Is this axillary breast tissue or arm fat? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I have Axillary breast tissue that I need removed. I have it on both sides and have grown significantly over the last couple of months. I included pictures but the tissue is much noticeable in person. I had a doctor confirm it is axillary breast tissue. The issue has grown and the nipple-like areas have moved toward my actual breasts. I'm wondering whether the fat next to the Axillary breast is fat or breast tissue. My armpit area has stretched, so I'd like to know if it's fat or tissue

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Axillary breast tissue is unique because it is a combination of fatty tissue and glandular tissue.  Common sites can reach up into the armpit area.  Tissue in the upper portion of the arms is typically fatty tissue.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Axila bulges because of the combination of excesses: breast tissue, fat and saggy skin. 
If you get removed fat and breast tissue only,  the saggy skin will become more obvious and the area will not be tighter. So you need the combination of procedures: removal of the breast tissue, liposuction and skin tightening. Also is extremely important your BMI is below 28-29 because the excess of that area (fat) is genetically influenced, so you must get it fixed with surgery and maintain it with weight control. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

Axillary breast tissue is fairly common, it is a combination of fatty and glandular breast tissue.  Axillary breast tissue is usually in the armpit, in front of the armpit/ anterior, or below the armpit toward the chest.  Excess tissue beyond the armpit crease towards the arm is usually upper arm adipose/ fat.
Treatment options include direct excision and liposuction.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Awesome943059,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

An examination is needed to see how much is fat that can be treated with liposuction, and how much is actual breast tissue which cannot be removed with liposuction. Just based on your photos, I suspect most is fat.

Is this axillary breast tissue or arm fat? (Photo)

Answers (6)