Stretch marks are created when the elastic fibers of the skin are broken down, forming scars. Women can experience this scarring on their breasts due to rapid or significant weight change like those occurring in pregnancy. Like other scars, stretch marks are permanent, but there are many procedures used to reduce or eliminate their appearance.

Features

In the first stage, stretch marks may appear a pink, red or purple color. It is in this stage that treating them is most successful. In the second and final stage, they take on a silvery or white appearance. This stage usually requires more invasive treatments and has lower success rates.

Types

There are several over-the-counter and prescription creams available, like Vitamin E oil and Retin-A that treat stretch marks on the surface level. Chemical peels and dermabrasion remove several layers of old skin allowing new, non-scarred skin to regenerate in its place. Cosmetic laser surgery breaks down the skins tissues on a deeper level and is the most successful of the treatments. Age, diet and skin complexion all affect the success of the procedures.

Prevention/Solution

Increasing skin elasticity and avoiding major shifts in weight are two of the best ways to avoid stretch marks. Clean diets that include plenty of water help hydrate the skin. Lotions and oils rich in Vitamin E, like cocoa butter, are often used, especially during pregnancy, to reduce or eliminate dermis tearing.

Benefits

Although stretch marks aren't physically painful, they can hurt the ego. Using a combination of methods that may successfully reduce or remove their appearance can boost a woman's mental and emotional health by improving her self-image. A healthy self-images can have a positive impact on areas like physical intimacy and overall confidence.

Misconceptions

Breast scarring is not always avoidable and can occur very early in life for young women who have never been pregnant or sexually active. Sometimes the onset of puberty causes such a rapid shift in breast size that it creates stretch marks.

Source:

breast-plastic-surgery.org: Stretch marks on the breast

health.learninginfo.org: laser stretch mark removal

health.learninginfo.org: getting rid of stretch marks