Axillary Tail Of Breast

Axillary tail of breast

Breast tissue can develop in areas beyond the normal breast location. If this occurs, we can perform a treatment that eliminates this concern using one of two methods.

Breast tissue makes up the shape and size of your breasts. However, it can sometimes develop beyond the normal location of your breasts. It is particularly common in the area of your armpits (technically known as the axilla). According to medical studies, axillary breast tissue can occur in 2% to 6% of women.

If you have axillary breast tissue, you probably dislike how it looks. It can make the area appear lumpy and “meaty”, especially when your arms are down. You may also be able to feel the tissue, as it is thicker and more palpable. It may become particularly troubling before menstruating or with pregnancy, since the axillary breast can swell and feel more sensitive (just like your breasts). Weight gain can make it look worse.

Axillary breast removal surgery

Your axillary breast tissue can be safely removed with surgery. This can be done with liposuction, if there is little correction required, or exision (removing tissue with incisions) for extensive correction. You’ll enjoy the following benefits of surgery:

an elimination of undesirable contours in the underarm area

improved mobility of the arms

less irritation caused by clothing

Unique point: hidden scars

When more extensive correction is performed, I always place the incisions within the armpit fold. That means your scarring will be well hidden by the natural crease that already exists there. They won’t be obvious and you’ll be able to wear sleeveless shirts without worrying about any scars being visible.

What will happen during your surgery

Local anesthesia is administered if liposuction is performed. General anesthesia is for surgery involving excision. Your procedure will take about an hour or so.

An incision is made within the armpit fold. This incision may measure just milimetres if liposuction is used. It may be a little longer if excision is performed. Through this incision, excess tissue is removed with the preferred technique. The incision is then closed and dressed.

Recovering from your surgery

Restrictions on activity

Some swelling, bruising and numbness for a few weeks

Results are visible in a couple of months

You’ll feel some swelling, bruising and discomfort after your surgery. It may be more extensive if a lot of tissue was removed. You can control discomfort with prescribed pain medication. Reduce swelling and bruising by resting and avoiding vigorous physical activities for at least a month. You’ll need to take about a week off from work for your initial recovery period.

Swelling can make the area look larger than you’d like. As the swelling goes down, you’ll be able to see the results of your surgery.

You may need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks as you heal. Please wear it as advised to help with your recovery and facilitate the retraction of your skin for enhanced results.

To reduce the appearance of your scars, make sure to follow the post-surgical care instructions I’ll give you. Keep your scars well protected from the sun for at least a year, as tanning can make them look worse. You can apply scar reducton creams or other topical treatments to help reduce their visibility.

A leaner contour

Without the lumpiness of axillary breast tissue affecting your armpit area and barely visible scars, you’ll enjoy wearing tank tops and other clothes without being embarrassed. It can significantly improve your self-confidence, as it has for my patients.

Risks

Axillary breast surgery is a safe plastic surgery procedure. However, to make an informed decision, you should be aware of the risks involved:

Infection

Wound separation

Hematoma and seroma

Undesirable results

In my experience, surgical complications are extremely rare.