Stretch marks on the breasts and chest are a common concern for many women, particularly those who have experienced pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight changes. These marks often appear when the skin stretches beyond its natural elasticity, leaving visible lines on the surface.
Dr. Farbod Esmailian, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Long Beach, specializes in breast augmentation and breast lift procedures, which may help improve the appearance of stretch marks in some instances.
Why Do Stretch Marks Form on the Breasts?
Stretch marks, or striae, develop when the skin is stretched rapidly, causing the underlying collagen and elastin fibers to break. This commonly happens during:
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The breasts enlarge significantly during pregnancy and breastfeeding, stretching the skin beyond its normal size. After breastfeeding ends, the breasts often deflate, leaving overstretched skin and, in some cases, stretch marks.
- Weight Fluctuations: Gaining or losing weight quickly can also stretch the breast tissue, leading to stretch marks.1
While stretch marks are permanent, certain cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentation or breast lifts, can reduce their appearance.
How Can Breast Augmentation Help with Stretch Marks?
A breast augmentation procedure can restore volume to deflated breasts, helping to stretch the skin and improve the appearance of stretch marks. Here's how it works:
- Filling the Skin Envelope:
When the breasts lose volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, the skin may appear loose and deflated. By placing implants during a breast augmentation, the skin is gently stretched to fill the envelope, making stretch marks less noticeable. - Improving Proportions: Augmentation can restore a fuller, more youthful breast shape, which can help draw attention away from the appearance of stretch marks.
When Is a Breast Lift Needed?
For women with significant sagging or loose skin, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be combined with breast augmentation to address both volume loss and skin laxity.
How a Breast Lift Helps:
- During a breast lift, excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is repositioned to a higher, more youthful position.
- If stretch marks are located on the lower portion of the breast, some of them may be removed during surgery as the excess skin is excised.
- The remaining skin is tightened, which can make stretch marks less prominent.
It's important to note that while these procedures can improve the appearance of stretch marks, they cannot completely remove them.
What Results Can You Expect?
The degree of improvement in stretch marks depends on their location and the type of procedure performed:
- Breast Augmentation Alone: Stretch marks may appear less noticeable as the skin is stretched over the implant. However, the marks will still remain.
- Breast Lift with Augmentation: Some stretch marks may be surgically removed, and the remaining ones may look less visible due to skin tightening.
Dr. Esmailian will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and expectations.
Are You a Candidate for Breast Augmentation or a Breast Lift?
You may be a candidate for breast augmentation, breast lift, or a combination of both if:2
- You are unhappy with the size, shape, or position of your breasts.
- You have stretch marks or loose skin resulting from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes.
- You are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Surgery
Dr. Farbod Esmailian is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Orange County with extensive experience in breast augmentation and breast lift procedures. He is dedicated to helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals while prioritizing safety and natural-looking results. If you're concerned about stretch marks or looking to enhance the appearance of your breasts, Dr. Esmailian can help you explore your options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn if you're a candidate for a breast augmentation or lift.
1 Cleveland Clinic. What You Should Know About Stretch Marks on Your Breasts. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breast-stretch-marks. Accessed February 13, 2025.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Augmentation Candidates. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/candidates. Accessed February 13, 2025.
