Liposuction is the most effective treatment for armpit fat, typically costing from SGD $4,000 onwards in Singapore, depending on the doctor’s experience, etc.
March 15, 2026
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Pregnancy is a journey marked by a myriad of changes that extend far beyond a growing belly.
From the first trimester to the post-pregnancy phase, the body’s story is written in kilos gained, a fascinating dance of hormones, and even lumps in unexpected places, which could present themselves in the form of “accessory breasts”.
Unsure what accessory breasts tissues are and how they may affect your pregnancy journey?
Read on to find out.
Bodily changes you may experience during and post-pregnancy
First Trimester
- The first trimester sets the stage with a weight gain of one or two kilograms
- Morning sickness is calling the shots
- Most of this added weight becomes guests in the placenta, breasts, uterus, and even extra blood.
- Your breasts will feel tender and become larger too, hinting at the transformative journey ahead.
Second Trimester
- Prepare for a weight gain of around six kilograms.
- Your hair might adopt a luscious volume while your fingernails put on a display of strength.
- Your nails could also be breaking more easily.
Third Trimester
- The third trimester, the grand finale, brings in another addition of about five kilograms.
- The main star is your baby, but the supporting cast includes amniotic fluid, the placenta, blood, your uterus, and – the surprise guest – lumps in your armpits. Don’t worry; these are not troublemakers – they’re like backstage crew members preparing for the milk production.
- These lumps can become tender and swollen, but rest assured, they’ll make their exit once their role is played out.
- If you notice lumps in both armpits, they could be the result of extensions of breast tissue – something to keep in mind as your journey progresses.
After pregnancy
- Breastfeeding introduces a new twist – occasional lumps on one or both breasts, but don’t fret; these lumps have their reasons.
- Enter the “Tail of Spence,” a structure that extends beyond the breast into the armpit. Connected to the main milk-producing tissues, it can sometimes become engorged, presenting a unique challenge. This type of engorgement often occurs early in breastfeeding, while your milk supply is finding its rhythm.
- An unexpected twist is the presence of enlarged milk ducts in the armpit. It might sound odd, but it’s completely natural.
What’s the difference between accessory breast tissue and armpit fat?
We’ve all had those moments when we notice a bit of extra fullness around the chest and underarms, but how do we determine if it’s just armpit fat or something more concerning?
What is armpit fat?
Whether you’re lean or curvy, having armpit fat is more common than you might think.
The origins of armpit fat are rooted in a mix of factors, many of which are beyond our control including:
- Genetics has a significant say in where our bodies store fat. Research has highlighted that numerous genetic factors influence fat storage patterns.
- Weight can also be a player in this game. If you’re carrying extra pounds, some of that fat might find its way to your underarm area. Extra fat gain can make both your breast and armpit region appear larger.
What are axillary accessory breasts?
Fluctuations in hormones can lead to breast swelling, which can, in turn, create the appearance of excess bulge between the breast and underarm.
But sometimes, what you might think is armpit fat could actually be something different – a condition called “axillary accessory breast”. In other words, it’s extra breast tissue that’s hanging out where it’s not expected.
- Up to 6% of the population is believed to have accessory breast tissue, although it’s often misdiagnosed. It could be confused with lipoma, a benign tumour made of fat cells.
- While it’s more frequently reported among women, men aren’t entirely immune to this quirk of biology. There have been instances of men having accessory breast tissue, often involving extra nipples.
- These supernumerary breast tissues usually pop up along what’s known as the embryonic mammary or “milk line,” stretching from the armpit down to the groin.
- The most common hangout spot for accessory breast tissue? You guessed it – the armpit, also known as “axillary accessory breasts”.
- What’s intriguing is that many individuals might not even be aware of this extra tissue until it reacts to hormonal shifts triggered by menstruation, pregnancy, or lactation.
- As these hormonal waves hit, the additional tissue can get larger and tender, mimicking the changes seen in normal breast tissue.
- What’s more, this accessory breast tissue can participate in lactation.
- This additional tissue can create a lumpy and prominent aspect, especially when your arms are at your sides. The tissue itself tends to be thicker and more noticeable, and you might even feel it under your skin.
- Sensitivity and swelling, akin to what you experience with your primary breasts, can occur during menstrual cycles and pregnancy, further complicating matters.
- Weight gain can also exacerbate the issue.
Axillary accessory breast tissue removal
If you’ve identified axillary accessory breast tissue on yourself and find its appearance bothersome, know that you’re not alone.
Thankfully, the removal of axillary accessory breast tissue is a safe and effective surgical procedure.
Dr Ivan Puah, medical director of Amaris B. Clinic, who has been treating this medical condition for over a decade, shares, “Axillary accessory breast and armpit fat are common concerns for women. Depending on the clinical condition of the individual, I’ll carry out glandular excision together with liposuction to achieve a flatter and more aesthetically pleasing appearance in the underarm region.”
Real Patient shares her story: A patient who developed axillary accessory breasts during pregnancy
In an enlightening interview, Marilyn, a 37-year-old mother, shared her experience of grappling with “accessory breasts” during pregnancy, shedding light on her journey towards liberation through Amaris B. Clinic.
Reflecting on her initial encounter with “axillary accessory breasts”, the patient described, “I have had two pregnancies. I first noticed the development of ‘armpit lumps’ during my first pregnancy several years ago. It was a gradual change that began with some tenderness and swelling in my armpit area.”
This seemingly subtle transformation unravelled into a more pronounced and visible change during her second pregnancy. These lumps, later identified as “axillary accessory breasts”, became sources of physical discomfort and emotional turmoil, prompting her to adapt her clothing choices.
“Emotionally, it was quite challenging. I felt self-conscious and less body-confident,” she shared. “I had to make lifestyle adjustments. I became very conscious of my clothes; I had to do away with tank tops and sleeveless. I had to wear loose-fitting tops. My fashion choices were limited,” she articulated.
Seeking resolution, the patient turned to Dr Puah from Amaris B. Clinic. She recounted her journey, stating, “I consulted Dr Puah at Amaris B. Clinic, initially thinking the armpit lumps were fat and wanted to do a liposuction to treat it. After the assessment, the doctor told me, in fact, I had both armpit fat and accessory breasts.”
Dr Puah’s comprehensive approach recommended accessory breast removal and liposuction.
Now, on the other side of her journey, the patient radiated positivity, affirming, “The treatment had been transformative. Firstly, the bulges are gone, and the armpit area is flattened. I can wear sleeveless swimwear, tank tops, etc., without the burden, discomfort, and self-consciousness.”
She extended heartfelt advice to mothers in similar circumstances: “Don’t hesitate to seek help from a medical professional who is experienced in treating this medical condition. It was not for vanity that I underwent the surgery, but more for my emotional well-being and physical concerns. You have a choice to be a happy mother!”
Read other patient stories on accessory breasts
