Axillary Breast Surgery
Axillary accessory breast tissue is the excess tissue or swelling which is present in the armpit in some individuals.
There is a milk line in our body that extends from the armpit to the groin. When breast tissue develops in other places along the milk line apart from normal breast tissue it is called accessory breast. It develops around puberty and enlarges during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to hormonal influences. It can affect one or both sides.
It has glandular tissue like breast and fatty tissue. Axillary breast tissue can cause the area near the armpit to bulge and make it look unattractive. Hence women may not feel comfortable wearing sleeveless clothing and try to hide the area. Moreover, in some women, it may increase in size during pregnancy or weight gain.
The treatment depends on the size of the accessory breast. When the axillary breast is a small swelling without much skin excess it can be removed safely by liposuction.
When the swelling is big, with skin excess it is removed by excision. The scar is usually hidden in the armpit crease.
Recovery after surgery is rapid. Strenuous exercise should be avoided. Results are evident immediately after surgery, there will be a mild swelling which will subside in 48-72 hours post-surgery.