Whether due to pregnancy, weight gain or the rapid growth associated with puberty, most people have (or know someone who has) developed stretch marks after the skin is forced to expand too quickly. When considering breast augmentation, some patients are concerned that the amount of skin stretching that will occur after implants are placed could result in unsightly stretch marks. Could stretch marks really result as an unintended consequence of your breast augmentation?
Understanding Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, which are actually a type of scar, are visible tears within the deeper layers of skin when tissue elasticity can’t keep up with the rate at which the skin is stretching. Placing breast implants, particularly large ones, inside the breast pocket requires the skin to stretch and expand, so many patients worry that stretch marks could develop as a result of breast augmentation. Since stretch marks are permanent, this concern could make some patients feel reluctant to move forward with augmentation.
Possible, Not Probable
Patients should understand that to say stretch marks are uncommon with breast augmentation is an understatement. Although the striated marks do occasionally appear as a result of implants, this is extremely rare. Most doctors agree that factors such as age and implant size are possible contributing factors to the development of stretch marks, which are more common among younger patients and patients opting for very large implants.
However, statistics seem to support the opinion that a patient will either be predisposed to getting stretch marks or not. If you’ve been through a pregnancy or weight fluctuations without noticeable stretch marks, you’re not likely to see them after getting implants either.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
