Looking into axillary breast removal, will excess skin removal affect the sweat glands under my arm? (photos)

Question

I am looking for axillary breast removal. Im pretty sure that I’ll need some skin removed because I have had 4 births with a noticeable bulge under each arm until nursing was completed. Now I have also gained some weight recently and it’s even more pronounced. Does excess skin removal affect the sweat glands under my arm? Also, will I no longer have to shave since the excessive armpit skin will be removed?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nola Jazz,
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

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

This deformity is usually combination of breast tissue and fat. Liposuction may help to a some degree but excision of skin and residual tissue is necessery. Scar should not interfere with the function of sweat glands. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Some axillary skin will remain with hair and sweat glands since the majority of the mass is below your axilla. If it is mainly fat, liposuction can remove the fat. However, an excision will remove all the excess and the excess skin.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Nola,
My suggestion is to have liposuction performed first, allow the skin to contract, then decide if skin excision is required.  There is a descent amount of skin contraction post liposuction of this area however, I am pretty sure there will be excess skin.  The difference is after the contraction of the skin, there may be less skin to remove and thus shorter scars.
Dr. Taranow

Looking into axillary breast removal, will excess skin removal affect the sweat glands under my arm? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Axillary fat/breast tissue

Answer: Axillary fat/breast tissue

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Looking into axillary breast removal, will excess skin removal affect the sweat glands under my arm? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Axillary fat/breast tissue

Answer: Axillary fat/breast tissue

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.