A breast augmentation can be the first step toward improving your self-esteem and body confidence. This surgical procedure is designed to provide for women who feel they would like to achieve better breast shape, volume, or symmetry. Additionally, breast augmentation can provide a more proportionate figure for women who want to redefine their silhouette.
While breast augmentation can be the answer to many different aesthetic goals, you may have concerns about whether the procedure can cause stretch marks and, if so, what you can do about it.
Stretch marks depend on your skin’s elasticity
A stretch mark is a scar that develops when your skin rapidly stretches or shrinks. This abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin to rupture, and as the skin heals, stretch marks may appear on the surface of your skin. The skin of the breast is generally more elastic than the skin on other parts of your body. This is why it can stretch naturally without causing visible stretch marks.
Whether breast augmentation can cause stretch marks largely depends on your skin's elasticity and how large your implants are. The larger the implant, the higher your chance of getting stretch marks. However, most implant sizes have a considerably low risk of creating stretch marks.
You can reduce the chances of your breast augmentation causing stretch marks
The best way to help reduce the risk of stretch marks after breast augmentation is to ensure that your implants are not disproportionately large. Extremely large breast implants that are wrong for your body proportions can cause overstretching of the skin in the breast area, which causes visible stretch marks.
Many of the remedies said to prevent stretch marks don’t work. Almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, or vitamin E will reliably stop stretch marks from forming. However, some ingredients may work. Researchers have found that products containing the herb Centella or hyaluronic acid may help prevent stretch marks. Because our skin naturally contains hyaluronic acid, it is a good choice for reducing the chances of your breast augmentation causing stretch marks.
Breast augmentation cannot remove stretch marks
The myth is that breast augmentation can remove preexisting stretch marks associated with sagging breasts. While using breast augmentation to eliminate stretch marks is not possible, it is possible that during your augmentation, your sagging breasts will be restructured in such a way that it will hide the stretch marks you already have. Additionally, a breast lift can be a good option for reducing stretch mark visibility.
Your breast augmentation with HK Plastic Surgery
Stretch marks after a breast augmentation surgery are not common, but some factors can put you at risk for developing them. As such, it’s essential to talk with Dr. Kreithen if stretch marks are your primary concern. He will listen to your concerns and help you understand your options for reducing the chances of your breast augmentation causing stretch marks. Dr. Kreithen, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is one of the most respected breast augmentation specialists in the Tampa and Sarasota areas. Schedule a consultation with HK Plastic Surgery to discuss your goals and concerns for a fuller bust with flattering results.