What can I do to fix loose skin and fat right under and around the armpit? (photos)

Question

i'm 5'3, 120 and recently had a breast reduction and lift. i had lipo done on the sides of my breast prior to the reduction. i'm equally as self conscious about my underarm skin as i am of how disproportionate my breasts were to my body size and he told me he didn't want to do anything to my armpits which i understood and he said they might improve after the reduction. well i think they look worse and i still will not wear a tank top or dress and i'm so upset. what can i do?? i'm desperate.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You will need a transverse brachioplasty.  The incision extends from the back to the front of the axilla and can be used to pull up the hanging skin and liposuction can be done at the same time.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is not always possible to fix multiple problems with one surgery. If you allow 12 months for current result to settle and become well defined, next surgery should target only residual deformity. Most likely excision of the skin in armpit with liposuction of the arms and lateral chest will create desired improvement. Be patient. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Kaceyvu,
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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The only way to address this excess skin since it did not retract with liposuction is through excision.  If the excess skin is limited to the underarm area you can have a conservative lift to remove it.  The incision would be within the underarm.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Bruce K. Smith, MD · Answer

The skin laxity in the axilla is a common problem that I see in my practice and most always will require excision and tightening of the excess skin. The scar can be placed in the natural fold under the arm but will often extend slightly anteriorly and posteriorly past the crease where it may be visible in sleeveless tops. Most patients consider the slightly visible scar to be a good trade for the skin laxity problem, however. This problem usually results from some extra breast tissue in the area that enlarges with pregnancy or hormonal stimulation (often birth control pills), and then involution with weight loss or cessation of breast feeding. Thank you for sharing a very common problem.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

I would suggest having liposuction in this area performed first.  There is always a moderate skin retraction post liposuction.  Excising skin in this area leaves some visible anterior and posterior scarring.
Dr. T

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting the series of photos, better if not in a bra. But I recommend a combination of skin excision with additional liposuction for the excess axillary skin/fat. Fee $5,000.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

You would benefit from a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to see if you would benefit from high definition vaser liposuction of the area. The Gold Standard for superior liposuction results requires use of the advanced technology of ultrasound-assisted VASER liposuction. As an official trainer of VASER liposuction, I perform full body liposuction cases every week. VASER liposuction has been the only modality that has consistently resulted in outstanding liposuction outcomes. VASER liposuction ensures a smooth contour regardless of degree of excess fat by virtue of being able to remove any and all remaining fat comprehensively and uniformly. If skin redundancy is observed, Renuvion technology can be simultaneously applied to tighten your skin to optimize your overall contour outcome. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a VASER specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.

Respectfully,
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

In order to get the contour of your armpits improved you will need to deal with the skin laxity. Removing fat by itself will probably not do the job.  removing skin leaves potentially visible scars but if this is done correctly then most of the score will be through your armpit and some of it may come up to the corner front of the arm pit onto your shoulder a little bit.

The longer the scar the more complete the resolution will be.

Limiting the scar will limit the results.

I typically review scarring with each patient during consultations to get an idea of how scores will look so patients can make an educated decision if it’s worth having a scar or not. Some people are OK with having a potentially visible scar and others are not.

There’s no treatment that is going to take care of the skin laxity in your armpit without surgically excising skin.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

What can I do to fix loose skin and fat right under and around the armpit? (photos)

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