Wondering about Liposuction of the armpit (Photo)

Most the time the area in question will respond to liposuction. If it is substantially glandular it might require surgical excision.

This area responds very well to liposuction if it is done properly.  The cost will vary on the person expertise.  I suggest only going to an expert and not compromising your care for cost or distance.  Best, Dr. Emer.

This fatty deposit on the anterior aspect of your armpit is a remnant of the Tail of Spence.  This was a portion of your breast at puberty, and normally it degenerates into fat by the time you are 15 years old.  This area in adults contains almost all fat, but there is occasionally some residual breast tissue.Liposuction of this area normally corrects this problem, especially since you had an ultrasound and only fat was present.  The large size of this area on your anterior axillary line may require two liposuctions to have it shrink up completely.  In my practice, I suction about 200 of these areas per year as this is a normal part of my breast augmentation, and I have never had to go back in and remove gland but this is a possibility.   

First, let me say that this area is very commonly asked about.  Women hate the appearance of fullness above the breast in the axilla - so you are not alone.Suctioning here is a little tricky because we need to remove the bulge and yet leave no signs that anything happened.  Due to the contour and skin elasticity in the area, getting it right can be difficult.  Make sure you see someone who has done it before.Good Luck!

An in person physical exam is necessary to determine the appropriate course to take.  However, according to the picture, I would guess that this is not just "normal" preaxillary fat, but accessory breast tissue (with associated fat), and overlying skin excess.  Firm breast tissue is difficult to liposuction, and I feel that in my hands, more precise contouring can be done with direct excision of the mass itself, removal of the skin excess, and peripheral liposuction for tapering, and closure over drains.  This also allows me to protect important axillary structures appropriately.  Sometimes patients have a history of these masses swelling during pregnancy or with menstrual cycles, with associated pain.  *very occasionally in the USA* removal of accessory breast tissue is covered by insurance on a plan by plan and person by person basis.  I agree that an in - person examination with an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon is your best course of action.  Good luck!

Thank you for the question and picture.It would behoove you to be examined in person by a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. This examination will be critical in determining the best course of action.For example, if the area consists of “fat” then liposuction may be an option depending on the skin elasticity overlying the area). If the skin elasticity is not sufficient then direct excision of skin and underlying adipose tissue may be necessary.If the area of concern, on the other hand, consists of breast ( axillary tail of Spence) that liposuction will likely not be effective and direct excision of the breast tissue and overlying skin will likely be necessary to achieve the desired results.Again, examination by well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon may be very helpful.I hope this helps.

Based on your photograph, you appear to have excess fat and, despite the ultrasound, you may have some breast tissue in your armpit.It is very common for women to have ancillary breast tissue in their armpits.This has to do with embryological development.There is a medical CPT code for removal of ancillary breast tissue.In the past, I haven't had insurance cover removal of this without difficulty.You could certainly have this treated with liposuction alone, but I am fairly certain it would leave you with some hanging skin.Skin removal in this area is easy and can often be done in the office with local anesthesia.Because of the location, scars can usually be made so they are barely visible. In fact, it can be done so that part of the armpit skin is removed, leading to less armpit sweating, etc. For some people, that can be a great advantage.I would definitely talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon about treating this.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

I personally do not believe this is fat.  Of course, without an examination, I can not tell front he photo, but this looks like ectopic breast tissue and should not be liposucrtionned.  It should be excised by an experienced plastic surgeon, and will probably need drains placed after the excision.  If this area swells or is painful during periods, you can be certain it is breast tissue.  Liposuction is a blind procedure, and there is a lot of anatomy in the armpit that needs to be visualized during the excision, such as blood vessels, nerves, and lymph nodes. I predict a very unfortunate result if you choose liposuction.  Based on 40 years of experience  as a  Board Certified General and Plastic surgeon .