Considering breast lift- what happens to the fat in armpit and bra bulge?

Question

I'm 39 and slim. Bra size is 32D or 34C. My problem is not just my breasts, but loose skin on my back and fat around the armpit- enough to grab. No matter how much I work out, it doesn't go away, and the bra bulges are obvious. I'm hoping to get a breast lift but concerned about solving armpit fat and bulges. Does the armpit fat/extra skin go away with the lift? Or is this a separate procedure the doctor has to do at the same time? Or is this a separate surgery to be done at another time?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Candidates for Breast Lift (#Mastopexy) surgery
are women who have #saggingbreasts due to past pregnancies, genetics, or aging. Newer techniques are utilized in the vast majority of cases, the
rare exception being extremely large breasts. The nipple-areola complex is
repositioned higher, the excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped in
a pleasing contour and in a more normal position.I understand your concerns about back and arm fat and bulges when wearing a bra. However, these are other procedures, and you should see a board certified plastic surgeon with all of your questions and desired results in order to determine the best procedure(s) for you.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

No, a breast lift will not address any bulging fat or excess skin in the armpit/back area. Most likely, you will need liposuction and it is best to do as a separate surgery. Make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area (link below) to discuss your options. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without a full series of photographs it is difficult to make treatment recommendations.  It is unlikely that a breast lift with materially effect either armpit or bra bulge.  Axillary folds can be treated with liposuction if your skin quality is good enough to retract back after surgery, otherwise a skin removal procedure would need to be planned.  The tissue in the armpit sounds as if you may need more of a skin resection procedure in order to tighten the skin and recreate the "dome" of the armpit. This can be done in isolation or can be part of an upper arm lift.  See an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation. They will best be able to offer treatments based on your desired goal outcome.

James Southwell-Keely, MD, FRACS · Answer

Hi there and thank you for your question,Your breast lift will not help with your loose skin and excess fat on your back and around your armpit, respectively. Liposuction will reduce the fat volume but only surgical removal of the excess skin will solve the skin side of the equation, and the latter will entail extra scarring.I hope this helps,James

Ciro Adamo, PhD, MD · Answer

Most likely your uplift will not improve the bra bulge and the fat in your armpits, that will need to be addressed with a separate procedure most likely involving liposuction and/or skin excision. Personally I would recommend to deal with this problem at a later stage, after the uplift.

Considering breast lift- what happens to the fat in armpit and bra bulge?

Answers (8)

Answer: Loose skin and excess fat dilemma

Answer: Loose skin and excess fat dilemma

Answer: Bra bulge and uplift

Answer: Bra bulge and uplift

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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Considering breast lift- what happens to the fat in armpit and bra bulge?

Answers (8)

Answer: Loose skin and excess fat dilemma

Answer: Loose skin and excess fat dilemma

Answer: Bra bulge and uplift

Answer: Bra bulge and uplift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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