How to Get Rid of Bra Strap Indentations

Discomfort caused by bra strap indentations is a common issue for women of all ages, but it is not always an easy issue to resolve. In many cases, indentations and other symptoms can be related to overly large breasts, and breast reduction can provide significant relief.

This article will explore some of the best treatments – both surgical and nonsurgical – for women experiencing bra strap indentations.

The CREO Clinic’s Medical Director, Dr. Omar Tillo, has performed many successful adjustments to the breasts over his career and understands how to create artful changes to the breasts. His experience in the field of body contouring means he can provide physical relief and achieve your aesthetic goals in one targeted surgery.

Contact the CREO Clinic today to book an initial consultation with Dr. Tillo and discover the many ways a breast reduction could benefit you.

How to Get Rid of Grooves From Bra Straps

Here are a few key tips for getting rid of those frustrating bra strap grooves:

Apply Topical Solutions

There are some creams and other topical applications that are reported to be beneficial for the look and feel of indentations left by bra straps. 

Exfoliator and Moisturizer

To remove the dead skin and lighten your bra strap marks, use an exfoliator scrub or chemical peel. This may help to reduce the appearance of the indentations left by bra straps. A moisturiser can also work to reduce the visibility of indentations by dealing with the dry, red skin caused by chafing.

Makeup

A simple fix for bra strap indentations is to use makeup to cover up the marks left by the straps. There is specific makeup, such as makeup designed to conceal acne scars, that may be useful as a temporary solution. However, makeup will not relieve any bra strap discomfort and should not be applied to any broken skin. 

Get a Better-Fitting Bra

It is always difficult to get your bra size exactly right, but a professional fitting will go a long way to helping you determine it accurately. After you understand your sizing better, you can purchase bra strap cushions, a strapless bra, or a bra that is much less likely to result in indentations.

Breast Reduction

Larger, heavier breasts can produce strap marks across the back and shoulders due to creating too much downward pressure. One highly effective solution to this is to lower your bra size through breast reduction, working to prevent indentations, as well as easing a host of other chronic issues associated with large breasts.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

Deciding to undergo a reduction can have huge benefits for anyone whose quality of life is impacted by their large breasts. Here are some of the most important examples:

Opens up new Lifestyles – Large breasts can be a real impediment to certain physical activities. By reducing their size, patients feel more able to engage in exercise.

Deals with back pain – Curvature in the spine caused by heavy breasts often leads to shoulder pain and lower back pain, which a reduction can help alleviate by improving your posture.

Keeps skin issues at bay – Excess breast tissue can lead to skin conditions in the skin folds, such as intertrigo. By reducing breast size, skin conditions like these become far less likely.

Helps you feel more comfortable in clothes – Reducing the size of your breasts allows you to enjoy more varied clothing choices and feel more comfortable in a strapless bra, tighter clothing, or swimwear.

How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?

It is crucial to understand the cost of breast reduction before making any first steps in planning your surgery. At the CREO Clinic in London, breast reduction surgery starts from £8,900.

Each surgery at the CREO Clinic is bespoke and designed specifically to meet your needs. As such, a final cost breakdown will only be available after your initial consultation.

Should you wish to spread the cost of your breast reduction over multiple instalments, our financing partner, Chrysalis Finance, offers 0% APR over a 12-month period. Longer instalment periods are available at varying rates of interest.

Breast Reduction Procedure

The techniques used for your breast reduction will depend greatly on your needs. The most important factor in determining the incisions used in your surgery will be how extensive a reduction is needed.

A circular incision, which goes around the nipple, may be sufficient for a small reduction. However, for larger reductions, an anchor-shaped incision or an inverted-t incision may be more suitable.

How Long is Breast Reduction Recovery?

Recovery from breast reduction surgery differs from patient to patient, but, in general, you should be able to return to work after around seven days. After six weeks, you should be fully recovered and able to return to your normal exercise regime and daily routine.

When Do You See Breast Reduction Results?

You will see a significant reduction in the size of your breasts immediately after the surgery. The full results of your breast reduction should be visible between 6-12 months after the surgery, as this is when inflammation should subside and your breasts’ final size and position are revealed.

When is Breast Reduction Medically Necessary?

In general, breast reduction is considered medically necessary when the issues your large breasts create lead to a significant negative impact on your quality of life. Some of the common symptoms that reduce quality of life are:

• Pain in the neck or shoulders
• Bra indentations on the skin
• Irritation of the skin (intertrigo)
• Psychological distress or depression
• Difficulty exercising

When one or more of these symptoms are present, a breast reduction may be considered medically necessary, but an assessment must first be made by a qualified medical practitioner. If a reduction is deemed medically necessary through professional medical advice, it may be available on the NHS.

How Common Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction is one of the most common cosmetic treatments in the UK, with 5,270 women undergoing the surgery in 2022. It is popular with women of all different ages due to its transformative effects and implications for improving quality of life. Crucially, breast reduction is also a surgery with one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction.

What Causes Bra Strap Indentations?

One of the most frequent causes of bra strap indentations is overly heavy breasts that increase pressure on your shoulder straps. This excess pressure digs into your skin, which can lead to uncomfortable and often painful grooves.

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

To explore the possibility of a breast reduction, book a consultation with Dr. Omar Tillo, the CREO Clinic’s Medical Director and double board-certified cosmetic surgeon. In your initial consultation, Dr. Tillo will first take time to talk with you and assess your medical needs. Then he will build a personalised treatment plan – one designed to help you achieve your aesthetic goals and bring long-term relief from the symptoms of overly large breasts.