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.
Stretch Marks On The Breast: What Do They Look Like?
It is very common for women to develop stretch marks on different body parts, especially on the breasts. If you examine your breasts closely, you may find long and thin lines or streaks. Those are stretch marks or striae distensae. Usually, when they first appear, they appear reddish, purplish, or pinkish. These red or purple stretch marks 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. Jessey Anthony, a blogger, shared her experience in a post about her struggle with stretch marks. She says, “After losing 40 pounds, my stretch marks became more of a scar and covered roughly 25% of my entire body…. At this point, my insecurities grew. I definitely wanted to get rid of those annoying stretch marks.My first option was a cosmetic procedure, but it would cost around $2500, which I couldn’t afford despite my desperation at the time. The second option was to try natural home remedies. While some of them worked after using it for about one year and six months, some of them didn’t (i).”
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. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can cause the breasts to change in size and shape, which may contribute to the development of stretch marks. These marks develop due to the expansion of breast tissue and skin to accommodate the growing mammary glands and milk production. After childbirth, especially if the breasts return to their pre-pregnancy size relatively quickly, the skin may struggle to shrink back, leading to the formation of stretch marks. While breastfeeding does not directly cause stretch marks, the fluctuations in breast size and subsequent changes can be a contributing factor.
6. Muscle Growth
Stretch marks on the breasts can occur during periods of rapid muscle growth or weight gain (3). When the underlying muscles grow, the skin covering them stretches. If the stretching happens too quickly, the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin can tear, leading to the formation of stretch marks.
7. Family History
Your genes can also make you prone to develop stretch marks. If your parents have stretch marks, you may develop them too.
8. 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 (4). 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 (5).
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
For those wondering how to get rid of stretch marks, exfoliation can be a way to minimize their appearance. While it is not possible to get rid of the marks entirely you can fade them to some extent. Regular exfoliation can help keep the skin healthy. Regular exfoliation is essential to get rid of 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 (6). 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.
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. Say goodbye to those pesky lines on your body with expert-backed tips. Check out this video to discover proven treatments and effective strategies to diminish the appearance of stretch marks and reveal smoother skin.
