What type of liposuction is best for tail of spence? (Photo)

Question

What type of liposuction would be best? Would this be minimally invasive?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

First, that is not the tail of Spence, just axillary fat. Second, the best kind of liposuction is the one that is performed by an expert. What machines or techniques are used are inconsequential. Advertising by the makers of these machines and the surgeons who've bought them make it seem like those machines are important to get a better result. This is simply not true. It's the training, skill, and experience of the surgeon.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

This is not so much about the type of liposuction but rather how experienced the surgeon needs to be to treat this area.  In my opinion, either mechanically assisted liposuction such as MicroAire or Vaser can both achieve very good results.  It is also important to have the right aftercare with lymphatic drainage, massage and frequent stretching of the area.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. This area can be treated with Vaser liposuction and may contract but it seems you have some skin excess which may require skin removal also. An in person evaluation will be helpful.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns and frustrations, however Tail of Spence, also known as axillary breast tissue, is fairly common.
It is usually not amenable to liposuction because it is not fatty tissue, but actual breast gland tissue. This requires direct excision of this tissue, however the incision can be placed within the armpit and the scar hidden reasonably well. Come see me or another board-certified plastic surgeon in our area to explore the best options for you. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bricali88,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you have axillary breast tissue. Liposuction is a good option in case when you have excess fat tissue with no glandular tissue. Another option is to get an excision. 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

If the area that concerns you is fatty tissue then you should have improvement with liposuction.  If it is breast tissue it may require excision.  The best place to begin is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an examination and to learn more about your options.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

No lipo or Kybella sessions would correct your excess axillary fat and skin. In my over the Real Self internet you need surgical excision with residual potential fine line scar. Fee $5,000.

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

The most effective liposuction technique is VASER liposuction. From the pictures you provided this may be resolved using vaser liposuction. An in person consultation would be beneficial to see if a skin excision is required to properly deal with the skin redundancy that may result from liposuction. 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

The type of Liposuction doesn’t really matter. All of them are pretty similar despite all the hype and sales.

Who does the procedure in the candidacy for the procedure are the only variables that matter.

In your case you have a substantial amount of skin laxity and without addressing the skin laxity or skin redundancy you will have a limited outcome.

Stretch your arm one at a time behind your head and put the skin under tension and you’ll see how much the contour changes with tight skin. In conditions where skin is not contributing the contour does not change very much by putting the skin under tension. Alternatively when the skin is contributing significantly to contour than the problem area is improved significantly by putting the skin under tension.

Fat and skin removal can be done with most of the scar hidden in the armpit and this can be done as an office base procedure with local anesthesia if desired.

Liposuction alone regardless of what type can also be done in the office as an awake procedure but will give a limited result because Liposuction does not treat skin laxity.

I suggest consulting with a few local board-certified plastic surgeons in your community.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

The question is not what type of liposuction to use but what is causing the bulge. If is is just fat, any type of liposuction in the proper hands will solve the problem. If, however, this is the tail of Spence, then it is breast tissue and will need excision with, perhaps, liposuction of the surrounding area to smooth it. See a plastic surgeon familiar with this area.

What type of liposuction is best for tail of spence? (Photo)

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