Axillary Breast Tissue vs Armpit Fat

Axillary breast and armpit fat can exhibit similar symptoms, making it almost confusing to understand their differences. If you are apprehensive of any signs indicating the presence of either axillary breast or fat deposits in the armpit, consult our expert plastic surgeons for effective treatment.

Axillary breast and armpit fat can exhibit similar symptoms, making it almost confusing ... Read More

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Axillary Breast Tissue and Armpit Fat - What’s the Difference?

Though axillary breast tissue and armpit fat may appear similar, they have distinct anatomical differences. Axillary breast tissue consists of glandular tissue that resembles the breast and can develop in the armpit area due to hormonal changes. In contrast, armpit fat primarily comprises of adipose tissue and is a common site for excess fat accumulation.

These terms are often used interchangeably despite their differences, leading to misconceptions about their treatment options. Understanding these anatomical disparities is crucial for accurately diagnosing and addressing axillary breast tissue and armpit fat concerns.

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Diagnosis of Axillary Breast Tissue and Armpit Fat

Typically, both axillary breast and armpit fat are diagnosed and treated by plastic surgeons. Both conditions can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests.

Physical Examination – A healthcare provider may palpate the armpit area to assess the texture and consistency of the tissue to confirm whether it is an axillary breast or armpit fat. Axillary breast tissue often feels glandular and may have a nodular or lumpy texture resembling breast tissue. Armpit fat, on the other hand, feels softer and more uniform.
Imaging Tests – The doctor may further recommend imaging tests such as ultrasound or mammography to evaluate the tissue composition and extent of involvement. Ultrasound can help differentiate between glandular breast tissue and adipose tissue, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning. Mammography may also be utilized to assess breast tissue density and detect any underlying abnormalities, particularly in cases where axillary breast tissue is suspected.

Surgeries for Axillary Breast Tissue

Depending on the size and location of the tissue, and preferences of the plastic surgeon, the doctor may suggest any of the following surgical options for treating axillary breast tissue.

Liposuction – Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that suctions out excess fat from the axillary area. Liposuction is recommended for cases where the axillary breast tissue consists mainly of fatty tissue and minimal glandular tissue.
Excision – Surgical excision involves removing the axillary breast tissue through incisions made in the armpit area. Excision is recommended for cases where the axillary breast tissue is predominantly glandular and cannot be effectively treated with liposuction alone.
Combination of liposuction and excision – In some cases, a combination of liposuction and surgical excision may be utilized to achieve optimal results. Liposuction can be used to remove excess fat, followed by excision to address any remaining glandular tissue.
Breast Reduction – If the axillary breast tissue is too large causees discomfort and aesthetic concerns, breast reduction might be suggested to reshape the axillary breast.

Surgeries for Armpit Fat Removal

The surgical treatment approaches for armpit fat removal are similar to those for axillary breast, with minimal differences.

Liposuction for armpit fat removal – Liposuction is a surgical procedure for removing excess fat from the armpit area. Liposuction involves making small incisions and using a cannula to suction out fat deposits, resulting in a slimmer and more contoured appearance.
Excision – In excision for armpit fat removal, excess fat, and tissue are surgically removed through incisions made in the armpit area, resulting in a smoother and more contoured appearance. The incisions are carefully closed, and patients typically experience minimal scarring with proper post-operative care.
Combination of liposuction and excision – In this approach, liposuction is first used ot remove excess fat, followed by surgical excision to address any remaining glandular tissue or skin laxity. This approach ensures comprehensive fat removal, resulting in a smoother appearance of the armpit.
Mini-Arm Lift – In a mini-arm lift for armpit fat removal, the excess skin and tissue are surgically excised from the armpit area, and the remaining skin is tightened to create a more toned and contoured appearance. This procedure reduces sagging and improves the armpit region’s definition, enhancing overall arm aesthetics.

The choice of the surgical procedure to treat either of the two conditions depends on factors such as the amount of fat that needs to be removed, the laxity of the skin, the preference of the doctor as well as the outcome desired by the patient.

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Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Since the surgical procedures for both axillary breast tissue removal and armpit fat removal are pretty similar, the post-operative guidelines for both surgeries are more or less the same, too.

Here’s how you can take care of yourself during the recovery process:

Take proper rest for the first few days following surgery to allow the body to heal properly.
Take pain medication as prescribed to manage any discomfort or pain experienced during the initial recovery period.
Follow the surgeon’s instructions for wound care, including keeping the surgical incisions clean and dry to prevent infection.
Wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the healing process.
Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for a few weeks following surgery to minimize the risk of complications.
Attend the follow-up sessions with the doctor to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Who Can Undergo Axillary Breast Surgery?

Any individual bothered by the presence of excess breast tissue in the axillary area can undergo axillary breast surgery. Candidates for axillary breast surgery should:

be in good overall health.
have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
not have any underlying health condition that may contradict the results of the surgery.

Who Can Undergo Surgery for Armpit Fat?

Any individual bothered by excess fat deposits in the armpit may undergo surgical removal. Candidates for armpit fat surgery typically include those who have tried diet and exercise to address the issue but have not received any successful outcomes, and are bothered by the appearance or discomfort caused by armpit fat. Individuals should be:

in good overall health.
have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
should have no major health issue that may contradict the outcomes of the surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is axillary breast tissue cancerous?

Axillary breast tissue itself is not inherently cancerous. However, the tissues can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. This tissue behaves similarly to breast tissue and is susceptible to benign and malignant growths. Therefore, while axillary breast tissue may not pose an immediate cancer risk, individuals with this condition need to undergo regular breast cancer screening and monitoring to detect any abnormalities early.

Does axillary breast tissue get bigger?

Yes, axillary breast tissue can increase in size due to hormonal changes, weight gain, or pregnancy. Hence, timely consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon is highly crucial.

What does axillary breast tissue look like?

Axillary breast tissue is fibrous and feels like normal breast tissue. It can appear as ‘lumpy’, or ‘meaty’ tissue, especially when your arms are down. Axillary breast tissue may become more prominent during menstruation or pregnancy.

What causes armpit fat?

Fat deposits in the armpit primarily result from weight and genetics. Ill-fit bras or sports bras that are too tight may also cause the armpit to spill out.

Does armpit fat go away without surgery?

While some individuals may experience a reduction in armpit fat through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, these methods may not always effectively target localized fat deposits in the armpit area. Surgery, such as liposuction or excision, offers a more precise and reliable solution for removing stubborn armpit fat and achieving a smoother, more contoured appearance. Additionally, surgery can address excess skin and tissue laxity, providing comprehensive results that may not be attainable through non-surgical means. Therefore, surgery is often considered the best treatment option for individuals seeking significant and long-lasting improvement in armpit fat reduction.