Can excess armpit/ side boob skin be removed during a breast lift? (Photo)

Question

I underwent a lower body lift & brachioplasty 5 weeks ago (after losing 180lbs) and plan on undergoing a breast lift with implants next year. I have a small amount of extra skin in my armpits/ to the sides of my breasts and I’m wondering if that’s something that could be addressed during the breast surgery and how that would be accomplished. I’ve seen pictures of “bra line lifts,” with incisions extending across the back, but that seems excessive for the amount of skin I have there.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Excellent question! Yes it can! I believe a breast lift with implants with an extended lateral scar is your best option. Implants will not only fill out the breasts, but they will help pull some of that excess skin forward.

I would just extend a short scar out from the breast fold and curve it up over toward the armpit in like a curved L fashion. Maybe up to where you are pinching the skin, or probably less because of the implants. I feel this is the best way to get rid of all the skin that you are grabbing in your photo. 
Best regards,

Dr. Miguel Mota

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

While addressing excess armpit or side boob skin may be possible to some degree during a breast lift, the primary focus is on the breast itself. If the excess skin in the armpit or side boob area is a significant concern, you can consider alternative procedures.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ashizzle,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Excess tissue in the armpit area can be removed directly with a small incision in the axilla that is separate from the mastopexy incisions.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Its certainly possible to extend the brachiaplasty incision into the axilla or armpit region and connect it to a breast lift incision. A bra line line address the back roll. Speak to your plastic surgeon about your concerns.

Can excess armpit/ side boob skin be removed during a breast lift? (Photo)

Answers (5)