Slept on implants without a bra. When I woke up there was lines and ridges over right implant. How do I make it go away? (photo)

Question

I'm not sure if these are stretch marks? Thought it was imprints from pillow at first but its been a week and it hasn't gone away! Sometimes they appear darker and more wrinkly.. it's like if i squeeze at it a little .. kinda looks like cellulites.. Really hard to capture in photos but in person people ask if they are stretch marks cause it's really obvious! Should I stop sleeping on them?

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!If it has only been weeks/several months since your surgery, the lines may be visible from reduction of edema from the surgery, maybe not from the way you were sleeping. It's hard to tell from your photos what exactly is happening here. If the implants are round, you may want to massage the breast skin and implants. You should run this by your surgeon to get her/his opinion.

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos you appear to have signs of stretch marks. Best is to keep wearing your post op bra and follow up with your surgeon. I have patients wear a soft bra after breast augmentation for a few weeks to splint everything, and at that point the scars are generally very stable and we move to normal bras (or none) and long term scar management.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent surgery. It appears to be stretched marks. They were likely present prior to your augmentation are now slightly more prominent due to the new implants and associated swelling. Please discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon. Also, make sure you follow all of your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions regarding level of physical activity and use of a support bra. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Angelbabyxxx,based on your photos, it does look like stretch marks. However, an examination would be required to be sure. I would suggest you to sleep on your back and consult your plastic surgeon if you are concerned.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
 Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. It appears that these are stretch marks and not the result of your sleeping position last night.  Initially after an augmentation small stretch marks that were present before surgery can become more prominent, these tend to improve as the swelling from surgery abates.  Hang in there and try to avoid sleeping on your stomach for the next several months. Best wishes.

Slept on implants without a bra. When I woke up there was lines and ridges over right implant. How do I make it go away? (photo)

Answers (8)