FAQs about Axillary Breast Tissue Removal

It can make you self-conscious about wearing sleeveless shirts. It can cause skin irritation as it rubs against your clothing. It can become swollen or tender, especially during your period or pregnancy. What is it? Axillary breast tissue—or accessory breast tissue. This refers to breast tissue that forms in atypical areas, usually near the armpit. Preminger Plastic Surgery can treat this condition and remove accessory breast tissue in Manhattan. Dr. B. Aviva Preminger wants to make sure her patients on the Upper East Side of Manhattan are educated on this procedure. That’s why she compiled this list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding axillary breast tissue removal.

Why does axillary breast tissue form?

The reason can vary from person to person. However, the most common causes include weight gain and hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy. Liposuction also has indicated a possible congenital link that predisposes certain people to develop this condition.

How is accessory breast tissue removed?

As is the case with any of the services offered at Preminger Plastic Surgery, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Preminger. During this meeting, she will review your medical history and discuss the reasons why you want to have the procedure.

We offer three different procedures to remove accessory breast tissue:

• Liposuction – Just as liposuction can be used to remove troublesome areas of fat from various locations on your body, the same technology is used to remove the tissue with a cannula after making a very small incision.
• CoolSculpting – The least invasive of the treatment options, this entails freezing the tissue. This kills those cells, which your body flushes out as part of its natural processes.
• Surgery – The tissue and extra skin are removed through plastic surgery. If removing the tissue involves the nipple or areola, these are excised following any liposuction.

Some of these options may be combined, depending on your diagnosis. No matter which method is used, modern advances in plastic surgery have made this procedure more convenient and less invasive than ever. In prior years, accessory breast tissue removal only could be accomplished through general open surgery, which required more preparation, a longer recovery time, and left significant scars. Dr. Preminger can complete the procedure with minimally invasive techniques. Any incisions that are made tend to be very small. Dr. Preminger can conceal incisions in the natural crease in your axilla (armpit) area.

Is this procedure dangerous?

Assuming you are in good overall health and don’t have any allergies to consider, any risk should be minimal. A report by the Journal of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found that, of 51 patients polled, all were satisfied with the results of the procedure. Only two of the 51 experienced infections that required treatment with antibiotics. As with any surgical procedure, be sure to choose a well-qualified plastic surgeon that is board-certified. Choosing the right physician will minimize your risks.

How long is the recovery time?

Axillary breast recovery time typically means taking it easy for about a week before resuming errands and light exercise. Dr. Preminger will provide tips and recommend pain-relieving medication to ease any discomfort that you may have during your recovery. She advises patients can return to work three weeks after the procedure. Strenuous activity can be resumed after four to six weeks.

Axillary breast tissue removal in Manhattan

If you would like to schedule a consultation to see if axillary breast tissue removal is right for you, call (212) 706-1900. Preminger Plastic Surgery provides world-class services to our patients on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and New York City, NY.