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Stretch marks are stripes or streaks that occur when the skin is stretched. They’re a very normal occurrence. Nearly everyone has stretch marks. It’s common for stretch marks to occur on the
breasts as well as other areas of the body.
Stretch marks are often a pinkish, purple, or red color when they first form. They typically fade to a paler or whiter color over time.
There are different types of stretch marks. They’re categorized by how long you’ve had them and their cause. The types include:
There are a number of different things that can cause or increase your likelihood for developing stretch marks on your breasts.
Hormonal changes that occur during puberty can trigger a rapid growth of breast tissue. As the breast tissue increases, the skin stretches. The thinning of the skin can lead to stretch marks
on the breasts.
Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for many girls. Some may also notice stretch marks on their thighs, hips, and butt.
Pregnancy is another exceptionally common cause of stretch marks on the breasts.
About six weeks into pregnancy, the breasts will start to grow as increased estrogen levels trigger breast growth and the growth of milk ducts. Some may notice a breast increase of up to two
cup sizes. This quick growth can result in stretch marks.
Women who gain weight will often notice that the fat tissue in their breasts also increases. As their breast size increases, stretch marks can occur.
Though fat tissue decreases if you experience weight loss, stretch marks on the breasts can still occur. This is caused by a loss of collagen that can happen during weight loss, resulting in
the loss of skin elasticity.
Breast implants and augmentation procedures can stretch the skin — either by adding implants or repositioning the breast tissue — and result in stretch marks. This is particularly common in
those who are getting breast implants more than one cup size larger than their non-altered size.
Stretch marks themselves aren’t inherited. But if your parents have stretch marks, you’re more likely to develop them, too.
The ELN gene, which determines elastin, was found to be most predictive of whether or not an individual would develop stretch marks.
Stretch marks on the breasts are very common and often have benign causes. However, an underlying condition might be the reason for stretch marks.
Possible conditions are often adrenal ones, like Cushing syndrome. It causes an increased production of the cortisol hormone.
In some cases, the treatments people use to resolve other conditions may increase the risk of stretch marks developing. A common example is those who use corticosteroids. These are used to
treat a wide array of conditions, from asthma to autoimmune diseases.
Diabetes may also affect the skin’s formation of collagen. This may potentially increase the likelihood of developing stretch marks.
There are a handful of different treatments you can use to lighten stretch marks on your breasts and reduce their visibility.
Home remedies and surgical therapies are both available. Many treatments will be most effective when they’re used on newly formed stretch marks.
There are a number of different home remedies you can use to treat stretch marks. Many of these come with a reduced risk of side effects that may be associated with surgical procedures.
They’re often much more affordable and accessible, too.
If home remedies don’t work, there are medical treatments a dermatologist can prescribe to you. These are often more effective for stubborn stretch marks. They include:
Laser therapy is the only treatment proven to be effective in treating stretch marks. Your dermatologist will be able to best determine the right course of treatment for you.
If you’re concerned about your breast stretch marks and don’t already have a dermatologist, you can view doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
It’s not always possible to prevent stretch marks on your breasts, but there are certain steps you can take to decrease the likelihood of them developing.
Stretch marks on the breasts are extremely common. They often fade from pink or red to white over time.
Home treatments and medical interventions can help treat stretch marks, but they’re all most effective when the marks are brand new.
Keep in mind stretch marks are normal and not harmful. If you don’t want to remove them, you don’t have to.
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