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Breast tissue in underarm
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I still have the little hole in my right armpit but this is gradually going away.
Tomorrow, it will be 6 weeks since op. I was supposed to have been seen by the surgeons clinic for a follow up at about 4 weeks but they forgot to send me an appointment but they have managed to fit me in tomorrow.
I think the moral of our stories is - take it easy after you have surgery!
I am getting Married in Sept 08 and want to get mine removed.
I went to the doc yesterday and they said 6000.00 to go under and 4000.00 for local anyone have to pay and how much? I thought this was outragious. Am I being Crazy? I really want it done!!!!!!
Long story short, I did go to see a plastic surgeon. He asked me if it changed during my period. I learned that the puckering (hardly noticeable) was a nipple, and I actually had breast tissue. It now makes sense. My quote was 3,000 for everything. I think there is an extra fee from the doctor who givese the anestetic (sp), and for testing of the removed tissue.
I RECENTLY LEARNED THAT IT IS COVERED BY INSURANCE!!! I am going to get it removed by a plastic surgeon who has experienced this type of procedure. They also said that if the plastic surgeon does not declare it as cosmetic, everything will be paid for. I'm not sure what insurance carrier you have, but definetely look into this. I know that there can be risks associated with the surgery, but very minimal. I cannot wait to get it done. It will change my life in so many ways. I feel so sad and ashamed of my body. I am skinny and do have a great figure. It was just the extra fat that was putting me to shame. Now I know it is breast tissue and not my fault.
Best of luck. I know that the surgery will only take an hour tops. Recovery time is not long at all.
I went to several stores and no one makes a wedding dress with sleeves anymore!!!!!
I am going to do more reserch here in indiana to see if there is someone cheeper. Thanks so much and good luck let me know how you do !!!!!!!!!!
The issue never bothered my husband and in fact when I first brought it up he said he had really never noticed it. I feel so much better already even though the scaring won't impove for while. I haven't stopped wearing tank tops since I had the surgery (I live in Florida). There is still some swelling but otherwise I have normal arm pits...yay.
Also, I did find some very cute wedding dresses online with sleeves so if you cannot get the surgery, keep searching you will be able to find a great dress. Good luck.
I first found small lump under my left arm last year. Then I informed to the nurse practitioner at the annual exam. She felt and said fine. Recently, I felt the lump bothers me and when I squeeze it, it is painful. I then went to the university health center. I was freaked out by them, saying they can not evaluate it. If it is good, it is nothing, or it might be cancer....Then they refer me to see a surgeon last wednsday (3/5/08). The surgeon felt it and said it is "just breast tissue" and not necessary to remove it unless it gets bigger and bothers me more. I was satisfied with her diagnose and went back home. HOWEVER, OVER THE LAST WEEKEND, THE LUMP GETS MUCH BIGGER! I am very worried now. As surgeon said the breast tissue should grow slowly and may get bigger over years. But mine is not !!! I went to urgent care this morning and they ordered x-ray on my chest. They do not see anything in particular...I am waiting for see the same surgeon again this Wed.
I will have period in about 6 days and wonder if this is related to this "fast growth". I hope it is nothing worse....
Crying:(
Love anna x
in general I am glad I had it done - the scars look a bit bigger than I imagined they would but I hope they will fade quite a lot. I think the fact that I am not feeling very well in general is causing the healing to take longer than maybe if I was fighting fit.
Sorry if my website sometimes doesnt open I think it is when the managers (fusiveweb) are doing maintenance so do try again at another time.
I am in the process of getting quotes and meeting surgeons. One surgeon said it was cosmetic. He knew that it was breast tissue and an accessory nipple. How can he declare it cosmetic? Another said it was not considered cosmetic. Many people who have these abnormalcies are covered under insurance. Anyways, I hope taht the procedure goes smoothly. I was told only a 6-8 recovery period. It sounds like I should allow more than that if I'm going to be standing up in a wedding in a strapless dress. ANY OPINION HOW LONG? The doc said just to apply make up. I'm afraid I will look like Franenstein.
INCISION: Hey, I was wondering where the scar on some of you is. Like I said, I have an accessory nipple, so the incision will have to be right infront of my armpit. Do you think it is possible to take in the excess skin and have it stitched up in my arm pit? The one doc who said it was cosmetic said no way. I'm thinking it could though. The excess skin and breast tissue must be removed anyways.
Your thoughts and advice would be appreciated. Thanks to all of the wonderful and beautiful people that listened.
I am in the process of getting quotes and meeting surgeons. One surgeon said it was cosmetic. He knew that it was breast tissue and an accessory nipple. How can he declare it cosmetic? Another said it was not considered cosmetic. Many people who have these abnormalcies are covered under insurance. Anyways, I hope taht the procedure goes smoothly. I was told only a 6-8 recovery period. It sounds like I should allow more than that if I'm going to be standing up in a wedding in a strapless dress. ANY OPINION HOW LONG? The doc said just to apply make up. I'm afraid I will look like Franenstein.
INCISION: Hey, I was wondering where the scar on some of you is. Like I said, I have an accessory nipple, so the incision will have to be right infront of my armpit. Do you think it is possible to take in the excess skin and have it stitched up in my arm pit? The one doc who said it was cosmetic said no way. I'm thinking it could though. The excess skin and breast tissue must be removed anyways.
Your thoughts and advice would be appreciated. Thanks to all of the wonderful and beautiful people that listened.
My scars are a lot bigger than I thought they would be - I have never had a scar before so I dont know how long it will take to fade. It has been 7 weeks so far and Im not sure if I would want to wear a strappy bridal dress at the moment but maybe in a few more weeks I would consider it - maybe if I got someone really good with makeup and got a fake tan or something then it would look good.
You will have seen my scars photos which are not noticable when I am standing normally.(well actually you can see a bit of it from the back) but I have no idea about whether that is possible to take in the skin at the front of your armpit or whatever, it sounds like it could be possible but I suppose they know best. You will just have to keep asking the specialists about that. I guess if 3 people say no then it is probably not.
Keep on trying - youll get there in the end!
Really appreciate it! You look great.
As for the scars, my doctor said the scars would look the worse at 6 weeks. I have started putting Vitamin E on them and I will begin with the maderma (sp?) cream that promotes less noticeable scars this week. I guess I will post again in a couple of months and let everyone know how the scars look and then again at one year post surgery which according to everyone is when they will look the best. Good luck to everyone who has had or is having the surgery!!!! I still feel so lucky to have found this site.
I've had had (2) extra breast under my arms, since I've developed breast, any where from 10-12yr old. I didn't know what it was and thought it was going to go away. It wasn't until I had my first child and started to engorged. The lumps under my arm too were huge and painful. The left is bigger than the left, but the left is just a little lump that leaks milk. Long story short, I've never had the luxury of wearing sleeveless, unless I'm creative. I've address this issue w/three physicians and they all said that it's breast tissue. Well duh. But never pushed the issue to have them removed. One said that it was cosmetic and that ins. would not cover it. I live in Richmond, VA and have ins. Blue Cross Blue Sheild/ AKA Anthem. How were you able to get the ins to pay? It's painful at times. Esp. when I'm wearing my underwire bras. I'm a 36DD... Wish I can get a reduction as well but was shot down on that issue as well. PLEASE HELP. ANYONE IN THE RICHMOND, VA AREA OR BETTER YET, THE INDIVIDUAL THAT HAD IT DONE IN FL W/THE SAME INS.
your Dr. should be able to help w/the correct terminology. I've been dealing w/this since I was a round 42, now 51 and been complaining at mammograms for 6 yrs. Finally the same Dr. said, Sure we can do that.
It's been embarrassing in summer w/pool and tanks because I actually have nice arms just gross lumps under them.
I'll keep you posted... :0
I am mostly happy with results now. I keep looking at the edges of the scars though because they look like little dimples where the cuts were made and sewn back they are kind of puckered at the edges. I think this will be permanent but hey - I much prefer my look now than before. Ive added a recent photo to my profile I think you will be able to see it clearly.
Good luck all that are going through the process!
Wish me luck....
I would also recommend this procedure. We have had some spring-like weather here this week and I have started to try on some tops that I would never have considered last year. it has also given me the motivation to lose weight as well to make the most of my look.
Hope everyone is doing well!
Sorry, I haven't posted in a while, but just to refresh your memories, I had my surgery on Feb. 1st, 2008, and things are going well. Both sides had a lot of breast tissue removed and it was sent for testing and came back as negative, so it was deemed fatty tissue.
My left side healed nicely and it caves in now, just like a normal armpit should look like. No excess skin was removed on that side. The right side was still a bit uneven, even 6 weeks after my surgery, so I was having follow-up appointments with my surgeon and we booked a revision to the underarm on Monday, March 31, 2008. I had it, and it went great. I have been off painkillers since the evening of March 31, and went back to work on Wednesday. I wanted at least one entire day to rest and get myself back to normal. I also went into the office on Wednesday after work to remove the drain tube and have the dressings changed. There isn't any pain, and my surgeon removed a bit of skin and some more breast tissue from under the right side to make it even.
However, I would advice anyone who is getting their surgery done or anyone who is healing, so please not to anything too straining on your arms for a while - you don't know how you've healed internally, so even though you might feel strong, your armpits are still sensitive and lifting and stretching too much and cause internal damage and you may not heal properly - that could be the cause with my right underarm, as the lump was much smaller than the left side, yet the left side has healed nicely. I use my right arm for everything, so hence me having to go in to get another revision.
My underarms are still numb, so when I go to shave it or touch it, there still isn't any feeling. My surgeon said it could take up to 6 months for it to go away.
Hope this helps ladies and have a great weekend!
Just to give some history. I noticed that my arm pits were "swollen" about 2 years after I got married (5 years ago). I had also gained about 30 lbs. so I just thought it was fat. About 2 years ago, I lost the 30 lbs. and the "swollen" arm pits didn't go away. I was very upset about it but I didn't know what it was and I was ashamed to ask. My husband never complained so I just stayed covered up.
Last year, I saw an episode of Plastic Surgery before and after on the discovery channel and a women was having the procedure. Seeing the show just made me more ashamed because I thought it was very weird that what I had was breast tissue under my arms. Then I found this website and read about the other women and I realized I wasn't a freak and that other normal women had the same thing as me. At that time, I decided to do something about it and I met with a plastic surgeon.
To find my doctor, I looked online at my insurance company's provider directory and got a list of plastic surgeons that were partcipating providers. I then cross checked to make sure they were board certified and then made appointments to meet with them. Luckily, the first one I met with had done the procedure a number of time and told me it would be covered as long as it was coded properly. They didn't even have to call the insurance company for a precertification because it is a 100% covered procedure. She did tell me that the insurance company required "complex closure" which just means they glued me up. Good luck!!!
AEM112
Cheetah1257, I would call around to some of the participating plastic surgeons and speak with their nurses on staff, they should be able to tell you if the doctor has done the procedure before. Once you find one that has, I would have a consulation with that doctor because he or she should know how to code the surgery so that it is covered.
My problems began with my pregnancy 17 years ago. The underarm bulges got worse as I breastfed my daughter. I thought I'd go to the grave with these nasty extra "breasts" under each arm. And the PAIN--for some reason, these lumps are very painful at certain times of the month (and I am starting to go through Menopause). Wearing bras has become nearly impossible, and even thinking of a bathing suit is out of the question.
I am going to make an appointment with my GYN and get a referral to a surgeon to have these horrible lumps removed.
SUSPOTTER:
I too am considering have a breastlift during the removal surgery. Can you tell me how yours went? THANKS!
,
I am pleased I had it done and would go through it again if i ever had to! cannot wait til the warmer weather to wear my new vests!
I will say I wouldnt have went for it if it wasnt for this wonderful site, thanks to all of you!
It's nice to see I'm not the only one and there is some wonderful support here.
But after over 5 years of going back and forth to the same sympathetic (mostly) but uselessly indifferent doctors..both of whom men in the same practice, I've had enough. Finally, one of the same doctors has just sent off a letter to a consultant to have me checked out. I just want to fast forward to surgery. I'm so fed up. Like a lot of you I've put on a little weight over the years due to stress and other factors and I think this has ultimately made the problem worse. I was mortified when one of the doctors dismissed my problem as ectopic breast tissue and just smiled kindly and said it was nothing to worry about. I felt like screaming.. it was almost like he was using it as a euphemism for saying ak you're just a bit on the heavy side and you've got extra **** under your arms because you're fat!! Needless to say I made a quick exit from the surgery and went home and wallowed. Then my other friends who are all much heavier than me showed me their underarms and none of them have it!! One friend even said.."what is THAT?" when I showed her my underarm..and she poked it and said "that's hard!!" I thought..at last..someone else thinks it isn't right and shouldn't be there and I'm not imagining it. I think doctors are incredibly unsympathetic and you have to scream, cry and make a fuss in order for them to realise what a major effect this supposedly "simple problem" has on your life. I have arm envy of all my work colleagues who are able to wear the cute vest tops and I just get sooo soo depressed that I can't. Thank you everyone, esp frackleton..:-) for being such a support. This website is brilliant, at last I don't feel alone. I'm just wondering how I will cope after surgery as I live alone..(mind you..i haven't even got to that stage yet..they might well try and put me off having it done.) I was also very worried about lymphadema because I met a girl who had had breast surgery for cancer..and her arm kept swelling up every so often and it was really sore because they had taken her lymph nodes away. By the way..my doctor had some other name for the problem..and said it was enlarged lymph nodes ..but I really can't remember what it was because it was some complex medical term. So there you go..that is where I am at the minute..trying to lose weight..and waiting to hear if I will see my precious consultant in the near future..it will no doubt be 3 months..for a problem which is so "minor" NOT!! Really hop-e you've all recovered and thank you for all being such good posters. This is the first website which I have found helpful. XX
I had an armpit boob removed about 10 years ago. After having 2 kids, now I have "arm boobs" in both arm pits and they are bigger then ever. My BCBS insurance did not cover it. Whenever I have enough money I would like to have them removed, even though it did leave a large scar. In addition I would get a better doctor because mine wanted to do 2 surgeries, one for the tissue, and the one for cosmetic purposes. I suspect he could've done it all at once but wanted the extra money. I wear tank tops all the time and have never had anyone notice.(At least my friends and family said they never knew till I told them) I think people don't look at the armpit too much, even if there is some extra tissue.
I'm wondering if anyone can tell me if the surgery (one side only) might be covered under NHS, as I'm currently living in the UK? Or how much it might cost?
Best,
jane
I am new to the site and cannot believe how many people have this problem of excessive under arm tissue.Would love to hear from you about the op please and about healing tim
es etc.I have a meeting with surgeon on monday and will book a date for my op.
Best wishes clare
Wow i have just been looking through and working my way around this web site.I am awaiting surgery and your journals re this are really enspiring.How are the scars healing now.I hope you are fully recovered.I am both scared and so excited to be given the go ahead for this procedure to be done.Its been many years since i wore a vest top or a top that i would consider girlie or anything without sleeves.The lumps are just so ugly and visible.
Best wishes clare
I develop my lumps about 3 months into my 1st pregnancy 15 years ago, they have remained throughout that time growing larger with each pregnacy and not dispersing after my children were born.
I have spent many years begging my docor to refer me to the hospital only to be knocked back by the plastic surgeon. However on the 29th May 2008 I finally got my wish and had them removed at the Nuffield Hospital.
I'm going on holiday in 4 weeks and for the 1st time I can wear clothes and swimwear without people looking sheepishly at the HUGE lumps protruding from my underarm.
My surgery went really well, although I have discovered today that I have an infection in my right arm, thats more antibiotics, however another week of pills is so much better than another day of embarrassment.
I've looked with great intrest at Frecklestone's post op pictures WOW! i do hope mine look that good, it looks like she had the same diamond shape cut as I had,
If anyone needs to chat or is interested in the procedure, please contact me, I'd be happy to help
Coll6 X
Firstly, Im so sorry for disappearing I hope you are all still there and watching because I am touched that you all were helped by hearing about my experience with this. I think it really helped me to tell you all about it because I remember how pleased I was when I found this site myself.
I think one of the reasons i have not been checking onto this website is that life has been busy and I am so pleased to say this .. but I do not think about my armpits at all anymore! I still have visible scars and little dimples on the edge of the scars but I really dont care. We havent had that much great weather yet in the UK this year but when we have I have happily worn a vest and not even thought twice about it!
There are quite a few new people on here so forgive me if I have not replied personally - I also have got a lot of responses still to reply from my website.. which I will update v.soon!
Love 2 u all.
Anna x
I wonder if this problem will start to be more widely known about one day? It seems unbelievable that the experts say it is normal but that it is not known about in normal society. With a lot of things people have wrong like a rash or something,. your family members or friends might say oh look at that.. you have got heatrash or chickenpox or so and so.. or if u get a big spot they might say oh it looks like a boil. but with this.. no one i know looked at me and said, hey I think you might have extra breast tissue there. because I suppose everyone assumes it is fat the same as we did.
I understand that it is good to know what it is even if you dont go ahead with any surgery. however that being said - I am so pleased that i did mine!
I am so thankful for the personal connection (via these machines) to other women who deal with this. Isn't is amazing, there are women from all over the world on this site!
By the way, as the mother of a young girl, do you worry about this for her? I am seriously considering cutting out all beef with any hormones given, chicken with hormones definately (because of what they give to make the breasts grow larger), and dairy with bovine growth hormones that keeps those dairy cows constantly lactating massive amounts. Any thoughts out there or research on these things?
Wow, so glad to find this website and feel like there are other people out there going through this problem! I have decided after reading and thinking that I want to at least go see a surgeon about having these awful puffy underarms of mine fixed! I so want to wear sleeveless dresses and tank tops without feeling like a freak.
I am a bit overweight and trying to lose, but I also know that when I was thin I still had this problem. I am also worried about getting pregnant and how it will make things even worse. I am also in a lot of pain and wearing bras and such hurts.
I will keep reading up here for support. :)
<3
I have a date for my operation on 7th August,I am really nervous still but am determined to go ahead with it due to the support received from this sight and know that a few months after i will be much happier with out the unsightly lumps.I have a breast lump removed also so i am having both surgeons operating at the same time to save me going under anesthetic twice.I will keep you posted with how it goes.
Best wishes
Suziq79 - I am so sorry for the treatment you received. Maybe it will help some other women down the road when those same doctors encounter this again... May I ask in what part of the world do you live?
After I had Sebastian, it got alot bigger and thats when I freaked out. I had just turned 21 and had a new born baby on my hands and now I was worrying about possible tumors etc. I scheduled a dr's appt and they sent me to a breast care specialist. They ran some tests and showed it was just excesses breast tissue and alot of breast milk, so they were nice enough to drain it for me. Since it didn't get big again I stopped worrying and figured it was done away with.
I was soon pregnant with my 2nd child, Gabryela and sure enough the lump came back and they were nice enough to drain it for me again. It wasn't till I had my 3rd kiddo, Joe that it became a problem. It grew fast and got big and since I changed drs they didn't want to drain it this time. My dr thought it would be better if he referred me to someone and that they work with it. I got so caught up with my 3 kids and just couldn't find time for it....so I never got rid of it and this time it didn't shrink. I have had it large since about June 2006 and now with my 4th and last pregnancy it is about the size of a golf ball and now I feel 2 lumps in my left armpit. I hate it....Its summer and I am 37 weeks pregnant and I can't even wear a nice fresh tank top.
Since in Texas we have health insurance till 2 months after we have our baby I plan on finally getting rid of this annoying and uncomfortable problem. I have a dr's appt on monday and will get referred to the Women's Health Care at Del Sol Hospital in El Paso Texas. I will let everyone know how it goes....I wish this problem was alittle more out there, if I had been more informed maybe I wouldn't have felt like such a freak for so long...We aren't alone ladies!!! We can be each others support system... :-)
Monyka from El Paso, Texas USA
I am in my mid twenties, am thin and fit... and have breast tissue under my left armpit. It is not a significant amount but it is noticeable. It is also very sensitive and gets huge and painful during my periods. I am pretty sure it has been growing slowly (hey... why cant our BREASTS grow like this?!! And why did the tissue have to be there instead of where it is SUPPOSED to be?? Yeah, I don't have big boobs... oh well).
It is really starting to bug me and I feel self conscious in sleeveless shirts (I even had to photo shop some of my wedding photos as I was wearing a strapless gown). I am just wondering if the surgery is worth it so I thought I would ask those with experience some questions....
1. Was it painful
2. How long did it take you to recover
3. Were there any complications
4. Would you do it again, given the option
5. Are the scars very noticeable after 6months to a year?
xoxo Anne
Again, thank you! I will revisit the site to give updates.
2.how long did the procedure take in the op room. were you asleep?
3.how long are the scares.
4.how long were you out of work. (I'M A HAIRDRESSER)
5. did anyone need to wear a compretion garment?
thank you to anyone that can answer my questions sorry there's so many.
I just saw my OBGYN today and she suggests I have the surgery before pregnancy. My lumps aren't nearly as noticeable as most of yours seem to be but are very hard and painful. My DR thinks that if I dont get them removed I will struggle through pregnancy because of the pain. I am curious though if you have to have the surgery again after you have children. Does anyone have any experience with that? Also, if I decide not to have children but still have the surgery will they come back anyway? If so about how long is the surgery good for.
Thanks to all
Its two weeks and a day now since i had excess breast tissue removed from under my right arm and a lump removed from my right breast.I was due to have both arms done but am relieved i opted to have just the one done.A week after the op i was doing well and getting about much better.Suddenly the pain worsened and i had to go to the gp who has put me on antibiotics due to an infection.I am now feeling the benefits of them and look forward to being able to use my arm to the full extent and get back to work.
This forum has helped me no end.The advise given and questions answered are fantastic.The lump under my left arm isnt as noticeable and i have decided that i am not going ahead with that one at a later date.
ps i tell people that i send messages to my boobsisters. i either laugh about this or i cry.
Last Spring one of my students saw the one under my right arm (the biggest one) when I raised my arm to put emphasis on a point. Normally, I am careful about the type of sleeves on my clothing but this particular dress had sleeves that were shorter than the norm. He looked so shocked, I thought I was going to have to refer him to the school counselor for traumatic shock (smile).
Now, I cannot wait for my surgery.
I'll be thinking of you REE508 in September and praying for you as well.
I am also wondering about why the recovery period varies.
I had anesthesia. I was a little worried because I had a different type of surgery once before and woke up during the operation. I told the people at the hospital what happened before and I think they were ready for me. I was "knocked out." I remember the anesthesiologist giving me the shot and it seemed the next moment I was in recovery. The surgery started at approx. 9:30am and when I awoke in recovery it was approx. 11:30am. No memory of the surgery at all. I got a Bilateral op (both arm pits). The hospital released me once I used the restroom and did not show signs of something more serious. But, as soon as I got in the truck with my brother, I felt nauseous. It was decided that one of my best friends would stay with me over the Labor Day weekend because the doctor did not want me to spend the night by myself. My friend looked up nausea on the internet and found that warm Jello, ginger or licorice would reduce the feeling. She gave me some cherry Jello and the nausea has not returned. I am schedule for a follow-up on Sept. 16th. The general surgeon prescribed an antibiotic and a pain killer for me. I am still taking both. I will return to work tomorrow (Wed., Sept. 3rd). Decided to take the day after Labor Day off in order to get back into my routine (drive around, get gas for the car, housework etc.). Tomorrow will be my big test. Will I be able to teach and still feel o.k. at the end of the day? I'll let you know. The doctor wrote on my orders that there are no restrictions for me. I did not get stiches but what is called steri strips. These are supposed to last about 10 days and fall off on their own. The nurse told me today if the steri strips begin to curl and look a little rough during the ten day period, I can simply clip the strips with sissors. According to info on the internet, the steri strips are supposed to help reduce scarring. The only pain I have is a tiny bit of burning in my left arm pit (this was the pit with the smallest knot). So far, the pit with the largest knot is doing fine. The pain killers stop the pain but make me a little drowsy. Usually, I only sleep a couple of hours then wake up. I can tell you so far the whole experience has been better than I thought. Oh! I forgot to tell you I could not shower until three days after the surgery. But, I can not scrub the area with soap etc. I generally just sponge around the area. The negative about the steri strips is they are very sticky. The sticky area around the surgery spot has been my biggest challenge. Trying to keep it clean and overcoming that awful sticky yucky feeling. I hope this helps. If you need any more encouragement, just email me. I will say this- IT FEELS GOOD NOT TO HAVE A PAIR OF "EARRINGS" HANGING FROM MY ARMPITS! (SMILE)
I haven't posted on this site for a while. My surgery date was February 13, 2008. So, it has now been nearly 7 months since my surgery. I am still extremely happy that I had the surgery. At 6 weeks after the surgery, I began using maderma. I didn't see much of a dramatic change at fist. However, by the time my 8 weeks of it was done, I could tell that the redness around the scars was dramatically diminished. At this time, the left side is barely noticeable. The right, which was a much large incision, is still a little larger but it is a light pink not red anymore. I have no pain in either side but at times when I workout my upperbody, I can feel where the incision is (not in a painful way or anything). I also did have some pain in my lower arms and numbness around my armpits. The pain in the lower arms was completely gone by late March early April. The numbness around the entire armpit area was gone about one or two months ago. There is still some VERY SLIGHT numbness on the incision itself but it is barely noticeable. Anyway, all in all, I feel I am healing very well.
My best advice is, don't go back to work ASAP. Take as much time off as you can to allow yourself that initial time to heal. I took three weeks off from work. My doctor told me that two was sufficient but if I could get three, that was great. I also didn't drive for two full weeks. I do realize that taking three weeks off and not driving are not options for everyone but if you can swing it, I would take as much time off and rest as much as possible. I really do believe that my downtime is directly related to the fact that I never got an infection nor did I have any issues with my incisions or the healing process at all. Plus, the one time I did over do it by cleaning the house, I felt pain in my lower arms for two days. Good luck to everyone!!!
I have Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. My surgeon was very helpful in documenting that the procedure was medically necessary and the insurance covered everything except my $100 co-pay. I highly recommend that you see a plastic surgeon instead of a general surgeon if you have the choice. I have very small incisions compared to other photos I have seen (but that can also be attributed to the amount of tissue taken) and she did a wonderful job with the sutures (it has been less than a week and they are not very noticable at all). My surgery took 1.5 hours and my surgeon took a ping pong amount of breast tissue from my left armpit and a golf ball amount of tissue from my right armpit.
I am still sore but I am not in very much pain. I was given an antibiotic IV during surgery and I have to take antibiotics for a week afterward. I took a week off a work and I have not done much at all. I am making sure to rest as much as possible since I do find myself pretty tired. I took pain killers for two days but have not found the need to take anymore. My surgeon used dissovable sutures and she also super glued the incision shut. I was not allowed to wet my incision for 5 days and so I had to have my mom help me wash my hair while I sponged bathed the rest of myself.
I have already gone to a post op appt and my surgeon says that everything looks wonderful. I will try to post some after photos soon. :)
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I am absolutely elated that I am not the only one with arm boobs and exTREmely relieved to find more people like me. I think this is definitely worth a visit to a plastic surgeon because these things must go, we are supposed to have armPITS, not armBUMPS!!!
Cheers!
Rene
I had been complaining to my old doctor (who was a woman) about this and her comment was "oh, it's nothing". Every year when I got my mammograms, I've always had to get an ultrasound (I have a large mass in my right breast) and I've always asked them to do an ultrasound on my underarm (also my right side) which has always shown nothing. I have since changed doctors and mentioned this to my new doctor (who is also a woman) and she immediately referred me to a breast specialist/general surgeon. The specialist had all my mammogram and ultrasound films/reports and after doing the initial exam, said the it looked like it was getting bigger (comparing from last year's tests) and that it needed to come out. I have United Healthcare HSA insurance and questioned if the surgery would be covered under my insurance and he said it is not an elective or cosmetic surgery...it is medically essential and would be covered 100%. That was a relief and since I want this off me, I have scheduled surgery for October 14, 2008. I am very nervous and want to thank all of you for your posts. It has helped relieve my mind of some of the worries about the surgery and the healing process. Unfortunately, I am only able to take a week off work, but I have an easy desk job and plan on taking it very easy when I return to work. I will check back periodically before and after my surgery to update you and to help anyone else thinking about having it done.
Thanks,
Dancnduo
Gyanec or Cosmetologist will have the answer?
How long did your surgery take? Was it an outpatient basis or did you have to stay in the hospital? Did you have both arms done or just one? How is the pain? How about the numbing feeling? My doctor said I there would be a patch on the underneath part of my arm that would be numb...were you told that? With every passing day, I am getting more and more nervous. I thank you in advance for your answers and good luck with your drainage. Hope you recover fast!
Dancnduo
i think my surgery lasted a little under two hours and it was out patient . i did have both underams done and my doctor said that i was going to be in alot of pain, but i never felt the pain and i never took my pain meds. i do have numbing feeling, but anytime you have surgery i think you will always get that feeling . i had 2 c-seactions and i still have that numb feeling around my scar and that was 14 years and 11years ago. i did not end up have breast tissue under my arms i had lipoma which is a fatty deposite he also remove three lymphnodes because he said that they looked funky, but everything turned out to be normal . my armpits looked just like frecklston maybe a litle bigger. i have to say that all in all the surgery it self was not bad and i was scared to death about being put to sleep . i am teriffied of anesthsia but, i did good i didn't even get nausea. i'm two weeks today post surgery and my only problem is the fluid build up which my surgeon say that it's very normal but, it's annyoing twice a week i have to get drained . good luck with you surgery i think you will be fine just take it easy and follow doctors orders. let me know if you have anymore question. good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks so much!
Dancnduo
Thank you for sharing your story.. I have the same problem with the breast tissue in my armpits and they are very painful. I really want to get them removed. I went to general surgeon and she agrees that these needs to be removed. She submitted a pre-determination with the insurance company and they cam back saying this is cosmetic so it will not be covered.
I know you said you have Blue cross Blue shield and your is covered. I believe my doctor did not file the papers properly. I'm having tough time finiding the right doctor, who can understand what I'm going thru. Are you in New Jersey? If you are in NJ or surrounding states can you please share your doctors name? Please help.. I'm really in distress right now..
All,
If any of you got your surgery done in New Jersey and got it covered with insurance, can you please share the doctors information? I really need help.
Thanks,
Anamika
I have been checking this forum for a long time, but never posted before. I'm on the same boat as many of you. I have had this problem with breast tissue in the armpit since I got pregnant first time 9 years ago. I went thru two pregnancies and breast feeding and over the time the lumps got bigger and never went back to normal. I'm at a point where I'm having trouble with pain in the armpit. They sure look ugly, but more than that they hurt. I have to be on constant gaurd even when I play with my children. They love to run into my arms and cuddle with me in the bed and I find my self trying to gaurd because it hurts when they run into this area unintentionally.
Initially when I started noticing the armpits bulg, I thought I was a freak of some kind. After a lot of investigation and finiding this web site, I figured that this is breast tissue and some women are unfortunate enough to have this condition. I went to several doctors, including a plastic surgeon to see if they can help me with the condition. Unfortunately none of them understood what I'm going thru. The Plastic surgeon thought it is breast tissue, but said insurance will cause problem if he did the surgery. Because he is a Plastic Surgeon, his argument was insurance company will think this is cosmetic and he asked me to go see a breast surgeon. I saw few breast surgeons and heard them ask me to see a Plastic Surgeon. I felt like I was hitting a wall. Finally I found a breast surgeon who was willing to do the surgery and who said she will submit a pre-authorization to the insurance company. Now, after serveral weeks of pre-authorization process, insurance company came back saying that this is consmetic procedure and they will not pay for it.
I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ insurance and I see that few of yo got it covered by them. My lumps are much bigger than few photos I was able look at on this web site. So, I do not understand why mine should not be covered. I'm really in a distress right now. I'm hoping that if I find a right Plastic surgeon who is experienced in doing these procedures, they will be able to get this covered. I live in New Jersey. I tired calling few PS in NJ area and it seemed like they think this is a cosmetic surgery. I really need help finding the right surgeon. Please can some one point me to the right surgeon, who might have helped you. Can you please respond back and let me know which doctor you have been to get this surgery done while insurance paid for it.
Please help.
Thanks,
Anamika.
Thanks for checking up on me...my pre-op appt went good and yes, I got all my questions answered. He said the actual name of the procedure is called "Axillary Mass Disection / Lymphnodectomy". He ran thru the whole procedure and showed me where the incision would be. He mentioned that he might have to remove some of the lymph nodes in my underarm...did they remove any of yours during your surgery? He also said he will not know if I will need a drainage tube until he sees what is in there. I then went to the hospital to register and had all my "pre-op" tests done (chest x-ray, ekg, blood, etc) which were all normal. I took some "before" pics this morning so I will have something to compare to after the surgery. I will take some "post-op" pics and upload all of them to share on this site. I am trying not to think about or stress about the surgery...I know God will take care of me!
Wish me luck! I'll check back after 10/14/08.
BFN,
Dancnduo
I hope you feel a little better haveing all your questions answered. Did your doctor say that you have breast tissue under your arm? My doctor told me that my lumps were lipomas never breast tissues. As matter of fact all the doctors that I went told me that it was never breast tissue that it was fat deposite .If you click on frecklston picture my lumps look just like hers but, mine were little bigger then that. Also when i had the surgery my doctor said, that my lymphnodes looked funky and I did have 3 lymphnodes removed. Did you ask about fluid built up? This is my only problem with the surgery. I have been in 6 times to have fluid removed since my surgery in Sept. Each time he removes about 105 to 120 cc of fluid but, yesterday I went in and he only removed 40 on one arm and 45 on the other. He wrapped me up in this BIG ace bamdage and I had to have it on all the time even when i slept, but it was so uncomfortable. I order a compresion garment and it feels so much better I got it last thursday and since I have been wearing it my fluid started to reduce . The reason why i'm getting fluid buIid up is because the body is trying to fill up the hole were the lipoma or the extra fat tissue was. This fluid built up is called a seroma. So I don't know if you want to ask your doctor about this, because i was never told that i might have to have fluid removed for almost 2 weeks . I would of have orded my compresion garment before the surgery because that ace bandage was not do it for me and the garment feels so much better and I think it helped with the fluid.
Take care and write back soon,
Dancnduo
I went back to work today (1/2 day) and was worn out by 2pm. Just gonna do 1/2 days this week, then will be back full time next week. I'm feeling the nerve twinges every now and then, which Dr. says is good. All and all, so far, I am happy I had it removed. Hope everyone is doing well. I'll stay in touch.
Think recovery can differ from person to person.I am not a huge fan of our NHS.My scars are extemely neat but i have been left with nerve damage and a trapped nerve.I started physio and my trapped nerve has now gone and i am still under physio for my shoulder.The pain in the top of my arm is now bearable.Its great to be back at work and getting on with my life.I am much more confidant in what i can wear its great.
Best wishes to anyone who has recently had the op done or is waiting to have the op shortly.
I am so happy i found this site...like most of you i thought i was the only on with this problem but i now know there are others. jus after i had my daughter in 05 i felt a lump the size of a pea...went to the doctor and he said it's fat and i need to excercise....one year later i noticed it getting bigger but mind you no pain so i then went to another doctor she sent me for a mamogram (mammogram) but they couldn't see anything as i was 32...not much showed up but they said from what they saw i was in the clear and it's breast tissues. i have it under both arms and i can't wear straps and if i do i have to cover the arms....my daughter who is 3 plus thinks it's funny and wants to play with it...my hubby said he don't notice it but it's there and i feel terrible. i am living in the caribbean and now i am thinking of having it checked out to see if surgery can be done...hoping to get it out.....i know the feeling what you all who have it must feel and it's not nice....wish everyone luck just as i need it. thanks for sharing guys.
my name is aja and i had the surgery on march 18, 2009 and i didn't have a tube put in for drainage but when i went to my follow up appt. i told the surgeon i heard some fluid in my left arm. She drain the fluid out (which wasn't alot). Ive always had underarm breast tissue, every since puberty. Any way i had the surgery and Im very excited. Once the swelling goes down, i will upload post opt pics.
I am 24 yrs old.I am going thorugh a problem whereas there is an extra breast tissue grown under my arm i.e on the left & right of the arm , i have visited the surgeon & he said me that this is an extra breast tissue i.e axillary growth, he commented if u are not wearing any sleavless dress or there is no pain than there is no harm at all , u no need to be operated.
Kindly suggest if this tissue remians the same & if there is a growth in future will this bring harm to my body.
Kindly suggest at the earliest.
conquerors.
I had my accessory breast tissue removed on Friday, May 1, 2009, on both sides. So today is day 12. Based on the tone of your postings I am guessing you all had it done. It was done outpatient, general anesthetic in just over an hour. I wish I knew about this website before surgery.
I have some really good days and other days like today I am quite exhausted. I have not done any lifting other than to load or unload the dishwasher. I am working from home using a computer and phone, so no physical stress. I have approximately six inch horizontal incisions on each side that appear to be healing nicely. The left one is less raw than the right, but it was smaller. However, my left side is more pained than the right.
How long did it take for the fatigue to go away?
How long before you could shave and start using antipersperant. I am not even willing to think about that until there is no rawness lef?
My left upper inside arm is extremely sore like maybe in the area you would expect a blood pressure cuff. It almost feels burned although there is no bruising or difference in the way it looks. Did anyone else have this problem? If so, how long did that last. That pain is worse than the pain from surgery
Any other thoughts about recovery would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Anne
I never thought insurance would cover it so I waited and waited until I thought we'd have enough money. Come to find out because I was breastfeeding (giving it a very good effort anyway) and had been experiencing pain AND the fact that I have a family history of breast cancer, the surgeon said Carefirst (BCBS) will pay for it.
After reading these posts I can finally stop feeling like some type of deformed freak.
I have acessory breast tissue in my underarm.i want to get it removed.Has anyone performed this surgery in virginia.could someone guide me of what kind of doctors to approach for this procedure,cost and doctors in va.
Considering surgery soon and I will ask my doc, but has anyone ever been told that there is a risk of lymphodema after this surgery? I wonder since this area is so close to your lymph nodes. I'd really rather have the underarm boobs than elephantitis of my arm or something from non-functioning lymph nodes.
Hope everyone is well!
I live in Alberta - is there anyone who has had the removal done here? Any luck in getting health care to cover it? I am also curious about the mixed messages about getting it before or after having children. If anyone has insight on any of this, I would love to hear back from you!
I have been trying to figure out what to do with my accessory breast tissue for over a year now, and am still looking at the different options available and trying to decide what would be best for me to do. I am 20 years old and the issue is making me really self-conscious. Has anyone had the procedure done in orange county/los angeles/anywhere near there? I am trying to find a plastic surgeon to do this and hopefully leave the smallest scar possible, as well as avoid any plastic surgery nightmares and have something unexpected happen ! So far I have gone to a doctors....one said that it was just fat, which i later found out was not true, and the other doctor did not want to surgically remove it because he said it would be a shame to leave me with such a large scar at such a young age that I would have for the rest of my life.
I also researched online and read some scholarly articles on the topic about non-surgical methods of removing it, such as using ultrasound to break up the tissue and then liposuction to remove it, or using liposuction but with a larger needle to remove the hole thing without surgery. But, the people that did the experiments and published the articles are in Korea, China, etc and I'm not exactly sure how reliable it would be, not to mention how risky it could be to just fly to another country where I don't even speak that language and have a procedure performed, since there would be no liability or anything that I could do if something went wrong.
This is a really long post, but I guess what I just wanted to ask is if anyone near orange county or los angeles has any recommended doctors?
Thanks!
Start the process with your OBGYN, who should send you to a breast surgeon who will recommend a cosmetic surgeon, who should take pictures and send them to your insurance company. The doctor needs to CODE the complaint correctly for your insurance co to assist you
I just got the surgery done on Thursday (9/24/09) and United Healthcare covered it. I had it done by a general surgeon.
was completely covered by United HealthCare and all I had to do was pay $100 copay for the
procedure. My doctor was a Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr.Hagstorm, from Palo Alto Medical Center in
Fremont, CA.
Its been 48 hours since surgery and I am in no pain and am doing my daily activities. I can feel a
tightness in my underarms and have been told that I cant stretch my arms all the way, over and
behind my head, until 3 weeks after surgery. I am not on any pain medications and have only been
taking antibiotics since surgery.
Good luck to all the folks out there who are in the same boat as I was for 10 years. I wouldnt
have known of this procedure or that insurance covers it, had I not googled and found this board.
I would love to have surgery but am scared of another surgery after c-sections. If it could be done with local anesthesia I'd do it.
It is very helpful to read all of the comments. Thanks to everyone for information.
I really need your help. I have been to several doctors so far and I'm having hard time finding one who can have the removal procedure covered by insurance. Can you please let me know the name of you doctor? I live in NJ and hopefully your doctor is in driivng distance of NJ.
Thank you for all your help.
-Anamika.
Unfortunately I am in Arizona. I was having a lot of trouble with plastic surgeons. The one I found is a reconstructive breast surgeon with an office in a hospital. I think that sort of doctor would be your best bet. I have not yet heard back from my insurance, but at least this doctor is actually trying to get it covered. All of the other places I called were pretty sure it is cosmetic. Good luck. Don't give up! I know how horrible this thing is.