Axillary breast | Treatment with liposuction and open surgery

Axillary breast

An axillary breast is a common condition that affects women. It presents as a swelling over the axilla (armpits). The severity may vary from a mild bulge to a loose baggy fold. Those affected by this condition often view this as unsightly and avoid wearing clothes which reveal this condition.

This axillary swelling is usually an extension of the breast tissue from the outer and upper quadrant. This tissue is also prone to the same changes which occur in the rest of the breast. There may be accompanying pain and discomfort in certain phases of the menstrual cycle.

The axillary breast is usually removed as a daycare procedure. Patients are usually discharged home after a brief period of rest following the procedure. Liposuction and open removal (axilla-plasty) are two techniques that are combined to treat this condition. Liposuction is used to remove fat from the edges of the wound. It helps in the removal of the fat with short incisions.  Open removal of the breast tissue has the advantages in allowing better preservation of the nerves which travel through this space. It also helps get rid of the relatively non-retractile axillary skin. The removal of the excess skin gives a better contour to the axilla (armpit).  

Wounds are approximated with sutures and dressings are applied. Drains are sometimes placed to avoid any collection from occurring at the operated site. Patients are followed up as outpatients and sutures are removed at one week. The postoperative swelling usually resolves over the next few weeks. Patients are usually able to resume work after a few days. There are no restrictions on any activity after a month following the procedure.

Treatment of the axillary breast gives a better contour to the axilla (armpit). Liposuction and open removal when combined help women achieve better contours with short incisions. After the procedure patients usually feel more confident about their appearance.

You can learn more about female breast reduction here.