Medically reviewed by Tanja Premru-Sršen Stretch marks are streaks or stripes that occur on our body when it gets stretched. Both men and women can get stretch marks while growing up.
New stretch marks look like curvy lines or streaks, which are often red, pink, or purple in color.
Old stretch marks are lighter in color and fade away with time but never disappear completely.
Sometimes women tend to get breast stretch marks. Stretch marks on breasts develop for many reasons, and they are not the same for everyone.
Stretch marks form in the dermis which lies below the epidermis, the top layer of your skin.
The dermis has a connective tissue framework that includes collagen, elastin and fibrillin. When the dermis stretches beyond the limits of its elasticity, stretch marks appear.
Yes, you may have stretch marks on breasts due to your parents.
Stretch marks themselves are not inherited, but you are more likely to develop them if your parents have them.
An ELN gene determines elastin, and it also predicts whether or not an individual would develop stretch marks.
Stretch marks on breasts are more common than you think.
Often, they have benign causes. However, stretch marks on breasts can be caused due to an underlying condition.
Adrenal conditions such as Cushing Syndrome cause increased production of the cortisol hormone.
Some treatments used to resolve other conditions can also increase the risk of stretch marks developing in some cases.
A common example would be corticosteroids. These are often used to treat various conditions, from asthma to autoimmune diseases.
Diabetes can also affect our skin’s formation of collagen. This, in return, can increase the likelihood of developing stretch marks.
Our body goes through many hormonal changes during puberty. This triggers rapid growth of breast tissue as well.
The skin stretches as the breast tissue increases. Our skin becomes thin, leading to stretch marks on the breasts.
For many girls, stretch marks are a normal part of growing up. Some may even observe stretch marks on their hips, butt, and thighs.
When you gain weight, you will notice that the fat tissue in their breasts also increases. This increase in breast size may cause stretch marks.
Stretch marks can also appear on the breasts when you experience weight loss and decreased fat tissue.
The body loses its collagen, which results in the loss of skin elasticity.
Pregnancy is a wonderful journey, but it is also the cause of stretch marks on the breasts.
About six weeks into pregnancy, our breasts start to grow as increased estrogen levels trigger the growth of milk ducts and breast growth.
Some women even notice a breast increase of up to two cup sizes. This sudden and quick growth can result in stretch marks.
When it comes to stretch marks on breasts there are numerous treatments available.
These can range from home remedies to surgical therapies that lighten as well as reduce their visibility.
Home treatments for stretch marks are much more affordable and easily accessible. They also come with a reduced risk of side effects that may be associated with surgical procedures.
These treatments include:
Ahhhhh… divine smelling shea and cocoa butter. You probably use it to moisturize yourself. But did you know it also works as a treatment for your stretch marks?
Purchase them in a form of butter or cream and apply them over your stretch marks.
Both shea and cocoa butter are deeply nourishing and contain Vitamin E which helps in reducing the visibility of stretch marks.
We all need a good body massage after a stressful day or week.
Not only do they relax and ease any tension in our body but they also help increase blood flow and collagen production, which may help the stretch marks fade.
Massage your breasts 2 or 3 times a week with a deeply nourishing moisturizer, oil, or butter and you will observe your stretch marks on the breasts fading.
In case home remedies do not work with you, a dermatologist can recommend medical treatments to prevent stretch marks on your boobs.
They are more effective for stubborn stretch marks. These include:
Your dermatologist will use a skin-safe laser to break up the scar tissue, stimulate them so the stretch marks can repair themselves, and increase blood flow to the affected area.
Known for providing strong exfoliation, microdermabrasion improves collagen production and reduces the visibility of stretch marks.
Stretch marks on your body, especially the breasts are totally normal. The new ones are pink or red and with time become white.
Home treatments are best for stretch marks when they are new.
However, stretch marks are not at all harmful.
Thus, if you do not wish to remove them, you do not have to.
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