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
Table of Contents
Although having armpit fat is normal, many of us would prefer to be without it!
What exactly is armpit fat? How is it formed? Is it possible to permanently get rid of armpit fat, or are we limited to hiding it with clever fashion tricks?
Continue reading to learn how to reduce armpit fat.
What is armpit fat?
Armpit fat, also referred to as axillary fat or bra bulge, is a fatty tissue located in the armpit area, particularly around the upper arms.
It tends to be more noticeable with certain clothing and is commonly experienced by women.
Armpit fat can undermine self-confidence and affect self-image.
This condition limits a person's clothing choice or may even cause some to avoid certain activities.
It does not occur in specific body shapes or types, as the bulge can happen to the skinniest of us.
Make smart fashion choices to hide the armpit fat
With our year-round humid weather, it's no secret that athleisure wear, sleeveless blouses, and singlets are our preferred fashion choices for surviving this perpetual summer heat!
However, these clothes tend to highlight armpit fat, so those sleeveless tops are piling up at the back of our closet as our insecurities get the better of us.
Another group of people that may be affected by armpit fat are brides-to-be, as most strapless wedding dresses tend to put armpit fat in the spotlight.
These people often resort to temporary fashion tricks to hide armpit fat.
Some choose bras with side slimmers to hide armpit fat, while others opt for clothes with sleeves or thick bra straps to cover the underarm area.
Those more dedicated to getting rid of armpit fat temporarily may even turn to the taping trick – taping down armpit fat to hide it from the public eye.
Work on your food intake
When it comes to food, a balanced diet will go a long way in helping an individual look and feel great.
Knowing how much fuel (calories) your body needs to function daily may be a chore for some to count.
Knowing where these calories come from is an easier task, and the list includes the following:
- fresh fruits
- fresh vegetables
- whole grains
- legumes
- nuts
- lean proteins
The science: Why spot reduction is a myth
Spot reduction is a colossal misconception, so lifting a dumbbell overhead excessively will only tone the biceps, triceps, and pectoral muscles, rather than helping you lose armpit fat. We can't dictate where we want to lose the fat on our bodies through exercise or diet.
A study of 104 people found that a 12-week fitness programme focused on arm exercises did little to target fat in the arm area, despite reporting large overall fat loss [1].
However, certain exercises can help you tone the area, such as upper-arm exercises to strengthen your muscles and create a toned look. But as suggested by the studies, it has little to no effect in getting rid of armpit fat.
A comprehensive approach would incorporate strength and cardiovascular training, and attention must also be given to diet. Losing fat this way is a more highly encouraged strategy.
So, what can you do to get rid of armpit fat effectively?
"Try as you might, armpit fat is one of the most notorious areas that will respond to creams, exercises, diet or non-invasive treatments other than liposuction," advises Dr Ivan Puah, medical director of Amaris B. Clinic, MOH-accredited liposuction doctor and Chairman of Lipo Peer Review Committee Singapore.
Why armpit fat is stubborn: Fibrous composition, genetic factors
Armpit fat is often considered stubborn and difficult to reduce, with several underlying factors that contribute to its persistence.
Fibrous Composition
The tissue in the armpit area consists of both adipose tissue and fibrous connective tissue. This means that even with weight loss, this dense composition will remain resilient and resistant.
Genetic Factors
Genetics determine your body's fat distribution, and some people are more predisposed to accumulate fat in specific areas, such as the armpit, upper arm, inner thighs, etc.
Muscle Tone and Activity
The muscle mass in the armpit region can influence the appearance of armpit fat. For example, if you have weak pecs and deltoids, it can lead to a less toned appearance, making any fat in the axilla appear more prominent.
Getting rid of armpit fat successfully with Modern Liposuction with MDC-Sculpt® Lipo technique by Dr Ivan Puah
To get rid of armpit fat, it's time to consider Dr Ivan Puah's novel liposuction method, the MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique. It is a unique surgical approach that targets the removal of bulky fat, sculpting, and stimulating collagen production, while simultaneously firming loose skin.
The surgical approach will be customised according to the patient's clinical condition, including the amount of fat present, skin laxity, and whether glandular tissues are involved, which may require additional excision.
Performed under local anaesthesia, small incisions will be made on the treatment site. Dr Puah chooses strategic incision sites to ensure scarring is "hidden" if not barely noticeable. The targeted fat layers will be infiltrated and numbed with a special fluid mixture.
Dr Ivan Puah will then use ultrasonic sound waves to gently break down the fat cells into a liquefied state. He will siphon the melted fat with a specialised cannula while tightening and sculpting the treated area.
Results can be appreciated immediately.
"Every individual is unique, and no body shape is the same. Small as it may seem, the armpit is one of the most challenging areas to treat," says Dr Ivan Puah, who has received advanced body sculpting hands-on training in the USA and performed many cases of armpit fat liposuction.
What is the patient's satisfaction rate following this procedure?
"Patients are generally very satisfied with the armpit fat gone permanently, and they are more confident wearing non-sleeve, tube tops without the bulge sticking out."
Amaris B. Clinic, a body sculpting surgery clinic in Singapore
At Amaris B. Clinic, our liposuction approach is tailored to the patient's clinical condition and goal.
We do not advocate a cookie-cutter approach to treatment, as no two bodies are the same.
If you want to safely improve your physical appearance and not be troubled by unwanted armpit fat any longer, leave it to our team of medical professionals at Amaris B. Clinic to help you.
