How Long After Breast Surgery Can I Start Using Stretch Marks Cream or Oil?

Question

Hi.. I am 4 days post op and I am starting to notice pink stretch marks on the upper pole and near the arm pit / side. Since I am 4 days post op, can I still use stretch marks cream / bio oil on just the side and upper pole of the chest?? It's not going anywhere near my scar on the bottom. I really don't want the stretch marks to become white/silvery. Please help ASAP! Thanks!!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

As long as you don't touch your incisions, it should be fine. However, please note that creams have not been proven really that effective in eradicating stretchmarks, but you can certainly try.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You should be able to use creams at this point after your surgery.  It may difficult to decrease stretch marks with home therapy and creams. I would also check with your surgeon to make sure you follow their post-op instructions and care.

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

You may apply whatever you like to your skin within a week or so of your surgery as long as you do not place anything on your incisions.

	Of course if anything really worked for stretch marks or scars, every plastic surgeon on the planet would insist you use it.

	We would also own shares in the company!

	Good luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Hi Dina,

	I always tell my patients that it's OK to use these items as long as they are kept well away from the incisions. Not really sure if they will help, but they should not hurt. The best thing to do for this is to have sufficient support. The snugger the sports bra the better. One reason stretch marks occur is from rapid skin stretching. Wearing appropriate support 24/7 will help. Best wishes, Dr. H

Eric T. Emerson, MD, FACS · Answer

While it is extremely unlikely that the creams/oils that you mention will prevent or lessen the development of stretch marks, it is probably fine to apply these starting a few days after surgery.  Do not apply them to your incisions, though.  I would also recommend that you contact your plastic surgeon to check with him/her regarding these creams.  Regards.

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