Accessory breast is residual breast tissue in the armpit area; the method, liposuction or excision, is chosen by the proportion of fat to glandular tissue.
Accessory breast tissue develops when the milk line that runs from the armpit to the groin in the fetus fails to regress and remains, and it appears most often at the front of the armpit. Day to day, the armpit bulges noticeably, which can be bothersome when wearing sleeveless tops or underwear, and before menstruation or during pregnancy and breastfeeding it may swell along with the breast tissue and cause pain and a heavy, aching feeling.
Accessory breast tissue is either mostly fat or contains a large amount of glandular tissue, and it is sometimes accompanied by a small accessory nipple. If it is mainly fat, it is corrected by liposuction; if there is a lot of glandular tissue, by excision; and if the two are mixed, by liposuction and excision together. Before surgery, ultrasound is used to check the makeup of the tissue and to distinguish it from other causes such as lymph nodes or a lipoma.
Dr. Juyoung Go published a method for correcting accessory breast tissue at the same time as breast augmentation, through the augmentation incision, in Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (2019). When planned together with augmentation, it can be corrected through the same incision without adding another; when performed on its own, the incision is placed within the armpit crease to keep the scar from showing.
A small opening is made within the armpit crease and the fat is suctioned out. The incision is small and recovery is quick, but glandular tissue cannot be removed by suction, so this is suited to cases that are mainly fat.
An incision is made along the armpit crease and the glandular tissue is removed directly. The tissue can be removed reliably, an accessory nipple, if present, is excised at the same time, and any excess skin left after excision is tidied according to its condition.
Fat is first suctioned to reduce the bulk, then the remaining glandular tissue is removed through a small incision. This is a commonly used approach because it removes the glandular tissue while keeping the incision short.
When implant breast augmentation is performed at the same time, the accessory breast tissue at the front of the armpit is corrected by liposuction through the incision used for the augmentation. Dr. Juyoung Go published this method, which adds no separate incision, in a paper.
Surgical designs and results are drawings based on photos; results vary by individual.
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
Even when it looks the same from the outside, whether liposuction alone is enough or excision is needed depends on whether the tissue is fat or gland. Before surgery we check the composition of the tissue with ultrasound and distinguish it from other causes such as lymph nodes or a lipoma.
With liposuction alone, glandular tissue can remain and swell again. When glandular tissue is confirmed, it is removed directly through a small incision to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
The armpit is an area where scars tend to thicken, so the incision is placed within the crease and kept short. When combined with breast augmentation, the augmentation incision is used as it is and no incision is added.
Removing too much tissue can leave the armpit hollow, or leave excess skin that looks uneven. We blend the border with the surrounding fat smoothly and tidy any remaining skin according to its condition.
After surgery, a compression dressing is applied to the armpit and you go home. On the day, avoid spreading or raising your arms widely.
This is the period of swelling, bruising and a heavy, aching feeling in the armpit. Keep the compression dressing or compression garment on and take the prescribed medication.
You visit to have the wound checked and to check for any fluid collection (seroma). Depending on the wound, showering becomes possible and you return to light daily activities.
Stitches are removed. Much of the swelling has subsided, moving your arm becomes more comfortable, and scar care begins.
Areas that felt firm begin to soften. You can start light exercise, and ultrasound is used to check for residual tissue and fluid.
The swelling resolves completely and the contour of the armpit settles. The redness of the scar fades, and aftercare such as scar laser is provided if needed.
After accessory breast correction, bleeding, infection, hematoma and seroma, swelling and bruising may occur. Sensation in the armpit and inner arm may become dull or tingly; this mostly recovers, but in some cases it can persist for a long time. The armpit is an area prone to thickened scars and keloids, so the incision scar may widen or become red and thick. If glandular tissue remains, it may swell again with the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and breastfeeding; if too much tissue is removed, the armpit may become hollow or excess skin may look uneven, and asymmetry between the two sides may occur. Rarely, impaired lymphatic flow may cause arm swelling, or skin necrosis may occur, and revision surgery may be needed depending on the result. Results vary by individual, and we explain everything fully at consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
Implant breast augmentation with size and pocket plane chosen by body type and tissue thickness
Learn more Related LiposuctionLiposuction matched to the fat layer and skin elasticity of each area
Learn more Related Nipple deformityNipple deformity correction with a method for each shape
Learn moreConsultations are conducted by the Director herself. Schedule one by phone or KakaoTalk, or leave an online consultation request.
