Breast Augmentation and Stretch Marks

Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure which can increase the bust size through silicone or saline implants. Also, the procedure can improve the appearance of the breasts by making these appear fuller and rounder.

Despite some of the advantages of this plastic surgery, a lot of women are concerned that this may result to stretch marks caused by the overstretching of the skin. Fortunately, most women who have the procedure did not develop the condition and some even reported that their pre-existing stretch marks became less visible after their surgery.

The Cause of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks developed because of the tears in the dermis which is the inner layer of the skin. These marks, which are usually reddish or whitish in color, are always associated with the rapid growth of skin to accommodate a drastic change in the body such as growth spurts, significant weight gain, pregnancy, and in some cases, breast augmentation.

 
Most dermatologists believe that it is impossible to completely remove stretch mark. However, there are ways to improve its appearance by promoting collagen growth (the main protein found in the skin), hydrating the skin to make this more elastic, and removing the outermost layer of the skin.

Avoiding and Treating Stretch Marks

Some experts suggest that it would be helpful if patients massage their breasts with moisturizing agents containing cocoa butter and vitamin E for two to four weeks before the procedure. In this way, hydration will keep the skin elastic and allow it to accommodate the drastic increase in the breast size.

Meanwhile, some doctors believe that oversize implants may cause stretch mark formation especially for smokers who have a skin that is not as elastic compared to non-smokers. With this consideration, choosing a smaller implant can significantly reduce the risk of developing reddish or whitish marks on the skin.

Even patients with elastic and healthy skin may develop stretch marks if their implants are disproportionately larger for their body.

Women with thin skin have also been found to be at greater risk of developing stretch marks which is why most doctors recommend that individuals who have this skin type should undergo a procedure in which the implants are placed beneath the chest muscles in order to provide more support to these and reduce the stress on the skin.

In case the stretch mark has developed after a breast augmentation surgery, there are some procedures which can make it less visible such as laser treatment which promotes collagen growth, microdermabrasion which removes the outermost layer of the skin, and moisturizing agents.