my breasts lift surgery results ? Will I be able to retain the results for at least some years if I maintain stable weight and wear a proper fitted bra always? I really need mastopexy (with some reduction if required) as the saggy breasts cause discomfort to me.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Versatile829979,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The presence of your stretch marks does typically indicate that the skin has weakened, however they shouldn’t negatively impact the results of a breast lift. A reduction can be performed at the same time as your lift to give you more proportionate results. The results of a breast lift are long lasting, and a healthy lifestyle and adequate breast support can maintain the improvement.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

M. Hugh Bailey, MD FACS · Answer

Hello! There are multiple possibilities to give you a good result from a breast lift. A physical exam is required to give definitive personal advice. My answer is based on the typical findings that I would expect with photos like yours. As you know, repeated weight fluctuations weaken the supporting tissues of the breasts. Assuming you are happy with your present size, my preferred solution is to reinforce the lift two ways. First, I preserve the deeper layers of the excess skin to be removed, leaving them attached to the glandular tissue, and suspending the breast gland to the chest wall with them. Then I place a bra-shaped absorbable biomatrix (Galaflex 3DR&trade;) over this before closing the skin flaps. As the matrix absorbs, it is replaced by a new layer of long lasting fibrous tissue to support the breast. I think this is a better option for patients whose tissues have been weakened, than combining a breast reduction with implants, which increases both the risk of nipple numbness and implant associated complications. Please consult a board certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with these techniques. Wishing you a great result!

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hi! Excellent question! Not really. Your stretch marks per say should not affect results. But the size and weight of your breasts after the lift can affect the longevity of your results and this tends to matter more on patients with lots of stretch marks. Because stretch marks speak to the quality of skin due to a history of weight fluctuations. 
Please understand that “Some reduction” is not the idea if you want long lasting results. The key would be a breast reduction (with a lift obviously) in order to avoid the weight that will pull down on your breasts and make them sag faster. 
So, If you get a breast reduction/lift and you maintain a stable weight and wear a proper fitted bra, you have nothing to worry!

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Stretch marks result from prior severe stretching of your skin, indicating a permanent loss of elastic recoil and a greater tendency for your skin to stretch more under a load. A breast lift is a surgery that removes skin and pulls the remaining skin together like a bra; and in your case one that will fail relatively quickly over time. You should consider reducing the size your breasts too in order to get not only a more stable result, but a prettier one too.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you do have larger, sagging breasts and would benefit from a breast lift or reduction.  Stretch marks will not significantly affect the initial appearance, but as you alluded to, it may affect the duration of the results.  Stretch marks indicate that some of the elasticity or recoil of the tissues have been lost, so there will be less support of the breasts.  That would mean that the sagging may come back sooner than someone without stretch marks.  Reducing the volume of the breasts, maintaining a stable weight, and wearing a supportive bra will help support the breasts and slow down the rate of sagging.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Stretch marks mean that the elasticity of your skin has been overpowered by the weight of your breast tissue. Once the elasticity is lost, there really is no way of improving or regaining it. A breast lift with a reduction would definitely benefit you by tightening up the skin and removing some of the weight. With good supportive bras and weight maintenance you should have a long lasting result.

Hope that helps.

Hope that helps.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Stretch marks are an indication of thin skin that has lost some elasticity. So your skin may stretch out after surgery more than the acreage case. But I think you are still a great candidate despite the stretch marks 
.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You would actually do better with a reduction than just a lift. Once the excess weight and skin are removed, your stretch marks may look better.

Will the presence of stretch marks on breasts affect my breast lift surgery results? (Photos)

Answers (11)

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