Breast Lumpectomy Axillary Tail Removal with Breast Augmentation?

I went to a surgeon to ask about fatty under arms. I was told by my OB it was breast tissue. Its very large and has to be tucked into my bra which makes it painful by the end of the day. I was told I would need a breast lumpectomy axillary tail removal. Since I have to have a surgery to begin with, could I have Breast implants done at the same time thru the arm pit since I will be in surgery and need drains there anyway?

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armpit lumpectomy

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by madness113 in tucson az

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Breast augmentation at the time of removal of axillary breast tissue

I would not recommend placing breast implants at the same time and thru the same incision used for removal of axillary breast tissue. Your risk of complications may be increased from combining the procedures. I would recommend dealing with your axillary symptoms first. A consultation can more clearly define the best options for you. In general these options may include weight loss, different bra, liposuction of the area, or direct excision of the axillary breast tissue and some... more

Breast lumpectomy axillary tail removal with breast augmentation

Dear Madness113, You do appear to have an enlarged axillary tail. Several considerations are in order. Your bra appears to be digging in so I am not sure if this MAY be related to your being slightly over weight or wearing an ill fitting bra. (Before you protest, please, be aware that a HUGE number of women were never fitted properly for a bra and go around wearing bras that do not fit them.) While liposuction of this area may be done, it usually deflates the area but leaves an empty sock... more

Axillary breast tissue can be removed directly, or with liposuction

Patients often feel that they have excess fat under the arm, or actually just below which is difficult to conceal as it tends to push up from under the bra. This excess is breast tissue which we often describe as ectopic, or developed outside of the normal area of breast development. Axillary breast tissue is fairly common, and we see it more often associated with a very large breast. When confronted with excess axillary breast tissue during a breast reduction it is fairly simple to remove... more

I would suggest separating the surgery

Doing an axillary tail excision with drain placement would be, in my opinion, a contraindication to breast augmentation at the same time. You may have some lymphatic drainage that lasts more than a few days and your surgeon risks contaminating the pocket that the implant will be in. I would suggest waiting on the breast augmentation, but it would be best to get an opinion from a doctor who can examine you in person.

Axillary breast tissue

Thank you for your question and your photo...hope that these answers will assist in your decision. It does appear that you do have some excess tissue on the axillary area/axillary tail breast tissue. First off, I would get a clinical exam and mammogram prior to considering any breast/tissue excision. Removal of this tissue usually requires excision of the tissue along with excess skin. I am not sure if straight liposuction would give the results that you are looking... more

Breast tissue under arm

I would not have an augmentation at the time of removal of this breast tissue. It sounds termpting to do together but, in my opinion not advisable. After the tissue resection, I usually need to remove skin and there is a need for a drain to be placed. The drain may seed bacteria which could affect your implants.

Axillary breast tissue removal

I would suggest having the axillary breast tissue removed first , and then coming back at a later time to have the formal breast augmentation performed.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Is your weight optimized

It appears that you might be somewhat obese by your photos and you should optimize your weight as much as possible prior to contemplating surgery. If it is optimized, then in is certainly possible to do an augmenation as the same time. Whether you need a real lumpectomy of breast tissue or merely liposuction of excess fat in the axillary tail can only be judged by examination.