Removing Excess Armpit Fat

One of the most common factors about gaining or losing weight is that the areas of the body that accumulate excess fat first will often be the last areas from which fat is lost. The opposite also holds true. Areas of the body that are among the last to accumulate fat will be the ones that respond the quickest to losing fat. What this all means in practical terms is that areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs are often the most difficult areas to lose fat, while the upper arms will be the easiest. In essence, for many people, the arms will be the first area to show changes in the shape of the body as a result of regular exercise and a sensible, balanced diet.

Of course, patients who have committed themselves to losing weight want to be able to proudly show off the results of their efforts to family and friends. They may also be looking forward to feeling comfortable in tight-fitting clothing and bathing suits. The desire to remove this excess fat under the upper arms is why patients come to see the staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery to determine the best method to remove excess fat that has not yet responded to positive changes in diet and exercise.

Is it Really Excess Arm Fat?

Before any procedure is undertaken, the first step is to determine if the excess fat under the upper arms is just that, or if it may be breast glandular tissue, which does actually extend somewhat into the armpit. Patients should consult a general surgeon to determine if it is excess arm fat or breast glandular tissue. This will determine the best removal method. Regardless of the removal process, caution should be taken, as there are several major arteries that run through the armpit area.

Excess arm fat: If it is determined that the excess fat in the armpit area is not actually part of the breast gland system, the fat can be removed with a liposuction procedure. The plastic surgeon will make a series of small incisions in the area to be targeted for fat removal. A thin metal tube, called a cannula, is then inserted into the body through these incisions. The excess fat is then gently vacuumed out. In some cases, ultrasound or low level lasers may also be used to help melt the fat, making it easier to remove. A liposuction procedure may be done alone or in conjunction with a body-contouring procedure to remove excess loose skin and tissue under the arms (known as an arm lift procedure).

Breast glandular tissue: If the fullness in the armpit area is actually breast glandular tissue, it will need to be fully removed. This procedure involves making an incision around the glandular area, lifting the skin away, removing the glandular tissue, and then suturing the skin back into place. This procedure is somewhat more involved than a liposuction procedure.

Unsightly underarm fat can make patients feel self conscious. However, it is worth the effort to determine precisely if it is arm fat or breast glandular tissue. This will determine the best removal method.