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Axillary Breast Removal
Axillary Breast Removal
Everything You Need To Know Axillary Breast Removal
What is axillary breast removal?
Axillary breast, also known as supernumerary or accessory breast tissue is situated in the area of armpits of female breasts. Fat deposition or excess breast tissue in the underarm region can result. It can occur on just one side or can affect both sides. This ectopic breast tissue may be present by birth, but often increases in size or becomes noticeable with age, puberty, pregnancy, weight gain or loss, and breastfeeding.
The axillary breast removal surgery helps remove this excess breast tissue present in the armpit area (Axilla). This surgery aims to improve patients’ overall well-being, appearance, and self-image.
Who is a suitable candidate for axillary breast removal surgery?
Eligibility for axillary breast removal typically includes:
- Age of 15 years and above.
- No active infections or other skin conditions in the operating area.
- Persistent pain and discomfort due to excess breast tissue.
- Unresponsiveness to other conventional treatments such as weight loss and hormone therapy.
Preparation for axillary breast removal
In general, axillary breast tissue removal may involve the following preparatory steps:
- A thorough assessment of the patient should be performed to determine any physical or medical conditions that need to be addressed.
- Patient’s ultrasound and mammogram images must be viewed.
- Identification of the areas that require fat transfer must be done.
- Any allergies the patient has or any vitamins or supplements they are consuming must be known.
- Patients to be shown the before and after images of individuals who had previously undergone similar surgery to highlight the predicted results of the treatment.
- The patient must be explained the type of anaesthesia that will be given for the surgery.
- Once the procedure has been explained, written consent from the patient must be taken before the surgery.
Procedure for axillary breast removal
The Axillary breast removal is performed either under local or general anaesthesia. It involves various techniques, including:
Liposuction: It is done when the lumps are small. The excess fat is suctioned through a suction hose through multiple small incisions made in the surgical area.
Excision: It is done when lumps are large and involves removing those masses through small incisions.
Axillary plasty involves excision and liposuction to correct and reshape the hanging skin and fat in the underarm area.
Post-procedure care and recovery for breast reduction
- For the first few days following surgery, the breasts may feel sore, swollen, and bruised. Wearing a surgical bra that closes in front may be advised to allow the breasts to heal and reduce swelling.
- Pain medications may be prescribed to alleviate pain.
- Gently apply wrapped ice cubes to the swollen area to reduce swelling.
- Physical activity should be restricted for at least four to six weeks as the breast heals.
Risks and complications of axillary breast removal
Axillary breast tissue removal is often a safe procedure. However, as with any other surgical procedure, axillary breast removal also carries a few risks, such as:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Body asymmetry
- Nerve damage
- Body asymmetry
- Allergic reaction to anaesthesia
- Fluid accumulation in the axillary area
FAQs
No, the axillary tissue is not cancerous. Often it is just benign and may cause aesthetic concerns in individuals.
Men can develop accessory breasts, which are developed from normal, undamaged breasts. The incidence rate of this type of breast ranges from 1% to 6%, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1:5.
Scars may be visible in the area of the incision, particularly in the underarm area. However, these scars will be well hidden and fade away over time.
Follow-up consultations will be required post-surgery. However, if the patient experiences any of the below symptoms, they must right away seek medical help:
- Redness or pain at the surgery site
- Fever of 101oF or higher
- No motion range 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery
- Swelling that doesn’t subside even after week(s)
Since axillary tissue is not a tumour, it does not regrow after removal. Any tissue left even after the surgery will most likely expand during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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What is axillary breast removal?
Axillary breast, also known as supernumerary or accessory breast tissue is situated in the area of armpits of female breasts. Fat deposition or excess breast tissue in the underarm region can result. It can occur on just one side or can affect both sides. This ectopic breast tissue may be present by birth, but often increases in size or becomes noticeable with age, puberty, pregnancy, weight gain or loss, and breastfeeding.
The axillary breast removal surgery helps remove this excess breast tissue present in the armpit area (Axilla). This surgery aims to improve patients’ overall well-being, appearance, and self-image.
Who is a suitable candidate for axillary breast removal surgery?
Eligibility for axillary breast removal typically includes:
- Age of 15 years and above.
- No active infections or other skin conditions in the operating area.
- Persistent pain and discomfort due to excess breast tissue.
- Unresponsiveness to other conventional treatments such as weight loss and hormone therapy.
Preparation for axillary breast removal
In general, axillary breast tissue removal may involve the following preparatory steps:
- A thorough assessment of the patient should be performed to determine any physical or medical conditions that need to be addressed.
- Patient’s ultrasound and mammogram images must be viewed.
- Identification of the areas that require fat transfer must be done.
- Any allergies the patient has or any vitamins or supplements they are consuming must be known.
- Patients to be shown the before and after images of individuals who had previously undergone similar surgery to highlight the predicted results of the treatment.
- The patient must be explained the type of anaesthesia that will be given for the surgery.
- Once the procedure has been explained, written consent from the patient must be taken before the surgery.
Procedure for axillary breast removal
The Axillary breast removal is performed either under local or general anaesthesia. It involves various techniques, including:
Liposuction: It is done when the lumps are small. The excess fat is suctioned through a suction hose through multiple small incisions made in the surgical area.
Excision: It is done when lumps are large and involves removing those masses through small incisions.
Axillary plasty involves excision and liposuction to correct and reshape the hanging skin and fat in the underarm area.
Post-procedure care and recovery for axillary breast removal
After the surgery, recovery usually takes some time. Although most women resume their normal routine within 2 to 3 weeks, the recovery time depends on the individual and the extent of their surgery. A few steps that may help in effective recovery may include:
- Taking pain medications.
- Wearing compression garments.
- Avoiding strenuous activities for a few weeks.
- Keeping the wounds dry and clean to avoid infections.
- Attending follow-up appointments.
Risks and complications of axillary breast removal
Axillary breast tissue removal is often a safe procedure. However, as with any other surgical procedure, axillary breast removal also carries a few risks, such as:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Body asymmetry
- Nerve damage
- Body asymmetry
- Allergic reaction to anaesthesia
- Fluid accumulation in the axillary area
FAQs
1. Is axillary breast tissue cancerous?
No, the axillary tissue is not cancerous. Often it is just benign and may cause aesthetic concerns in individuals.
2. Can men get axillary breasts?
Men can develop accessory breasts, which are developed from normal, undamaged breasts. The incidence rate of this type of breast ranges from 1% to 6%, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1:5.
3. Will there be any scars after the axillary breast surgery?
Scars may be visible in the area of the incision, particularly in the underarm area. However, these scars will be well hidden and fade away over time.
4. When is consultation with the doctor needed after the axillary breast removal surgery?
Follow-up consultations will be required post-surgery. However, if the patient experiences any of the below symptoms, they must right away seek medical help:
- Redness or pain at the surgery site
- Fever of 101oF or higher
- No motion range 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery
- Swelling that doesn’t subside even after week(s)
5. Is axillary breast removal surgery permanent?
Since axillary tissue is not a tumour, it does not regrow after removal. Any tissue left even after the surgery will most likely expand during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
References:
1. Axillary tail of breast India. Chennai Plastic Surgery. https://www.thecosmeticsurgery.org/breast-procedures-india/axillary-tail-breast/
2. Axillary breast tissue removal. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www1.plasticsurgery.org/psconnect/askasurgeon/detail.aspx?thread=3285
3. Axillary tail of Breast. https://topplasticsurgery.org/axillay-tail-of-breast/
4. Axillary lymph node dissection. Breastcancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/lymph-node-removal/axillary-dissection