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Remove Fat and Loose Skin Under Arms

I've had a Liposuction on my both armpit 6 years ago due to fatty/loose skin. I'm not sure if it's a breast tissue. My problem is it's back and left me a scar. I am so desperate on what kind of procedure I have to undergo. How much would the procedure cost?

Asked 31 months ago by Angelica2009 in TN

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Procedure to remove fatty and loose skin on under arms?

Hello Fellow Tennessean, This may well be breast tissue. Even if this was fat, removing of the fat with liposuction would result in a droopy, empty sock deformity which would be visible. The most cosmetic approach with such cases in my opinion is direct surgical removal of fat (or breast tissue) with the overlying skin resulting in a much flatter appearance. Being along the side, the scar will be visible only when you raise your arm, standing sideways. A small compromise in my opinion. Hope... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Getting rid of loose or fatty skin on armpit

Hello fellow Tennesean, Depending on your weight, it could well be breast tissue extending to the armpit (axilla in medical speak). You may want to look up THE AXILLARY TAIL OF SPENCE. The breast may actually have a comet like tail extending to the base of the arm pit. The solution in the vast majority of people is liposuction. It MAY however leave you with loose skin in that area. This reduandancy is seen in people who lost 100 plus pounds. In those cases, a semi circular "C"... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Arm pit fat and liposuction or arm lift

You have laxity of a particular fascial layer that holds up your axillary tissue. This can be corrected with surgery, but not an arm lift. Schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable plastic surgeon.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Excess fat and tissue in the armpit, sides of breasts

After examining the picture, it seems that you have both excess skin, breast tissue and fatty tissue in that area and would be best served by direct excision (removal of skin and fatty tissue). It will give you a very reasonable scar and corrects the problem permanently. Hope this was helpful

Ali Sajjadian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Need direct removal

This is most likely breast tissue. Although you state that it was removed 6 years ago but has since returned I suspect that surrounding fat tissue was removed that improved the condition but did not resolve the issue. You would need a direct excision of this tissue. The incision could be performed in the armpit which would camouflage pretty well.

Christopher L. Hess, MD

Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

You probably have axillary breasts.

Hi! The bulges in your armpits are probably axillary breasts. This is actual breast tissue that is removed through a short incision in the armpit. Liposuction will not work. The way to tell if these are really axillary breasts is to contract your pectoral muscles. If the bulges tuck behind the muscles and flatten on contraction, then you know you have axillary breasts. If the bulges remain unchanged on contraction of the pectoral muscles, then it is just fat, and liposuction will improve... more

George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Figure out if it is breast or fat

This may actually be real breast tissue and can be called an axillary breast. You should monitor if it changes with your mestrual cycle. If it is breast tissue you, will need to have it excised. IF it is fat, you may be able to aspriate the fat.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Axillary tissue/breasr tissue

Based on your pictures I think you have excess breast tissue and overlying skin that should be treated with direct excision of the excess tissues. I think the liposuction onlyYou have answered 2 questions under arm lifting can your website in the music and to just things here once will leave you with loose skin that will likely require further surgery. The resulting scar can be hidden as much as possible in the axillary area. I would also suggest the use of the drain to avoid a accumulation... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Axillary tissue

From thepicture that you posted, it looks like an extra fold of tissue by the axilla. This can sometimes be accessory breast tissue.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Axillary breast tissue cannot be removed by liposuction.

You have a large amount of axillary breast tissue that probably will need direct excision. More than likely, the result will be better if skin is removed concurrently. The scar is in the axilla and generally is very acceptable.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Removing loose skin

To treat such a mass with liposuction alone will not give you a great cosmetic result. When there is so much excess skin, it needs to be cut off and tightened. However, before that is done, it is important to determine what it is that you have there. Is it fat, breast tissue, or some other growth? A proper physical exam is essential. And once the area is removed, ideally is should be sent to pathology to ensure it was nothing of concern. Sincerely... more

Martin Jugenburg, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Thoracobrachioplasty for armpit and upper thorax laxity

The region you had liposuction on is known for its poor skin elasticity- based on the single photo you present, I would recommend a thoraco-brachioplasty - this places a long scar along the inside of your arm, which restored the position of your posterior axillary fold and treats the severe axillary and upper thoracic skin laxity that you have. The scar would extend through your armpit and onto your upper chest wall. Its well concealed and would make a huge difference for you. more

Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Need a direct excision of the extra skin and fat

Loose skin, excess fat and breast tissue are not unusual for this area. Typically it will get worse with weight gain and pregnancy. With the degree of stretched and redundant skin that is present there is little choice but a direct excision. This will leave a scar that can be designed to be mostly hidden when your arm is down. The improvement in contour of this area should be worth the compromise of a scar.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Excess breast or fatty tissue in the armpit area best handled by excision, not liposuction

From the photo it appears that not only do you have excess fatty or breast tissue in the armpit area you also have excess skin. Liposuction alone will not improve this -- you may have less fatty tissue but you will still have the loose skin. Direct excision will remove both the excess skin as well as the excess fat. The scar should be placed in the natural skin creases of the armpit area. Your plastic surgeon can show you how long the scar will be and hopefully will be able to limit it... more

Susan E. Downey, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Direct excision of fat and skin is your best bet

I think there would be little debate in your specific case, based on this photo, as to what the best approach would be for you. Liposuction alone will very likely make the overlying skin look worse, so you need both the skin and the fat directly removed. The resulting scar will heal quite nicely, and this procedure will dramatically improve the appearance with very little risk. Good luck! Dr. Salemy

Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Armpit breast tissue

Angelica, The tissue can be removed either with liposuction, surgical excision or a combination of both. A visit to your board certified plastic surgeon can determine the best approach. Good luck!

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Laser liposuction may help tighten loose armpit skin and remove fat

You need to be examined by a doctor to make certain that this is not an accessory breast and make certain that you do not have a breast mass or disease. If the tissue is excess fat or fat and breast tissue excision or liposuction may be used. I use laser liposuction because I find that the skin tightening is better than with liposuction alone and surgical scars are avoided.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

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Liposuction may be the answer

If you have excess tissue in the axillary (armpit) area, then you may benefit from liposuction to debulk the areas. However, if there is excess skin as well, then you may need a more invasive surgery to excise the extra skin.

David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Liposuction versus surgical removal

Liposuction or surgical excision using a small scar in the axialla are the best available options. The choice depends on the size of the breast tissue as well as the the type of breast tissues e.g more fibrous elements will require surgical removal. Best of luck!

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Ectopic breast tissue

You are likely describing "ectopic" or misplaced breast tissue. The tissue can be excised in an elliptical fashion, leaving a curved scar near the axilla. Alternatively, depending on your weight, this may be simply excess skin and fat that can be treated in the same fashion. If it is truly breast tissue, your health insurance may cover the procedure. Good luck!