Is this new swelling in arm pits fat, and can it be removed? (Photos)

Question

I had silicone implants done under the muscle in 2007. No problems until the last 6 months - my armpits are now poofy!! I have only gained 15 pounds over the last 8 years- but still under 145 pounds, and I’m 5’5. It feels like I have cotton balls under my arm pits. Can this be removed with liposuction ?

Emily C. Wirtz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are several soft tissue structures in the axilla, and the most 'bulky' of them include fat and lymph nodes, but important blood vessels and nerves also cross this area. Your latissimus muscle also crosses in this area, and can contribute to bulkiness of the underarm. If you are seeing change in soft tissue, I recommend that you see your general physician for an examination to make sure you do not have enlarged lymph nodes. Liposuction can in theory be used, but I do not recommend attempting to debulk this area with liposuction, particularly as the anatomy in your photos looks very normal.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

As this swelling under your arms that you described is new it is important to first visit with your primary care physician to rule out any concerns.  The under arms have a concentration of lymph nodes.  They can become swollen for a number of reasons.  If this swelling is related to the lymph nodes and the underlying condition is addressed, the swelling may go away as a result.

Is this new swelling in arm pits fat, and can it be removed? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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