40-year-old homemaker removes accessory breasts she had since puberty

Patient's Profile

Ms W.I., a 40-year-old homemaker, is a dedicated mother of three children.

Background

Ms W.I. has struggled with armpit bulges for as long as she can remember. These bulges have been both physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. Since puberty, she has experienced tenderness and swelling in the area, especially around her menstrual cycle.

The discomfort has varied from mild soreness to a dull, persistent ache, causing simple activities like wearing a bra or carrying a handbag to be uncomfortable. She also described the feeling of "lumpiness" under her arms, which made her self-conscious.

Assessment and Consultation

During her consultation, Ms W.I. expressed that, apart from the physical discomfort, wearing sleeveless tops was out of the question because the bulge was always "hanging out."

Despite enduring this condition for years, she was unaware that there was a medical term for it or a possible solution. "I always assumed I was stuck with this and never thought to ask a doctor about it; I thought it was just how my body was shaped," she admitted.

Dr Ivan Puah conducted a thorough clinical examination of Ms W.I. and confirmed that she has Type Four axillary accessory breasts along with stubborn armpit fat. There were palpable bilateral glandular tissues in both armpits, without nipples or loose skin, and the presence of armpit fat further contributed to the fullness in the area. Dr Puah explained that her medical condition is not uncommon and can be treated effectively through surgery.

He recommended a combination of axillary accessory breast removal surgery and armpit liposuction. The goal is to remove the excess glandular and fat tissues while sculpting the armpit area to achieve a flatter and more natural contour.

Dr Puah noted that this treatment combination would yield optimal results for Ms W.I., including minimal scarring and a sculpted look that integrates well with her physique. Prior to the surgery, Ms W.I. would need to undergo an ultrasound scan and a series of blood tests for preparation.

Treatment Plan

The surgery, performed under local anaesthesia with twilight sedation in an accredited Ministry of Health Day Surgery Center Singapore, involved bilateral axillary accessory breast removal through small, strategically placed incisions. This approach allowed for the extraction of the bulging tissues while safeguarding the surrounding structures. The excised tissues were sent for histological examination.

Dr Puah performed micro-liposuction and sculpting techniques using specialised lipo cannulas to remove stubborn armpit fat, ensuring a well-contoured and aesthetically pleasing outcome. The surgical team, including an anaesthesiologist, closely monitored Ms W.I. throughout the 1.5-hour procedure, which went smoothly. The incisions were closed with stitches, and dressings were applied.

She recovered well and was discharged home on the same day.

Post-Op Recovery & Results 

The stitches were removed ten days post-operation. During her last review, Dr Ivan Puah showed Ms W.I. her "before" and "after" photos, and she expressed great happiness at the disappearance of the bulges. She noted that the recovery process was smoother than she had anticipated.

"I had some swelling at first, but the discomfort was nothing compared to what I had dealt with for years. Within weeks, I could already see the difference," she remarked.

For Ms W.I., the most significant change was not just physical but emotional.

"For the first time in my life, I can wear what I want without worrying about how my armpits look. I feel so much lighter—both physically and mentally," she shared. "I only wish I had done this sooner."

We are pleased that Ms W.I. has benefited from the surgery and is enjoying her newfound confidence.