Saying Goodbye to Bra Strap Indentations: Effective Solutions and Prevention
There’s nothing like coming home after a long day and unclasping your bra. Ah, sweet release. As you glance in the mirror, you can’t help but notice those frustrating bra strap indentations on your shoulders. How do you free yourself from that nuisance?
Those deep, uncomfortable grooves are a daily reminder of larger breasts and inadequate support. The silver lining? There are surgical and nonsurgical solutions available for relieving shoulder indentations and getting back to a body you love.
As a woman who underwent multiple breast surgeries, Dr. Cat Huang-Begovic knows your story all too well. After all, she’s lived it. Today, we share her insights for alleviating and preventing bra indentations, as well as ways to eliminate them altogether.
Ready to embrace an era of sleek, smooth shoulders? Keep reading.
Bra Strap Indentations: What They Are and Why They Happen
Bra strap indentations are marks and grooves that develop along the shoulders because of excess pressure from bra straps. These indentations can range from temporary red marks to more permanent, painful impressions on the skin.
As for what they mean, it’s usually a sign of an improper-fitting bra. You may have adjusted your bra straps too tightly. Or, perhaps your bra is a few sizes too small, failing to support your breasts in the way it’s meant to.
Other issues that cause your bra straps to dig into the skin and create those bothersome indentations include:
- Large, disproportionate breasts
- Sagging breasts
- Poor posture
- Age and elasticity of the skin
- Wearing bras for extended periods
- Bra construction and fabric
This is such a common problem among women that it’s known as ‘bra strap syndrome.’ (Fun fact: its technical name is ‘costoclavicular syndrome,’ which was first identified in soldiers carrying heavy backpacks on the battlefield.)
Over time, and with continuous pressure, these bra strap indentations can become more pronounced and even lead to chronic discomfort and pain. But it doesn’t just bring physical challenges—your emotional wellness can take a hit, too.
For many women, these marks prompt self-consciousness and a diminished body image, especially when wearing certain types of clothing.
And when your body becomes a source of shame? That’s when it’s time for a change.
Bra Indentation Remedies: Noninvasive and Surgical Solutions
It’s surprisingly easy to get used to living with shoulder pain, indented shoulders, and insecurity. Before you know it, years have gone by, and you’re still grappling with the same issues.
But this shouldn’t have to be your everyday norm. So, we’re here to shed light on a range of options for preventing bra indentations and stepping into your breast self.
Non-Surgical Indentation Treatments
If you’re not quite ready to commit to surgery, you don’t have to.
Here are some noninvasive solutions for relieving shoulder indentations:
Proper fitting bras
Your first step is to make sure you’re wearing the right bra. You can either go to your favorite lingerie store for a proper bra fitting or measure yourself at home.
Here’s how:
- To get your band size (numerical), wrap a measuring tape horizontally around your body, directly underneath your bust. This number is your band size.
- To get your cup size (letter), wrap a measuring tape horizontally across the fullest part of your bust.
- Take this number and subtract it from your band size. The difference will give you your cup size.
- Refer to this handy bra size chart for guidance:
- Repeat this process every six months or so to ensure proper sizing.
After you’ve jotted down your size, you’re ready to shop. Another tip? Try alternating bra styles and fabrics to reduce your risk of pressure or irritation.
ThermiSmooth Body
ThermiSmooth Body uses radiofrequency energy to smooth and tighten the skin. It works by warming the skin’s deeper layers, which stimulates the production of collagen (a structural protein in your skin). The best part? Dr. Cat’s patients say it feels like a hot stone massage.
Massages
Speaking of massages, some rubdowns (like Swedish, deep tissue, or lymphatic drainage massages) may help alleviate bra strap indentations by improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and promoting skin elasticity and firmness.
Dermal fillers
Think fillers are just for your face? These hyaluronic acid injections can restore volume in (or “fill out”) the areas where indentations formed. They also stimulate collagen production, which helps make your skin firmer and more resilient.
Laser therapy
Some laser treatments (like fractional or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies) can stimulate collagen production and promote skin renewal. This can help treat long-standing bra strap indentations, improving their texture and appearance.
Medical-grade skincare
Medical-grade skincare products (like Dr. Cat’s MD GLAM) contain scientifically proven, hyper-potent ingredients that support skin elasticity and accelerate its natural renewal process. This intense rejuvenation can improve texture and marks caused by bra strap pressure.
Exercises for strengthening back muscles
Incorporating exercises that strengthen the back and shoulder muscles (like rowing, push-ups, or yoga) can help redistribute the weight of your breasts and reduce excess pressure on the shoulders.
Healthy lifestyle habits
You can even make small choices daily to prevent the formation of bra strap groovers and boost your skin’s elasticity and firmness, such as:
- Drink plenty of water (between half an ounce and an ounce for each pound you weigh)
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins\
- Minimize sun exposure and always wear SPF outdoors
- Improve your posture (stand/sit upright with your shoulders gently rolled back and down, aligning your ears over your shoulders)
- Avoid smoking, as it impairs blood circulation and hinders your skin’s ability to heal and maintain elasticity.
If you’ve taken all these steps for preventing bra indentations and still find you struggle with the same issues, it might be time to consider surgical intervention.
Surgical Cosmetic Solutions for Indentations
Even the best bras and healthiest lifestyle won’t change our genetic blueprint. Excessively large or saggy breasts can cause chronic pain, embarrassment, and those dreaded shoulder indentations.
Here are two surgical treatments that offer a way forward:
Breast Reduction
With breast reduction surgery, your surgeon artfully reduces and reshapes your breasts, making them in sync with your body’s frame and stature. This relieves the strain on your shoulders and back, which, in turn, reduces your risk of developing shoulder grooves.
For a more comprehensive breast rejuvenation, you can pair your reduction with a lift.
Breast Lift
As the name implies, a breast lift procedure aims to lift and reposition the breasts at a more comfortable and aesthetic placement. Elevating the breasts to a more youthful position balances the weight distribution across your chest, making for less pressure on your shoulders when wearing a bra.
Dr. Cat Plastic Surgery: Smooth Shoulders, Smoother Confidence
We want you to come home, unhook your bra, and feel free—really free. No more shoulder pain or embarrassing bra strap indentations that keep you from living your most confident life.
With decades of experience in both traditional and revision procedures, Dr. Cat brings renowned skill and artistry to breast enhancement surgery. Her tailored solutions alleviate discomfort from heavy, unbalanced breasts and, most importantly, redefine the way you love your body.
