Axillary Breast Tissue Removal - Surgery, Before & After Result

Breast tissue forms the shape and size of the breasts. However, sometimes, it can develop in areas beyond the normal location of the breasts, such as the axilla (commonly known as the armpits), requiring axillary breast tissue removal. Axillary breast tissue (also called accessory breast tissue) can occur in approximately 2% to 6% of women and 1% to 3% of men. 

Axillary breast tissue can get painful and cause discomfort. Moreover, the look and feel of axillary breasts can get bothersome for people. It can make the armpit fat appear thicker and lumpier, especially during pregnancy or before menstruation.

So, what is the solution to axillary breasts? Axillary breast tissue removal! Very safe and effective. Axillary breast tissue removal surgery can help a person eliminate saggy armpit fat. Continue reading to know the meaning, procedure, and recovery of the surgery.

Axillary breast tissue removal surgery removes excess breast tissue from the axilla (i.e., the armpit). The surgery often involves a combination of liposuction and excision. However, these procedures can also be used alone to remove axillary breast tissue. 

Anatomy and Physiology of Breast

1. The adult breast is located on top of the pectoral muscle atop the ribcage. 
2. The breast tissue extends horizontally from the lateral border of the sternum (the flat bone in the middle of the chest) to the mid-axillary line (the centre of the axilla).
3. A tail of breast tissue extends to the underarm area. 
4. The breast tissue is surrounded by fascia (a thin layer of connective tissue). 
5. The deep layer of fascia sits on top of the pectoralis muscle, and the superficial layer sits under the skin. 
6. The growth of fat tissues, lymph nodes, or the breast glandular tissues in the underarm characterises axillary breast tissue.

Axillary breast tissue removal is an outpatient procedure. This procedure can be performed using various techniques, including.

1. Liposuction: Liposuction is preferred when the lumps are small. 
2. Excision: The method is preferred when comparatively large masses can be removed through a small incision. 
3. Axilla Plasty: The procedure combines excision and liposuction to correct the overhang of skin and fat in the underarm area. 

Please note: The selection of the treatment approach is based on the patient’s health condition, the results of the diagnostic tests, and the surgeon’s opinion. 

The general steps involved in the axilla breast tissue removal surgery are as follows:

1. The patient will be made to relax on the operating table. 
2. The anesthesiologist will put an IV line in the arms or hands of the patients for fluids and medications. 
3. He/she will administer local anaesthesia for liposuction or general anaesthesia to put the patient to sleep during the excision surgery. 
4. The nursing team will clean the surgical site with an antiseptic solution. 
5. The anesthesiologist will monitor the patient’s vitals throughout the procedure. 
6. The surgeon will mark the targeted areas. 
7. He/she will make an incision within the armpit fold. The incision will only be a few millimetres for liposuction or a little longer for excision. 
8. The surgeon removes the excess tissue with the selected technique through this incision while preserving every nerve, lymph node, and axillary fat pad. 
9. Lastly, the incisions are closed with sutures, and a dressing is placed on the wound. 
10. If necessary, the team may also place drains before suturing.

Before surgery and on the day of the surgery, the surgeon will provide several instructions to the patient for preparation. The patient will be told what to do and what not to do. 

Before Axillary Breast Tissue Removal Surgery

Here’s what a patient can expect before the procedure:

1. Consultation and Evaluation
   1. The patient will be advised for a pre-anaesthetic checkup. 
   2. The doctor will evaluate the patient’s medical history. 
   3. Based on the PAC results, the anaesthesiologist will decide the type of anaesthesia to be administered.
   4. Based on the diagnosis results, the doctor will decide the type of surgery to be performed.  
   5. The patient must provide a list of all their medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbs, and supplements. 
   6. After receiving clearance, the doctor will appoint a date for the surgery. 
   7. He/she will briefly explain the surgical procedure, duration, cost, etc. 
2. Restrictions
   1. The patient must quit smoking and limit alcohol several weeks before the surgery.
   2. Before the procedure, the patient will be instructed to stop taking blood thinners and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). 
   3. The doctor will also ask the patient to not to eat or drink anything after midnight. 

On the Day of Axillary Breast Tissue Removal Surgery

On the day of the admission for the surgery, the patient can expect the following.

1. The patient needs to come to the hospital before the scheduled time.
2. The patient will be asked to sign the consent formalities. 
3. Comfortable clothes should be worn by the patient on when visiting the hospital. The nursing staff will also ask the patient to change into a hospital gown. 
4. The team will shave off any extra hair at the surgical site. 
5. The doctor will record the patient’s last meal. 
6. The anaesthesiologist will monitor the vitals, including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. 
7. The patient will be moved to the OT room.

As the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, the patient can go home on the same day. The patient can also expect the following while recovering from the surgery in the hospital and at home: 

The recovery process in the hospital

1. The patient will be moved to the recovery room and will be kept under observation till the patient comes to senses. 
2. Immediately after the procedure, the patient may feel slightly nauseous due to the effect of anaesthesia.
3. The anaesthesiologist will monitor their body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. 
4. The doctor will give pain medications through IV to manage pain. 
5. Once the patient’s condition stabilises, he/she will get discharged from the hospital. 
6. The doctor will give home care instructions. 

Recovery process/expectation after hospital discharge

1. The patient must follow all the instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
2. The patient may experience some swelling, bruising, and numbness that will subside in a few weeks. 
3. The arm and shoulder’s range of motion may become restricted for some time as scar tissue begins to form around the incision. Thus, the patient must do the normal arm exercises as instructed by the healthcare provider.
4. Incision Care
   1. Keep the wound clean and dry, and take good care of the incision.
   2. Wash the incision with soap and water and clean it with a dry towel.
   3. Wash hands before and after touching the incision.
   4. Unless drains are placed in the incision, the patient can leave the incision uncovered. 
   5. Protect the scars from the sun for at least a year. 
5. Instruction for taking shower
   1. The patient can shower 24 hours after the surgery.
   2. Showering with warm water can help with relaxation. 
6. Activities to do
   1. Take medications as prescribed by the doctor.
   2. Do light walking and exercise to improve blood circulation.
   3. Wear a compression bra or garment for a few weeks to facilitate skin retraction.
   4. The patient can resume physical activities whenever they feel comfortable. 
   5. The patient can return to work within a week of the surgery. 
7. Restrictions
   1. Avoid strenuous activities for about three to four weeks or until the patient heals completely. 
   2. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, baths, and saunas until the doctor permits.
   3. Do not drive or consume alcohol while on prescription medicines. 
8. Diet: Include fibre-rich food, such as vegetables, fresh fruits, cereals, and whole grains, in the diet.

First follow-up appointment

1. The first follow-up appointment is generally scheduled within the first two weeks after the surgery. 
2. During this visit, the doctor will monitor the recovery and evaluate the chances of complications.
3. The doctor might also change the medication or advise the patient to continue with the previous medication for some more time, depending on the condition and recovery of the surgical area. 
4. The doctor will advise the patient for further timely follow-ups as well.

Axillary breast tissue removal surgery is safe, and effective, and offers several other benefits. The benefits derived from the surgery include:

1. Relief from pain: Breast tissue in the armpit can cause severe pain. However, the procedure can help relieve pain caused by breast tissue in the axilla. 
2. Reduced irritation: A lump under the arms can cause excessive sweating. This can lead to rashes and irritation in the armpit region. Breast tissue removal surgery can reduce this irritation caused by sweating or clothing in that area. 
3. Improved mobility of the arms: The development of excess breast tissue in the axilla can restrict the movement of the arms and affect arm posture. Patients can move their arms freely after recovery from the surgery. 
4. Elimination of undesirable contours: Excess growth of breast tissue in the arms can lower the confidence of women to wear sleeveless dresses and clothes.
   Axillary breast tissue removal is an effective procedure to remove undesirable contours of the underarm and give women the freedom to dress as they like.

Axillary breast tissue removal surgery is a safe and effective procedure. However, like any other surgery, it has some potential risks, which include:

1. Infection
2. Scarring
3. Pain
4. Excessive bleeding
5. Nerve injury
6. Haematoma (blood accumulation)
7. Seroma (fluid accumulation)
8. Wound separation

When is consultation with the doctor needed?

The patient should call their healthcare provider if they experience any of the following:

1. Red, painful, swollen, or hot arm, hand, breast or torso
2. A fever of 101℉ or higher
3. Do not get a normal range of motion four to six weeks after the surgery
4. Swelling that does not subside after one week

Axillary breast tissue can cause pain in the underarm, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If left untreated, breast tissues can grow and become even more problematic. Problems of delaying treatment include:

1. Limited choice of clothes
2. Poor arm posture
3. Excessive sweating and stickiness
4. Conditions like cysts, lipomas, or other skin issues may go undetected

The cost of axillary breast tissue removal surgery ranges from Rs 40,000 to Rs 1,00,000. The cost can vary based on several factors, such as:

1. Size of the lump (the cost of surgery increases with the size of the lump)
2. The method used for tissue removal (cost is less when either liposuction or surgical excision is performed; cost increases when a combination of these procedures is performed)
3. Type of hospital (cost is more at a private hospital compared to a government hospital)
4. Duration of hospitalisation 
5. Surgeon’s expertise and experience

The following table shows the cost breakup of different components of the surgery:

An underarm lump due to the growth of axillary breast tissue can become problematic and affect regular activities and lifestyle. Axillary breast tissue removal surgery is a safe and effective procedure. It can help you get rid of lumpier armpits and boost your confidence to wear anything you like. 

For more doubts regarding the surgery for axillary breast tissue removal, you can consult a HexaHealth expert TODAY! Our team of professionals will guide you through the treatment options and connect you with surgeons who offer the best axillary breast tissue removal results.