Conditions
Acne, Scars & Marks
Age Spots, Freckles, Melasma & Pigmentation
Armpit Fat & Axillary Accessory Breast
Asymmetrical or Drooping Breasts
Dark Circles & Tear Trough
Facial Volume Loss
Gynecomastia (Enlarged Male Breasts)
Low Nose Bridge
Muscular Pain
Pseudogynecomastia
Prominent/Square Jawline
Sagging & Loose Skin
Spider Veins
Text neck & Turkey Neck
Thin Lips
Unwanted fat deposits
Weight Gain
Wrinkles, Frown Lines & Fine Lines

Armpit Fat (Axillary Fat/Bra Fat) & Axillary Accessory Breast

These stubborn localised excess fat reside at the armpit, causing an unsightly bulge, which is more apparent when one wears tight-fitting tops, such as sports bra, tube top or even sleeveless top. The issue of excess fat around this area is not exclusive to one demographic - females of different physical makeup and age can get it.

Excess fat is not only hard to remove, but it can also be equally challenging to conceal. An example is armpit fat or also called axillary fat.

But did you know that the bulge might not only be due to excess fat but also accessory breasts or a combination of both?

Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. Images used are for illustrative purposes only.

What is an Accessory Breast?

Accessory breast tissue is known medically as polymastia. It is defined as ‘residual (breast) tissue that persists from normal embryologic development.’ This condition reportedly can be found in up to 6 percent of the population and occurs highest among the Japanese.

In normal development, breast tissue develops along the milk line, which is a line that arches from the armpit to the groin on both sides. Additional tissue usually disintegrates and is absorbed into the body, resulting in polymastia.
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In essence, an accessory breast is breast tissue outside of the breast area.

What does an accessory breast look and feel like?

It may appear as a lump or swelling under the skin. In the case of accessory nipples, it can resemble a mole or a dimple. It can also appear like a typical nipple, smaller in size usually.

Where is the accessory breast usually located?

Polymastia, also called hypermastia or accessory breast tissue, is commonly found in the axillary (the armpit or a corresponding part). In women who suffer from this condition, swelling and tenderness in the armpit are common during puberty, menstruation, or after delivery.

The armpit can also become engorged and painful, especially for women, after delivery. There is no visible nipple or areola in most cases, but in other cases where there are working ducts, leaking of milk from the armpit can be expected.

An affected individual may not even realise the presence of axillary breast tissue. Because it is similar to normal breast tissue, it is only discovered during the first occurrence of menstruation, pregnancy or lactation.

What causes extra breast tissue under the armpit (axillary)?

Common causes for the conditions are weight gain and genetics. As axillary breast tissue is glandular tissue, it is susceptible to hormonal changes like normal breast tissue. During pregnancy and lactation, axillary breast tissue can increase in size.

Why can it be a problem?

Appearance-wise, axillary breast tissue can cause the area where it is present, such as the armpit, to look meaty and bulge unattractively. If it is large, it can cause irritation and inflammation. Wearing certain items of clothing or bras may physically be uncomfortable.

Does accessory breast tissue hurt?

Pain and swelling have been reported in those affected by the condition. Skin irritation may also happen, and because axillary breast tissue is susceptible to hormonal changes, these may be aggravated during pregnancy and lactation.

Are accessory breasts common?

The condition is considered uncommon. Accessory breasts affect about 0.4 to 6 percent of women and are found in the milk line axilla. This can be hard to diagnose, especially if it is only one-sided and large in size.

Are there many grades of accessory breasts?

There are 8 grades when it comes to the condition:

● Class 1 - Consists of a complete breast with a nipple, areola, and glandular tissue.
● Class 2 - Consists of glandular tissue and nipple, without areola.
● Class 3 - Consists of glandular tissue and areola, without a nipple.
● Class 4 - Consists of glandular tissue.
● Class 5 - Consists of only nipple and areola, without glandular tissue.
● Class 6 - Consists of only the nipple.
● Class 7 - Consists of only the areola.
● Class 8 - Consists of only hair.

The most common grade is that of Class 4.

Is Accessory Breast the same as armpit fat (axillary fat)?

Axillary breast tissue may be hard to detect and can be mistakenly passed off as armpit fat (axillary fat).

Armpit fat or axillary fat is common among adults and often caused by excess weight, although hormones and genetics may also play a role. The best person to identify if it is a case of the accessory breast is a doctor.

How to know if I have accessory breasts or simply armpit fat (axillary fat)?

As the condition is susceptible to hormonal changes, signs such as swelling and tenderness can indicate that a person may be suffering from axillary breast issues. Additionally, the swelling and tenderness may be aggravated during hormonal changes like puberty and pregnancy. Seek a doctor’s advice for better clarification.

Why do I have armpit fat (axillary fat)?

Armpit Fat is also known as bra bulge, bra fat and even armpit vagina! Whatever you call it, these fat pockets in the armpit area may be caused by excess weight, hormonal changes and genes.

Common causes of armpit fat (axillary fat)

Armpit fat happens to both genders, although it is more common in women. Some tight or ill-fitting bras, and even tops, can cause the fold between the breasts and armpit to spill. These can easily be fixed by getting your cup sizes and bra measured by a professional and choosing looser fitting tops that don't hug your body. Materials such as silk, spandex, and lycra can also cling to your body.

Clothing and material choices aside, here are some of the common causes of armpit fat:

Genetics
Where your biological ancestors store their body fat is where you would store them too. A study has found that dozens of our gene factors are responsible for our fat distribution and storage, noting that women are more susceptible to inheriting the genetic characteristics.

Weight
The excess fat may be more apparent in the tummy, thighs, chest, and/or arms when one gains weight. And as mentioned above, where you deposit the excess fat depends mainly on your genetic makeup.

What can I do about armpit fat (axillary fat)?

There are no spot reduction exercises to rescue its appearance. The most effective solution is to surgically remove the fat via liposuction.

Can you exercise to reduce armpit fat (axillary fat)?

Spot toning or targetted exercise is a myth. You cannot work out on only one area that you want to lose fat from. You can tone muscle groups, but you cannot reduce fat in specific areas.

How can I hide my armpit fat (axillary fat)?

One of the first steps is to avoid certain types of clothing like strapless tops, but if you have an affinity for them, choosing one with an extra inch or so of fabric at the top may help conceal their appearance.

Does armpit fat (axillary fat) go away on its own?

You cannot dictate how your body loses fat, unfortunately. If nothing is done, the armpit fat will remain. If you exercise and diet, you may lose weight and fat overall, but still, you cannot determine if armpit fat will be gone.

How do I get rid of armpit fat and accessory breasts permanently?

According to an American Journal of Roentgenology article, the proven methods of removing armpit fat are liposuction and accessory breasts via surgical excision.

Does armpit fat (axillary fat) liposuction work?

Liposuction with the MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique in the axillary area can permanently remove the excess fat, contour the area smoothly, and naturally retract the skin. When armpit fat liposuction is done with Dr Ivan Puah's proprietary body sculpting approach, the result will be natural-looking, and scarring will hardly be visible.

Dr Ivan Puah is an accredited liposuction doctor in Singapore by the Ministry of Health and a certified physician in VASER liposuction. Even with more than 15 years of surgical body sculpting experience on patients from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, Dr Ivan Puah is never one to sit on his laurels.

Continuously striving and committed to improving patients' body sculpting outcomes, he has received his various body sculpting training – namely – laser lipolysis in Milan, Vaser Body sculpting in Denver, and VASER Hi-Definition Advanced Body Sculpting in Argentina, and was trained under French renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Pierre Francois Fournier for Liposculpture, Fat grafting and Thread Lifting.

He was one of the few doctors to introduce Smartlipo and VASER to benefit patients in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Will the armpit fat (axillary fat) come back after lipo?

Localised treated fat is permanently removed via liposuction. Results can be well maintained if the patient takes care to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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