Axillary breast tissue and loose skin, what are my options? (photos)

Question

I’m a 25 year old South Asian female, 5’1 and weigh approximately 58kg. I believe I have axillary breast tissue under both armpits (one more than the other) and would like to find out how to address this issue. I think part of the problem may also be the looser skin under one of the arms. It’s causing cosmetic issues and I’m worried about future hormonal problems.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Typically we would do a combination of some liposuction for the fat component and excising the breast tissue.  I would recommend speaking with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you and discuss your options.  Best of luck to you.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, based on the pictures you appear to be good candidate for axillary lift and armpit liposuction. I would suggest to be treated by board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

We approach this with an awake liposculpting technique called PRECISION SCULPT® using two incisions in the armpit fold, injected layered numbing fluid, subdermal laser, and advanced powered micro cannulas to fully remove the excess fibrofatty breast tissue. The skin typically contracts well but it's possible to have some redundancy of the skin after full healing. If there is skin excess after complete healing, then it can be addressed with an excision that is typically less of a scar burden then if it was excised from the start.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Enquirer246,
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

Justin K. Williams, MD · Answer

Patients with excess axillary breast tissue, like yourself, usually are very bothered by this. In some patients liposuction alone can help with this, however some still require direct excision which places a scar in the armpit however removes this breast tissue. It is safe to do one done by someone with experience.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The excess breast tissue and skin can be excised either under local anesthesia or under a general anesthesia. Liposuction will not remove the excess skin.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your photos your concerns can be addressed via tissue excision.  Liposuction alone may leave undesired skin laxity.  The incisions should be able to be kept primarily under the arm.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Accessory breast tissue in the arm pit is common in many women. The medical term is sometimes called a axillary tail of Spence.
You are correct in your assessment that skin laxity is a major part of the problem and successful treatment needs to include excision of excess skin, fat and breast tissue.
I’m assuming you don’t have children but pregnancy and breast-feeding would most likely cause they are out to enlarge.
Excising breast tissue prophylactically should reduce the chance of that to some degree.
Treatment options offered may include Liposuction, Liposuction with skin excision or direct surgical excision of skin and fat.
Actual breast tissue tends to look very similar to fat in the area and the surgeons will not differentiate between breast tissue and fat but rather deep bulk and remove tissue with and below the skin.
Personally I would probably recommend direct surgical excision of redundant tissue. This will leave a scar but the majority of scar should be well hidden in the arm pit.
I suggest having multiple in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons to hear when each of them has to say.
Liposuction alone will most likely leave an insufficient outcome if skin excision is not done in conjunction.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photos, I note skin redundancy and underlying fullness of the axillae. The soft tissue masses within the fullness suggests the presence of excessive axillary fat or axillary breast tissue.Your BMI (which compares height vs. weight) is 28.34, indicating that you are overweight.In order to minimize potential postoperative scarring, one may consider liposuction to eliminate the fatty excess. If skin and soft tissue fullness persist, an axillary skin (and perhaps axillary breast tissue) excision may be required but will create external surgical scars.Consider a program of weight loss prior to your procedure. Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...

Axillary breast tissue and loose skin, what are my options? (photos)

Answers (9)

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