What Happens to Streetch Marks During Breast Reduction?

Question

Background: 32 yo, 34E (before & after kids), 5'5", 125lbs, never been overweight. Had triplets 2 years ago. I breastfed them for 6 months (went from E to J) which resulted in 1" wide stretch marks underneath my breasts. These stretch marks are extremely unsightly and awfully painful as the skin is so incredibly thin. I think my insurance will cover my reduction. I'm wondering what can I expect of these stretch marks after surgery.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Part of a breast reduction includes removing excess skin following volume loss.  Any stretch marks that are part of this excision will be gone.  The others will persist.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Stretch marks will not go away on their own. If they are in the excision skin pattern of the reduction , then they will be removed.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Some of the stretch marks will be removed by the excision of excess skin during the breast reduction.  However, some stretch marks may remain.  Your plastic surgeon will be able to mark the areas which will be removed by the surgery.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Thank you for the question.  Stretch marks are tears in the deep part of the skin (the dermis).  We do not have a good way or reducing them without surgery to actually cut them out.  A breast reduction removes fat, breast gland, and skin.  Your plastic surgeon can mark the breast reduction pattern on your breasts to show you which stretch marks will be removed and which will remain.

	All the best,

	Dr Remus Repta

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

	During breast reduction surgery, generally speaking, a significant amount of breast skin ( especially along the lower poles of the breasts) is removed. Obviously, any stretch marks in those areas will be removed during the breast reduction surgery. Stretch marks that are present outside of the skin excision pattern will remain postoperatively.

	 When you consult with board-certified plastic surgeons, they will be able to demonstrate more precisely what to expect with the breast reduction procedure.

	 I hope this helps.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi.

	Many stretch marks are removed during breast reduction.  And the ones that cannot be removed are smoothed out by the skin re-draping. The overall effect is usually significant improvement.

John Whitt, MD (retired) · Answer

In a typical breast reduction, the stretch marks which are located on the lower half of your breast would be removed. Stretch marks on the upper half of the breast usually are not removed. From your description, it seems that most of your striae would be gone.

What Happens to Streetch Marks During Breast Reduction?

Answers (7)