Stretch marks can fade naturally over time, and home remedies can help prevent them. In this article, we have explained the stretch marks on the breast and all other related issues. Continue reading to know more. Usually, when they first appear, they appear reddish, purplish, or pinkish. These are early stretch marks and are called striae rubra. As the stretch marks get old, you will see the lines turning white. These are old stretch marks and are called striae alba. Stretch marks are referred to as striae gravidarum if you get them during pregnancy. During pregnancy, apart from your abdomen, you may also develop stretch marks on your breasts, thighs, hips, and buttocks (1). Several factors are responsible for the development of stretch marks on the breasts and other body parts.
What Causes Stretch Marks On The Breasts?
The factors that might cause the development stretch marks include:
1. Puberty
Adolescents experience hormonal changes in their bodies once they hit puberty. The changes in the hormones also trigger physical changes. During puberty, girls may experience rapid growth in their breast tissue. As the breasts develop, they stretch the skin, which may cause stretch marks on the breasts.
2. Pregnancy
This is the most common cause of the appearance of stretch marks on different body parts, including the breasts. Stretch marks usually start developing by the third trimester. As the baby grows, the rising estrogen levels result in the growth of the milk ducts and the breasts, which may cause stretch marks.
3. Weight Gain Or Loss
A sudden weight gain can also cause stretch marks on the breast. As the breasts contain fat tissues, weight gain can result in an increase in breast size. This stretches the skin and may leave behind marks.
4. Breast Implants And Surgeries
Breast augmentation surgery may also cause stretch marks to develop (2). These surgeries are meant to increase breast size by placing an implant. Placing new implants and repositioning your breasts can stretch the skin, resulting in stretch marks.
5. Family History
Your genes can also make you prone to develop stretch marks. If your parents have stretch marks, you may develop them too.
6. Health Conditions
Underlying health conditions may make your skin vulnerable to stretch marks. If you have conditions, such as Marfan Syndrome, Cushing’s Syndrome, and other auto-immune conditions, you may develop stretch marks (3). Often, doctors prescribe corticosteroids for treatment. Using corticosteroids may also increase your risk of developing stretch marks. Early stretch marks respond well to treatment. This is because they are fresh, and the blood vessels right underneath the skin layer promote collagen development, which makes it easier to improve their appearance. Hence, if you have developed stretch marks, start treatment as early as possible.
Treatment And Prevention Options For Stretch Marks On The Breasts
You cannot effectively prevent stretch marks by keeping the skin well moisturized, soft, and elastic at all times. This also will not prevent them from worsening or aid in early healing. Once the stretch marks have become white/mature, they almost resemble a scar below the skin with very little blood supply and very little repair ability. Clinical treatment methods are needed to improve their appearance once developed. Here are a few ways to both prevent and treat stretch marks on the breast.
Prevention Tips
1. Massage The Stretch Marks
Massaging with moisturizers and emollients helps a lot. Massaging the area helps improve blood circulation and reduce stretch marks. A study found that 15 minutes of massage with bitter almond oil helped prevent pregnancy stretch marks or striae gravidarum (4).
2. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Staying hydrated is another way to prevent stretch marks. In addition to topical moisturization, your skin also needs to stay hydrated from within. Dry skin cannot stretch properly, and this causes the development of stretch marks. Staying hydrated also improves the overall functions of your organs.
3. Exfoliate Regularly
While it is not known if exfoliation can help reduce stretch marks, it can help keep the skin healthy. Regular exfoliation is essential to get rid of the dead skin cells. This also softens the skin and may aid in stretch mark prevention. You may try the following ingredients to massage and moisturize your skin:
Bitter almond oil (Note: This is an essential oil, so mix 2-3 drops of this oil with any carrier oil before using it.) Almond oil Shea butter Cocoa butter Coconut oil Argan oil Beeswax
These ingredients work by keeping the skin moisturized and enhancing skin elasticity. This reduces the chances of developing severe stretch marks. Proper moisturization can help reduce stretch marks (5). If home remedies are not working on the stretch marks, you may have to opt for medical treatment. In such cases, it is best to consult a dermatologist. This is because treatment depends on your skin type and severity of your condition. A dermatologist is the best person to decide which type of treatment may work for you and whether you need multiple treatments or not. Usually, the doctor may recommend the following treatment options.
Medical Treatment
While prevention methods and proper medical treatment are crucial, you also need to stay healthy. Follow a well-balanced diet, exercise, and take care of your skin.
Can not wearing a bra cause stretch marks? Not wearing a bra for a long period of time may cause stretch marks as the breast tissues may stretch and become saggy without proper support. How common are stretch marks on breasts? Stretch marks on breasts are extremely common as it is a normal physiological response to stretching of the skin. How do you hide stretch marks on breasts? You can use makeup or self-tanner to hide stretch marks on breasts. Wearing clothes with more coverage can also help hide stretch marks.
