You might have observed a bulge in your armpit or at the side of your breast and that got you thinking about the possible reasons for its occurrence and whether or not it is a cause of any concern. While it may impact your confidence, these lumps can occur in anyone, especially among women.
For most of the individuals, the fullness that is felt in the underarm region is what is referred to as Accessory Breast Tissue. This means the tissue is that of the breast rather than being that of fatty tissue and incorporating any lifestyle change solely is unlikely to eliminate it
In the article below, we’ll help you understand the causes of your underarm fat and walk you through the available treatment option.
An Overview of Accessory Breast Tissue:
Accessory breast tissue, also referred to as polymastia, is a fairly common congenital anomaly where additional breast tissue grows outside the breast region. It occurs in approximately 2% to 6% of both females and males and is characterized by the development of additional breast tissue along the “milk line” that extends from the armpit all the way to the groin region.
What Are The Causes of Accessory Breast Tissue?
Accessory breast tissue forms during the fetal development stage. In the process of the fetus’ development, mammary ridges appear on each side of the body. The majority of the tissue undergoes regression to leave only the breast tissue that appears in its typical place. If part of it remains, accessory breast tissue may be formed. It is not due to one’s lifestyle or any actions in their life.
Since this is a congenital problem, accessory breast tissue can be seen in men and women. It is sometimes easier to spot this condition during times when there are changes in hormone levels and when the breast tissues are developing. These include
- Puberty,
- Pregnancy,
- Lactation,
- Menstruation, and
- In some instances, obesity; however, the tissue is not the same as fat tissue.
While the factors may increase their visibility, they are not the root cause. The underlying issue remains the presence of extra breast tissue
There is no risk factor which is known to be avoidable. Some individuals might come from a family where there were developmental abnormalities, but accessory breasts could also arise independent of any such trend within the family. The essential aspect to understand here is that this is a development-related issue, and not a disease which is linked with our lifestyle.
It is extremely essential to differentiate the accessory breast from various other causes of swelling in the axilla like lipomas, cysts, swollen lymph nodes, or even gynecomastia in men.
Also read : How to Choose the Best Breast Augmentation Surgeon Within Your Budget
Is Accessory Breast Tissue Actually Fat ?
A widespread prevalent misconception is that fullness in the underarm area is just extra fat. As a matter of fact, numerous patients seeking treatment possess accessory breast tissue that cannot be eliminated through any form of exercise or lifestyle modifications. Similarly, no cream, massage, or non-invasive body contouring procedure can permanently eliminate this tissue.
Only, a qualified Plastic Surgeon can assess through an appropriate clinical examination whether the bulge is accessory breast tissue or a different condition that requires medical intervention.
Professional Treatment Available:
Targeted Liposuction:
Liposuction and excision of accessory breast tissue is the solution available to eradicate the accessory breast tissue This surgical process gets rid of both the fat and gland tissues. The whole process takes about 1-2 hours to complete and leave minimal scars, which are cosmetically acceptable.
The procedure can be performed independently or be coupled with other surgical procedures such as liposuction or other breast surgeries to achieve a more sculpted appearance.
About Dr. Preeti Pandya
Dr. Preeti T. Pandya, is regarded as one of the leading board-certified and gold-medalist Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon in Delhi & NCR. With over 20 years of surgical expertise, Dr. Preeti Pandya has transformed the lives of thousands through advanced cosmetic, reconstructive, and hair restoration procedures. Her approach blends artistry with medical precision, ensuring results that are natural, balanced, and confidence-boosting.
Also Read: Can Fat Come Back After Liposuction? The Truth About Long-Term Results