What is the name of the procedure to remove the fat at armpit (underarm)?

Question

I have asked several surgeons - in order obtain fat, they normally do not perform lipo at underarm area. I was told there are nerves and lymph systems (breast implant), i guess it is difficult to remove the fat there.

Ashley B. Robey, MD · Answer

I frequently have patients wanting to address fat near their armpit. Excess fullness on the front fold of your armpit - the kind of fullness that hangs out in tank tips- is typically fat; this can usually be treated with a small amount of liposuction. Sometimes this area can also contain glandular tissue (and stretched out skin), and so excision is usually needed for optimal benefit. 
Some patients are looking to improve the fullness in the bra roll area, below their armpit, on the chest wall. This fullness is usually within the bra band but can create a bulge and can make it more difficult to place one's arm flat against one's side. I commonly address this area at the same time as a breast lift or breast reduction be carrying the incision underneath the breast further back. 
Because the adjacent glandular breast tissue, this wouldn't be my preferred area for "obtaining fat" for fat transfer purposes.

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The simple answer to your question is it can very likely be taken care of. Whether its fat or breast tissue it can be either liposuctioned or removed. The best way to give you the best surgical plan is to evaluate you in person. Please make sure you are being evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon! Wish you the best of luck! Ankur Mehta MDBoard Certified by The American Board of Plastic SurgerySugar Land, Tx

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Some patients will have extra tissue in the armpit (axilla) which is not just fat.  I would have to examine you to make a recommendation about the best procedure.  Liposuction or excision may be reasonable.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

I do lots of lipo under the arm or in the axilla, and if that's not possible or it's just a small amount, you can do Kybella instead.  Lots of options!

Manelic Mejia Lopez, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and the information provided. 
  
It is important an evaluation to determinate if its tissue or fat around you armpit area, there are several options to treat this case, it could be removing the tissue or just with liposuction. 
I recommend you to make a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. 
  
Best Wishes.

Johnny Chung, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Under arm fat can be either breast tissue  or fatty tissue.  Depending on the tissue type your options are excision or  liposuction .  I recommend finding a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. Best of luck.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
  
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
  It is necessary an evaluation in order to determinate the best procedure in your personal case, liposuction can be an option for the fat around the armpit area. I recommend you to make an appointment with a board plastic surgeon for a good evaluation and to talk about your goals.
  
Good luck :)

Forrest S. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

This may be "accessory breast tissue." Does it fluctuate in size or tenderness, monthly?  Please have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to make the correct diagnosis & recommend the appropriate treatment.

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

Treatment of the side of the chest or underarm area with liposuction works very well and is very safe in the right hands. It is referred to as liposuction of the axilla. I frequently offer this to folks who are having breast procedures such as augmentation or reduction, or in conjunction with other areas of liposuction. See an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeon who is an ASAPs member, and chances are they will have significant experience with this.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The procedure is simply liposuction of the armpit.
Liposuction of the armpit is safe and I've performed this hundreds of times with no consequence.
The fat is usually not where the nerves and blood vessels are but usually further below.
If you know your anatomy you wouldn't put the liposuction cannula straight up into the armpit where the blood vessels are.
Lymph nodes and lymph vessels have not been damaged from liposuction in my experience and the fat that women have there it's usually below the armpit.Women with fat  below their armpit usually also have substantial skin laxity.
Some people do better with a skin and fat removal surgically.
When this is the case the scar can be easily hidden.
In cases where skin it's removed it's possible to remove part or sometimes all of the skin containing the sweat glands in the armpit eliminating the need for the odorant and stopping sweating in the armpit.
Continue consulting with board-certified plastic surgeon's until you find someone who is comfortable performing liposuction of the armpit or under arm area.
My practice is devoted exclusively to liposuction and fat transfer procedures.
I performed over 4000 of these procedures in the last six years.
Not once have I had a complication from armpit liposuction.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom M.D.

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