Gangnam Axillary Accessory Breast Surgery Review? How to Remove Lumps and Pain

Gangnam Axillary Accessory Breast Surgery Review? How to Remove Lumps and Pain

Hello. I am Dr. Kim Joo-won, the chief director of Melon Plastic Surgery, your breast specialist.

The armpit is located in the middle of the line connecting the breast to the arm. Surprisingly, many people have an uneven armpit line.

This bulging or uneven area is called an accessory breast. If you have an accessory breast, your innerwear, bikini, or clothing may not fit smoothly, leading to dissatisfaction with your body image. You might also avoid clothes that reveal the accessory breast, which can diminish your confidence.

In rare cases, pain may also be experienced.

‘Are the lumps in my armpit fat? Or are they accessory breasts?’‘I often have pain, is it okay to leave it alone?’

Today, I will be talking about accessory breasts. We will discuss what an axillary accessory breast is, where it occurs, how to distinguish it, and surgical improvement options. If you are experiencing discomfort due to an accessory breast, please pay attention.

Accessory Breast Surgery | What is an Accessory Breast?

An axillary accessory breast is an additional breast tissue that exists separately from the two normal breasts. It may not feel like a ‘breast’ because it is smaller and shaped differently than a normal breast.

The formation of accessory breasts can be traced back to the fetal period. Our body's mammary gland tissue develops from the fetal stage along the so-called ‘milk line’ that extends from the armpit to the groin.

In most cases, this mammary gland tissue degenerates before birth. However, in some cases, this mammary gland tissue remains and becomes an accessory breast.

Accessory breasts, which we often neglect, thinking they are just armpit fat or simple fat, can actually be tissue that includes mammary glands, nipples, or areolas. Of course, they can also exist as fatty tissue. Understanding this principle makes it easier to understand why pain occurs.

Just as normal breasts swell or become painful before and after menstruation, or suddenly enlarge after childbirth, accessory breasts are no different. Since they are strictly breasts with mammary gland tissue, they exhibit the same symptoms as normal breasts.

Accessory breasts are not a symptom that disappears over time, so if symptoms like pain or swelling recur, medical diagnosis and management are necessary.

Although they may look like excess fat on the surface, they are tissues with completely different characteristics, so differentiation is necessary. Furthermore, they can affect hygiene and daily activities, so it is best to check early if possible.

Accessory Breast Surgery | Why Do Accessory Breasts Occur in the Armpit?

Most people think that accessory breasts only occur in the armpit. However, accessory breasts can surprisingly appear in various locations.

‘Don't accessory breasts only occur in the armpit?’‘Can they also occur in the groin or under the breast?’

As mentioned earlier, our body's mammary gland tissue develops along the milk line during the fetal period. If the mammary gland tissue does not degenerate and remains after birth, it becomes an accessory breast. Therefore, accessory breasts can remain anywhere along the milk line connecting the armpit to the groin.

They can appear not only in the armpit but also under the breast and in the groin. While they can occur anywhere, they are particularly common in the armpit because they are located close to the breast tissue, making degeneration slower compared to tissues further away, and they can easily mix with normal breast tissue.

Axillary accessory breasts are affected by arm movements. Since there is a lot of movement and clothing can rub against them, the discomfort of accessory breasts is most prominent. In seasons with more exposure or during situations like vacations, the protruding accessory breasts become visible, leading many people to complain of psychological distress.

Accessory breasts in the groin can cause pain when sitting or walking due to pressure and rubbing, and frequent friction with pants or the ground can lead to skin problems.

Accessory breasts under the breast are sometimes confused with sagging belly fat or love handles. This can lead to a delayed realization that they are accessory breasts.

There are also accessory breasts that have the form of a breast with a nipple or areola. In such cases, they can feel like actual breasts, increasing psychological burden.

As such, accessory breasts are divided into those consisting only of fatty tissue and those that include mammary glands. Since their forms, types, locations, and symptoms all differ, the medical approach must also differ. If pain recurs or you feel psychologically distressed by the appearance of an accessory breast, it is advisable to seek a diagnosis from a medical professional.

Accessory Breast Surgery | How to Check if it's an Accessory Breast

Accessory breasts can be broadly divided into those with only fatty tissue and those with developed mammary glands. There are also complex types that include nipples and areolas, starting from cases where mammary glands are present.

Medically, they are classified from Class 1 to 8 depending on their developmental stage. There are also ways to self-check whether it is an accessory breast, whether it is an accessory breast with mammary gland tissue, or an accessory breast with only fatty tissue.

In this case, touch and shape are important criteria. If a firm lump is felt in the armpit, and its size expands or throbbing pain occurs in conjunction with the menstrual cycle, it is highly likely to be an accessory breast with a significant proportion of mammary glands.

Conversely, if the breast area fat protrudes by ‘eating’ the bra strap, it may be an accessory breast primarily composed of fat.

If the accessory breast folds like belly fat or does not indent easily when pressed firmly with a finger, it may be an accessory breast with developed mammary gland tissue. Accessory breasts containing mammary gland tissue can be affected by hormones, and in such cases, the size and pain of the accessory breast can vary depending on the situation.

Thus, while accessory breasts are a cosmetic issue, in some cases, they cause daily discomfort, making proper diagnosis and differentiation necessary.

Accessory Breast Surgery | Surgical Improvement Methods and the Importance of Management

Accessory breasts can be improved through a surgical approach. There are two surgical methods: liposuction and excision.

If the accessory breast is composed of fatty tissue, liposuction can be performed through a micro-incision of about 0.2 cm, resulting in minimal scarring and faster recovery.

If there is a significant proportion of mammary gland tissue, excision may be necessary. Excision involves a larger incision and can leave scars, so thorough communication and understanding are required before surgery.

Between the two methods, liposuction is recommended. Although this is not a major surgery, proper management is necessary. In the early stages of surgery, bruising and swelling may occur, and discomfort may be felt for about a week after surgery.

In the case of axillary accessory breasts, since it is an area with frequent arm use, it is best to avoid excessive movement during the early recovery period. While meticulous scar management can increase satisfaction with accessory breast surgery, adjusting lifestyle habits is key to maintaining the surgical results.

Many people also undergo accessory breast surgery and breast augmentation together. This allows for a smooth armpit line and voluminous breasts in a single surgery, greatly increasing satisfaction.

Accessory breast surgery not only eliminates visual and physical discomfort but also serves as a starting point for changing the quality of life. If you are concerned about an accessory breast, please consult with your breast specialist. Melon Plastic Surgery is with each and every one of your stories.

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an axillary accessory breast?

An axillary accessory breast is an additional breast tissue that exists outside of the main breasts. It occurs when fetal mammary gland tissue does not degenerate and remains, and unlike simple fat, it can include mammary glands, nipples, or areolas.

Do accessory breasts only occur in the armpit?

No, accessory breasts can occur in various locations besides the armpit. Since they are remnants of mammary gland tissue that developed along the fetal milk line and did not degenerate, they can also appear under the breast or in the groin.

How do I distinguish between an accessory breast and simple fat?

If you feel a firm lump in your armpit and its size expands or you experience pain in conjunction with your menstrual cycle, it is highly likely to be an accessory breast with a significant proportion of mammary glands. Simple fat may just be excess tissue that protrudes from a bra strap.

What are the surgical methods for accessory breast removal?

There are two surgical methods for accessory breast removal: liposuction and excision. For accessory breasts primarily composed of fatty tissue, liposuction can be performed, while excision may be necessary for cases with a significant proportion of mammary gland tissue.

How long is the recovery period after accessory breast surgery?

In the early stages of surgery, bruising and swelling may occur, and discomfort may be felt for about a week after surgery. Since the armpit area involves frequent arm use, it is best to avoid excessive movement during the early recovery period.

Can accessory breast surgery and breast augmentation be performed together?

Yes, it is possible to undergo accessory breast surgery and breast augmentation together. This allows for a smooth armpit line and voluminous breasts simultaneously in a single surgery, which can lead to high satisfaction.