New Stretch Marks Started Developing 2 Months Post Op Breast Augmentation. Will They Become Less Prominent? (photo)

Question

I'm dissapointed to see some pink/purple stretch marks around the nipple area on both of my breasts. I'm two and a half months post op, though the marks started to appear a few weeks ago. Has anyone seen stretch marks (caused by augmentation) appear as noticable as this before? Will they become lighter and less prominent? Any advice will be appreciated.

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

Stretch marks after breast augmentation is fortunately not common and they usually improve and fade over several months. About 5% of patients experience the degree of stretch marks that have occured. It is more common in patient who have not yet had children and when larger implants are utilized. However, except for not having surgery, there is nothing you or your surgeon could have done to prevent this.

	Fortunately, the visibility of stretch marks diminsh with time. I would advise that for now that you are patient and allow for further healing and fading. Creams and supplements have not been consistently helpful to prevent or improve stretch marks - so save your money. If these marks are still bothersome after 6 months then you should speak with an experienced Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon who provides laser scar treatments. The color and texture may be amenable to improvment with various non-surgical treatments.

	Good luck,

	Dr. Mosher

Marie E. Montag, MD · Answer

Stretch marks are not a common consequence of breast augmentation, but for the unfortunate few they can be very distressing. Stretch marks come from a rapid stretching of the dermis (or deeper layers of the skin) resulting in tears and weakening of dermal layer and thinning of the skin in these areas. Once the dermis tears nothing really reverses the process. Over time stretch marks usually go from being pink or red when they are new to lighter or more pale as they mature. Treatments such as lasers or topical creams offered by some dermatologists may speed up the maturing process, but nothing actually repairs the damage from the stretching. Retin A that you asked about causes an increase in skin cell turnover (or exfoliation) and would not influence the thickness of the dermis in any way. The best advice is patience….they naturally improve a lot over time.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

In my practice, Stretch Marks are rarely a result of breast augmentation. In the thousands I have done it is hare to remember but one or two that may have developed them. In some cases looking closely as the preoperative photos they were already there but just became transiently pink and more noticeable because of the normal increase of blood flow to the area after any surgery.The things I can think of that may make you more prone to this is if you are on steroids, certain endocrine conditions such as Cushing's syndrome and others, associated with a larger weight gain and light colored skin.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

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.

Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon in some patients for stretch marks to develop after breast augmentation. Over time they will fade and become less pink/purple.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and photo.  It takes around 4-6 month for the implants to fully settle and by that time the wounds would have healed well already.  Best to give it more time and contact your surgeon if your concerns are not getting better with time.  Best of luck Dr. Michael Omidi.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Yes, stretch marks to attend to become less prominent with time. You will find that they will begin to lose their pink/purple coloration and fade over the course of the next several months.

	Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Stretch marks develop in some patients and it is hard to predict who will get them.  Often they fade with time.

New Stretch Marks Started Developing 2 Months Post Op Breast Augmentation. Will They Become Less Prominent? (photo)

Answers (8)

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