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November 24, 2025
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That stubborn bulge that spills over your bra strap or creates a shadow in your favourite sleeveless top — you've likely tried everything to smooth it away. You may have even blamed it on your posture or the fit of your clothes.
So what could this irritating and aesthetically unpleasing bulge be?
Armpit Fat (Axillary fat) Causes
Armpit fat, also known as axillary fat and armpit vagina (a term coined by Jennifer Lawrence), is totally normal. Some of us could definitely live without stubborn fat rolls on our armpits!
Armpit fat occurs more in women than in men. Several factors, including genetics, weight, hormones, and the migration and redistribution of excess fat, can contribute to the appearance of armpit fat.
Wearing ill-fitting tops or bras worsens the appearance of this condition.
Exercising Armpit Fat Away: Does it Work?
We can't dictate where we want to lose fat on our bodies through armpit fat workouts, overall exercise, or diet.
A study of 104 people found that a 12-week fitness programme focused on arm exercises had little effect on targeting fat in the arm area, despite reporting a significant overall reduction in fat [1].
Specific exercises can help tone the area, such as upper arm exercises that strengthen your muscles and create a toned look. However, as suggested by the studies, it has little to no effect in eliminating fat from the armpits.
So, what can you do to reduce armpit fat?
Have you ever thought of what if this bulge is more than just "armpit fat"? You are not alone in this frustration. Many women share this concern, and the solution requires a deeper understanding.
It May Not Be Armpit Fat, But Accessory Breast Tissue
Dr Ivan Puah, an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor with over 20 years of experience in body contouring and liposuction, sheds light on this delicate area.
"What many perceive as simple armpit fat can often be a medical condition known as axillary accessory breast tissue," Dr Puah explains. "This isn't just fat; it's glandular tissue that responds to hormones, much like breast tissue.
This is why it can become more prominent or tender during your menstrual cycle, puberty or pregnancy. When this is the case, simply treating it as fat is ineffective. The approach must be precise enough to address both the fat and the firmer glandular component."
At Amaris B. Clinic, your treatment should be as unique as your body.
Customised treatment for Accessory Breast Tissue with MDC-Sculpt® Lipo Technique
"Every person's anatomy is different. A technique that works for one individual may not yield the same result for another.
My philosophy is to tailor the surgical approach to the individual—assessing the ratio of fat to glandular tissue and the quality of your skin to design a truly personalised surgical plan," Dr Puah emphasises.
It was from this need for a more sophisticated approach that Dr Puah developed his proprietary MDC-Sculpt® Lipo Technique to reduce stubborn fat pockets in the armpits and induce the skin to contract and firm up, addressing concerns about skin laxity.
Small, short and discreet incisions are made within the natural creases of the armpit to ensure that they are visibly scarless once healed.
At Amaris B. Clinic, the removal of axillary accessory breast tissue is an evidence-based surgical procedure meant to provide physical relief for the patient.
Dr Ivan Puah's approach begins with a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to differentiate glandular tissue from fatty deposits, evaluate skin laxity, and understand the patient's unique symptom profile.
Overview Of Axillary Accessory Breast Removal Surgery
- Making discreet incisions hidden within the natural axillary crease during the procedure.
- Following that, the targeted area will be numbed with a specially prepared anaesthetic fluid.
- Dr Puah will perform micro-dissection and excision of the tissue, carefully preserving surrounding nerves and lymphatics.
- Excised tissue was sent for pathological examination to ensure complete peace of mind.
The results are permanent and visible immediately, with continued improvement as your skin continues to tighten.
