Why Do My Breasts Look Veiny?

Veins course through your entire body, delivering blood back to the heart. Even when they’re not obvious beneath the skin, they’re still present.

At times veins can be more pronounced under the skin, particularly in the breasts. While this frequently isn’t a sign of trouble—especially if the veins have always been noticeable (for example, if you naturally have very fair skin)—it’s something to keep in mind.

There are several situations in which veins in the breasts may become visible, many of which are harmless and manageable.

What causes veiny breasts?

Various factors can lead to visible veins in the breasts.

Pregnancy

Veins in the breasts may become more apparent during pregnancy, often early on. A more precise way to describe it is that existing veins simply become easier to see.

This happens because your blood volume rises by about 20 to 40 percent during pregnancy. Your veins are carrying extra blood, nutrients, and oxygen to support the developing fetus. The higher blood volume makes those veins stand out more beneath the skin.

Visibility usually decreases after childbirth, though it may persist, especially if you breastfeed.

Breastfeeding

Visible veins are frequently seen while breastfeeding, particularly when breasts are swollen with milk. However, if the veins resemble spider veins and are accompanied by redness, fever, and a general sense of unwellness, mastitis could be responsible.

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue and should prompt a call to your healthcare provider. It’s typically treated with oral antibiotics, but your doctor will want to examine the area.

Mondor’s disease and other benign conditions

Mondor’s disease is an uncommon, noncancerous condition that can affect both women and men, though it’s more often seen in women. Also known as superficial thrombophlebitis, it involves inflammation of a vein in the breast or chest wall, making the vein visible under the skin.

Possible triggers include strenuous exercise, wearing a very tight bra, or recent surgery. In some instances, it can signal cancer.

If you notice a newly visible vein, contact your doctor for evaluation to rule out anything serious.

Another noncancerous cause of a prominent breast vein is pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH). PASH can produce a visible vein along with a palpable lump and other signs that can mimic breast cancer.

A surgical biopsy with microscopic examination of the tissue can distinguish PASH from cancer.

Breast cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a form of breast cancer that often produces visible changes on the skin of the breast. Signs can include:

• a change in breast size or shape
• skin changes resembling orange peel texture (dimpling or roughness)
• inflammation or skin that feels warm
• veins that become more noticeable near these skin alterations

Most newly visible veins are linked to breastfeeding or weight gain, but if veins appear alongside other changes in the breast, contact your doctor promptly for assessment.

Breast surgery

Breast augmentation can lead to increased visibility of veins in the breasts. A 2009 study found that visible veins became almost universal following augmentation. Many individuals did not even notice the change, and most reported no distress about it.

If you’re contemplating augmentation, this is something to consider. If you’ve had augmentation, it may explain why veins seem more obvious in your breasts.

Q:

Can PMS make the veins in my breasts more visible?

Anonymous patient

A:

Hormonal shifts during your menstrual cycle can affect breast size, causing them to swell and become tender. That swelling brings more blood and fluid into the area, which can make veins more visible. Veins in the breasts may also be more evident after exercise or when you’re overheated.

Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

Can veiny breasts be treated?

While pregnant or breastfeeding, there’s little you can do to reduce the appearance of veins beneath the skin. You’re likely more conscious of them than others are, so try not to worry—your body is functioning to provide for your baby.

With conditions like Mondor’s disease, the inflamed vein will usually become less obvious over time, although it can take several months.

What is the outlook for veiny breasts?

Veiny breasts can arise from multiple causes, but the key point is that newly noticeable veins should be evaluated by a doctor.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, visible veins are often normal if they’re not causing pain.

However, if you have pain or observe new visible veins on your breasts, seek medical attention for proper evaluation.