What procedure will get rid of extra armpit fat/skin? (Photos)

Question

I've had extra fat/creases in my armpit area since birth. No matter my weight I have a "fat" armpit area. How do I get rid of it? What's the procedure called and price range? Could I combine the surgery with arm liposuction all in one session?

Ashley B. Robey, MD · Answer

I hear concerns about the armpit area frequently. For patients who have excess fat only, liposuction does a great job. For patients with excess fat and a moderate amount of excess skin, employing a modality to tighten the skin is beneficial. I use the BodyTite technology in these cases. For a more significant amount of skin and fat, direct excision may be the best choice.

Your photos suggest that the intermediate option may be optimal for you. Whereas I tend to treat this area in addition to multiple other areas at the same time, you could consider treating this area alone in the office setting. Multiple area of treatment are better suited for the operating room venue.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Option 1: An axillary (or armpit) incision can be used to remove a small ellipse of tissue. This arm lift is best utilized for patients who have loose skin confined to the arm pit area or uppermost aspect of the arm. The procedure can be combined with upper arm liposuction in the right patient to produce a dramatic improvement in upper arm contour. The scar remains hidden within the armpit.Options 2: You might be a good candidate for BodyTite with liposuction of the arms. BodyTite does not remove any fat, but it is capable of producing a 45% contraction in tissues.
Consult with a board certified PS via email or Skype to discuss which option would be best for you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this needs skin removal for the best results but if you want "improvement" you can do in office kybella (many treatments) or in procedure/surgery liposuction with internal heating like body tite or renuvion.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

This is very frequent condition seen in young females. Combination of fat tissue deposits and axillary breast tissue is most frequently the underlying condition. Aggressive liposuction and, in some cases, direct skin excision, are methods of treatment. Good luck.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns and frustrations and your condition is actually fairly common. 
The armpit area fullness is usually a combination of fatty tissue and breast tissue extending into the axilla or armpit. If fat is the primary issue, liposuction alone can be utilized. Unfortunately it is usually a combination of fat, breast tissue and sometimes redundant skin and this is treated by direct excision with micro liposuction contouring. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to explore the best options for you. Good luck.

What procedure will get rid of extra armpit fat/skin? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Axillary fold fullness

Answer: Axillary fold fullness

Answer: Armpit Fullness

Answer: Armpit Fullness

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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

What procedure will get rid of extra armpit fat/skin? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Axillary fold fullness

Answer: Axillary fold fullness

Answer: Armpit Fullness

Answer: Armpit Fullness

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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