Dos And Don'ts to Follow After Axillary Breast Tissue Removal Surgery

"Dr. Karishma Kagodu places the incisions within the armpit fold so that the natural crease perfectly hides scarring and a patient gets the optimal results of desired contours in the underarm area/ armpits, as well as enhanced mobility of arms!"

·       Did you know breast tissue makes up the shape and size of the breasts, but sometimes it can develop beyond the normal location of your breasts, causing axillary/ accessory breasts to occur?

·       Did you know according to medical studies, accessory breast tissue can occur in 2-6% of women?

·       Did you know axillary breast tissue can make the armpit area appear lumpy and meaty, and you may resist putting down your arm, feeling less confident and embarrassed, especially in the gym or during a pool party?

·       Did you know axillary breast removal surgery can be done with liposuction if little correction is required, whereas the excision method is employed for extensive correction?

Axillary or accessory breast tissue is an excess deposition of fat and breast tissue in the axilla or armpit region of female breasts, making a woman look less confident and causing compromised social, personal, and psychological health. However, women with axillary breast tissue seek cosmetic surgeries, as the size of mammary tissue often increases in size or becomes prominent with aging, weight change, puberty, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. One must note that axillary breast tissue is sensitive to hormonal fluctuations.

Dr. Karishma Kagodu (MS, MCh), a board-certified celebrity plastic surgeon and Managing Director of Dr. Karishma Aesthetics, Bangalore, stated that accessory or ectopic breast tissue not only leaves the affected areas with undesirable contour but also causes physical discomforts, as axillary breasts can swell and feel more sensitive. Moreover, weight change, especially putting on some extra pounds, can make it look worse.

What Will Happen During Your Surgery?

If a small amount of correction is required, the liposuction procedure can effectively remove axillary breast tissue. However, an excision technique, i.e., removing tissue with an incision, should be employed to treat an extensive state of accessory/ axillary breast tissue.

Key points to be noted while performing the surgery are as follows:

·       Local anesthesia is administered if liposuction is performed for minor correction.

·       For more extensive correction, Dr. Karishma Kagodu prefers placing the incision within the armpit fold, where the natural crease will completely camouflage the scarring.

·       The excess tissue/ fat is eliminated through the incision with the preferred technique, either liposuction or excision; however, the measure of the incision may vary with the employed technique.

·       In the case of liposuction, the incision may measure just millimeters. On the contrary, if the excision technique is performed, the incision may take longer.

·       Finally, an incision is closed and dressed, and you should be given post-op/ recovery instructions.

·       The procedure may take about an hour, depending on the technique employed and the extent of the problem.

What Is Recovery Like After Axillary Breast Tissue Removal Surgery?

Recovery from axillary breast tissue removal surgery highly depends on which technique is employed to eliminate the lump. However, the timeline may vary from simple liposuction to an excision method. Recovery from the excision method takes 4-6 weeks; however, strenuous activities should be avoided during this period. Patients can resume normal daily activities within a week, but precautions should be followed at every point to avoid the chances of compromised healing. Swelling, numbness, and bruising should subside within two weeks, and noticeable results can be experienced in a few months.

Even though axillary breast removal surgery is a safe plastic surgery procedure, one should be aware of some risks involved, such as infection, wound separation, hematoma and seroma, and undesirable contours. However, speaking to your plastic surgeon is extremely important if you experience any risks or unexpected developments. Moreover, risks can be effectively managed by the right pre-and-post care and instructions from your plastic surgeon. With Dr. Karishma Kagodu's practice, risks are extremely rare to negligible, as Kaesthetics, Bangalore is highly committed to a safe practice with no uncertainties but optimal outcomes.

Week-To-Week Recovery Do's After Axillary Breast Tissue Removal Surgery:

Week 1st: Immediately after surgery, the patient will likely experience little pain, swelling, bruising, and other discomforts in the treatment area. However, pain medications should be taken as prescribed. Take rest as much as possible, and avoid any strenuous activities.

Week 2nd: The patient will feel more comfortable during the second week, with minimal pain. Swelling and bruising should also improve but are still present. However, visiting the plastic surgeon is recommended so that your recovery process will be evaluated and further guidelines are communicated. Of course, stitches will be removed, and light activities, such as short walks, can be resumed by the second week.

Week 3rd: The patient should continue taking over-the-counter medications to manage the mild discomforts; otherwise, they will feel more comfortable by the third week. Still, heavy lifting and rigorous exercise should be avoided.

Week 4th: The patient is advised to use silicone gel or sheet to improve the appearance of the scar. Another follow-up session with your plastic surgeon should be scheduled to monitor the wound healing status and make necessary recommendations. However, starting light activities and exercises is okay by this time. The residual swelling will continue to improve, but rigorous activities should be avoided.

Dos in the checklist:

·       Keep the surgical site clean and dry to avoid the infections.

·       Always use mild soap and warm water to take a bath.

·       Wear a pressure garment during recovery to avoid unwanted swelling and contour irregularities or as long as recommended.

·       Use a silicone sheet to improve scarring, if any.

Don'ts After Axillary Breast Tissue Removal Surgery:

·       Do not smoke or drink alcohol for a few weeks, as nicotine present in cigarettes and alcohol can hinder the healing process by narrowing the small blood vessels that bring oxygen, nutrients, and healing factors to your injured area.

·       Avoid vigorous exercise for at least a month.

·       Avoid injections, blood draws, or vaccinations in the treated arm.

·       Avoid binding or straining your arms during the healing period.

·       Do not allow blood pressure tests on the treated arms.

If you seek board-certified plastic surgeon advice, call Dr. Karishma Kagodu at 9108969006/ 7624809006 and schedule a one-on-one consultation today.