Why did I get stretch marks on my breasts 6 months after implants? I had no stretch marks before. (photo)

While it’s not very common to develop stretch marks after breast augmentation, it certainly can happen. This is particularly true on younger patients that have tight skin where the implant is sufficiently large to rapidly stretch the skin. It is very important that you get your stretch marks treated while they are still red. They can be diminished to the point where they are barely perceptible if you get them treated while they are still red, before they turn white. White stretch marks are not so treatable. If your plastic surgeon does not have the appropriate laser, you will have to go somewhere else, but do it quickly. You will require at least three laser treatments spaced a few weeks apart. 

Stretch marks are rare following breast augmentation but unfortunately they do develop in a small number of patients. Risk factors include genetics, size of the implants, and young age. This was probably not predictable in your case. Your treatment options other than time are limited. You might discuss laser therapy with your surgeon and ask whether this could reduce the redness to the striae. 

Hello, thank you for your inquiry and photo. Congrats on your surgery. Stretch marks usually appear because the implant placed is too big and your skin stretched. I  suggest consulting with your plastic surgeon on recommendations to help. Best of luck!

Dear mini556,
stretch marks will appear when patient gets implants that are too big for their breasts and their skin can't stretch that much. I suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon and check which measures can you take in order to prevent further stretch marks formation. 
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

have resulted in your development of stretch marks.  It is a rarity but its known to happen after augmentation procedures, usually with implants much larger than the ones you had placed.  There isn't anything you can do for them at this juncture except consider laser treatments to help the redness of the marks fade more quickly.  I am sorry you are experiencing this and hope you can still enjoy your fuller look in clothes and bikinis.  And it was very likely you would have gotten them when you decided to have children and went through a pregnancy...so I do hope your new look can compensate you enough to overlook the stretch marks.

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery! That is not uncommon.

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please ensure to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind