Help! Are These Stretch Marks After Breast Augmentation? (photo)

Question

I had a BA (330cc) 9 weeks ago. It's not clear to see in the picture but I have dark red purple lines on my breasts which have been there for over 3 weeks now, I started to use bio oil but then after seeing my surgeon he suggested I was having a reaction to the oil as my breasts were red and inflamed, he put me on a 1 week steroid course and said to see how it goes.. Since then he has cancelled 2 appointments and can't see me for a month. Are these stretch marks and what can help?

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Those very well could be stretch marks. I'm sorry your doctor is not available to see you, but there isn't anything he can do to change the situation. A stretch mark represents an area where the top layer of skin (which is very thin) is intact, but the bottom layer has torn. Over time, the purple/red discoloration (due to blood vessels) will fade, but the skin never fully regains it's strength and elasticity. You may still end up happy with your final result, so just give it time and continue to wear a supportive bra.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It does appear that they may be stretch marks, although it would be better to have them checked out by your surgeon. 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.Most patients report that within three to four months reddish/purplish stretch marks begin to turn silvery and continue to fade with time until they’re barely noticeable. Unfortunately, creams haven't really been proven effective in eradicating stretch marks, but you can try if you'd like.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Stretch marks are an unusual complication and unpredictable complication of a breast augmentation.  Most of the time I have seen these type of stretch marks improve over time.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Those red marks you are showing in the photos may very well represent stretch marks. Time will tell if they persist.

Help! Are These Stretch Marks After Breast Augmentation? (photo)

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Answer: Stretch marks after breast augmentation

Answer: Stretch marks after breast augmentation

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Help! Are These Stretch Marks After Breast Augmentation? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Stretch marks after breast augmentation

Answer: Stretch marks after breast augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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