Will Breast Implants Fix Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are common in parts of the body that are prone to expanding and contracting.  Especially for women who have been pregnant, nursed an infant, or gained and lost weight, stretch marks on the breasts can detract from the beauty and femininity of the breasts. Many women with stretch marks on their breasts wish for the smooth, unmarred skin of their youth.

Will breast implants fix stretch marks? Maybe yes and maybe no. Let’s look at what stretch marks are and what causes them, then consider how breast implants might help.

What Are Stretch Marks and What Causes Them?

Stretch marks are the streaks and stripes that appear in the skin when it is stretched. They are often pink, purple, or red when they first appear, then gradually fade to more closely match your natural skin tone. They are a type of scar tissue, left behind when the skin — most often on the breasts, abdomen, and thighs — stretches with puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes.

Hormones play a role in their formation, as do genetics. If other women in your family have stretch marks on their breasts, you’re more likely to get them too. People who take steroids for long-term treatment of an illness are also more likely to develop stretch marks.

Will Breast Implants Fix Stretch Marks?

Breast implants that moderately increase the size of the breasts can make certain types of stretch marks less noticeable. If you have stretch marks that take the form of wrinkles and creases, adding volume to the breasts with implants will firm and smooth the surface skin and make these marks much less visible. A plastic surgeon can advise you about whether your stretch marks might be made less visible with implants.

Care must be taken, though, to choose a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. If you are prone to developing noticeable stretch marks, getting implants that are too large can stretch your skin so much that it worsens the marks or creates new ones. If stretch marks are a concern, a good plastic surgeon will factor that into decisions about the size and placement of the implants.

Stretch marks on the underside of the breast can also be removed as part of a breast lift procedure.

What Else Can I Do to Make My Stretch Marks Less Visible?

Fortunately, most stretch marks fade over time. If yours appear dark or discolored now, chances are they will be less visible in a year or two in the same way scars from surgery or injury gradually come to more closely match your skin tone.

Stretch marks that don’t fade with time can be treated with topical creams and lotions. RetinA cream can help speed the fading of stretch marks when they first appear. Other creams and lotions work to exfoliate the skin or boost the concentration of collagen and elastin for improved skin resilience. But read the instructions and cautions carefully, as some of these treatments are not to be used during pregnancy or with certain medical or skin conditions.

Learn More With a Personal Consultation

While getting rid of stretch marks shouldn’t be your primary reason for considering breast implants, making these marks less visible can be an added benefit of the enhancement in some cases. Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery have developed an impeccable reputation for stunning, natural-looking breast augmentation results, attracting patients from all over the world. Contact our practice today at (310) 746-5475 or send an online request to schedule a consultation.