Over on the Cosmos Aesthetics Instagram Feed, Dr. Joseph Ajaka answers this week’s direct message: Do Brazilian Butt Lifts cause stretch marks?
Stretch marks after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure is a common concern for many and rightly so. The last thing you want after a butt lift procedure is to unseen stretch marks.
Incurring stretch marks after BBL cosmetic surgery is rare. Cosmos Aesthetics has performed over 4,000 BBL’s since 2010 and the majority of patients don’t develop new stretch marks post procedure.
Why do stretch marks occur
Stretch marks are visible scars or lesions on the skin that typically affect the abdomen, buttocks, hips, flanks, thighs and breasts. They form in the middle layer of the skin known as the dermis when the connective tissue expands and stretches beyond its elasticity limits. The dermis, in turn, can tear allowing the deeper layers of the skin to be visible.
Additionally, if your skin lacks collagen stretch marks can form as collagen is the protein that makes the dermis elastic. Low collagen means your skin’s ability to stretch without a consequence is reduced.
There are several common causes of stretch marks:
- Puberty and rapid growth;
- Pregnancy;
- Rapid weight gain;
- Medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome;
- Regular anabolic steroid use.
While stretch marks eventually flatten and fade over time, they can greatly impact self-body image. Whether you’ve had a BBL, breast augmentation or any other body contouring cosmetic procedure, incurring stretch marks isn’t desirable.
Treating stretch marks if they do occur after BBL
In about 2 of the Cosmos Aesthetics BBL patients, we have noticed new stretch marks have formed after the fat transfer treatment.
These have been successfully treated with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) which is a procedure that involves injecting plasma into the dermis through a fine needle. This concentrated plasma is enriched with your own platelets, growth factors and natural stem cells which can help to repair and rejuvenate soft tissue of the treated areas.
In addition to treating stretch marks, PRP therapy can help with the appearance of cellulite, acne scarring, skin tightening, fat transfers and burns.
Preventing stretch marks
The occurrence of stretch marks after a Brazilian Butt Lift or other cosmetic treatments such as liposuction, can’t always be prevented. While it is very rare, the quality of your skin, your skin care routine and dietary habits may influence its appearance and the results of your body contouring procedure.
Making the following lifestyle tips may help you reduce the risks of stretch marks occurring particularly after a cosmetic procedure:
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoiding rapid weight loss;
- Avoid fad diets you see on social media;
- Remain hydrated drinking 2L of water daily;
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc;
- Consume omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish, nuts and seeds;
- Safely expose yourself to the sun for vitamin D;
- Use a quality moisturiser to keep your skin supple;
- Limit or avoid anabolic and corticosteroid creams.
Keep an eye out on the Cosmos Aesthetics Instagram Feed where every Friday we’ll answer some of the most intriguing and popular questions regarding cosmetic surgery procedures.
If you’re interested in finding out more about one of the treatments offered at Cosmos Aesthetics, you can contact us here or call our team at 1300-138-797.
