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Breast tissue in underarm

I have a lump on my underarm.  It is not painful but it is ugly and it makes me very self conscious.  When I got pregnant it really got big and filled with milk my doctor said it was breaast tissue that traveled into my armpit and that as long as it didn't hurt it really wasn't anything to worry about.  It just looks like extra baggy skin and as a result I can't wear sleeveless tops.  I've never known anyone else who has this to ask what they think or feel.  My husband thinks if it bothers me so much I shyould have it removed.  I am scared and want to know what the health risks are.  Does anyone else have this problem?  Shat should I do about it?
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I had my bilateral accessory breasts removed almost 7 weeks ago, and I just want to reassure others who are post-op that the results look better with each passing week.  Yes, I have big (5") scars under both arms, but they are fading quickly with the help of silocone-based scar gel and scar sheets, both of which were recommended by my surgeon.  I anticipate that by next Summer, they'll be barely visible.  I may still feel compelled to hide my scars, but scars are a lot easier to hide than A-cup breasts under each arm!

For the first few weeks after the surgery, I was worried that the doctor hadn't removed enough of the tissue, but once I got past the third week, I realized that for the first time since the early 1990's, I could see hollow armpits when I pressed my palms together.  That change alone has made the surgery worth it, but it's also great not to feel the soreness and discomfort that used to appear with every period, and not to have to worry about armpit lumps being visible under my clothes.

You win some, you lose some... but for me the surgery was mostly a win.
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Avatar universal
Thank goodness for ths discussion forum on MedHelp. I've been following it for three years now, and on June 7, 2011, I had plastic surgery to remove the axillary breast tissue under my arms (in armpit). They were so pronounced before, I hated wearing a bathing suit or anything sleeveless. I am looking forward to the healing process and just getting the change to wear comfortable clothes in the summer, not to mention on the beach in Cancun next fall!

I know it has only been about 24 hours, but I would say my left underarm still looks like it is bulging a little, while my right one does not. The left scar is "straigter and prettier" than the right side scar. I hope the left side will subside soon (it is also the side that hurts more) and I would hope/imagine they took everything out and also tightened the skin, and the lopsidedness is simply a function of swelling...Let's hope.

Regardless, If the bulges are gone from my underarm after swelling goes down, wow, will I be thrilled. By the way, this was covered by my BCBS plan in Minnesota. The only thing is that this highly regarded plastic surgeon has not done many of these types of surgeries (though he felt completely comfortable performing the procedure). I understand that the % of women with this congenital defect is very low. I have met a few women across the country who have varying levels of axillary breast tissue under the arms.

I would like to take after pictures and post them here. The surgery was so short (40 minutes each side) and I woke up in recovery just a little woozy. I am going to get the big bandage (strapped across my chest) off today.

So, AKK482, we must be on parallel paths. Looking at my underarms, the big bulge is gone, but there is a wide swath of skin that still seems a little bulging. I said to the doctor, is it going to be "flat" eventually when the swelling goes down, and his response was, "It IS flat!" I don't know. I wouldn't want to go through this again, but what if the swelling doesn't go down? Any advice from others would be appreciated.

Thanks, again, for this conversation!


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Avatar universal
So it's been 5 days since my surgery and I'm indifferent.  I can see a slight change (as I previously posted, my excess tissue was not as bad as many others that have posted by bad enough to make me extremely self conscience over the past 15 years).  My steristrips are just beginning to fall off, so I've only seen parts of the unsightly stitches and I'm eager to start scar therapy.  Well the reason I'm indifferent is while I've seen a small difference, it's no where near what I was hoping for!  I know I'm still swollen, but I can't imagine it's going to get all that much smaller.  I'm still a little sore, but most of the bruising is beginning to fade and I'm going on as normal for the most part.  I'm still not aloud to exercise, which for me is the worst part of this recovery as I'm usually at the gym 6-7 days a week.  For those of you who had the surgery, how long did it take for all the swelling to go down?  I have my follow up in a week and the last thing I want is to go under the knife again, but if this is close to the final results, well I may just be willing to!
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Avatar universal
I've had extra breasts since I was a little kid, it was so awful being a teenager and having those extra things hanging around!!  I had my surgery two months ago and I asked my surgeon about my two daughters both exhibiting "puffy" looking armpits like I had when I was a child and she said that neither she nor probably any reputable surgeon would do the operation until they were 18.  But I would definately get started on it now, it can be a long procedure of finding a doctor to take you seriously, getting insurance in order, etc. What a great birthday present it could be! I was hoping to spare my children as much as possible by getting it taken care of as soon as possible but I guess they will have to wait. (not that I wanted it now, they are only toddlers, but my heart aches for their teenage years anyway) Anyway, when I went in to see my surgeon she said she didn't think that insurance would cover it as it was a "cosmetic" procedure and she made me pay her portion upfront ($2000) and then the hospital would be another 1500 or so. I told her I was desperate to get it done so I paid up front but then my insurance paid it afterall! They ended up paying nearly $1800 of the surgery, so I was only out 200! Currently the hospital is fighting with my insurance because they billed 15000 instead of 1500, but I have been told that doesn't concern me and I am in no way responsible for that bill. Whew. However, between going to several surgeons, getting a mamogram and my deductible ($500) I'd say I've paid about $900, but I would have paid one million.
   What I've found is you just have to fight for yourself and your rights. If you have a supportive family member that is best to help you out. My stepmother always told me I was too fat (125 lbs!) and suggested I grow my hair long to cover it during swimsuit season. Not a single doctor took me seriously until I had my first child and they swelled up like softballs and started leaking milk. MORTIFYING. That was 4 years ago and I have been trying to get doctors to help me get where I need to go, but I finally had the surgery in April and it has CHANGED MY LIFE. Not to be overly dramatic, but really. The feeling of shame and embarrassment I have always had is gone. I have had two kids and honestly am in terrible shape, but I have a confidence and peace of mind like never before in my life. Yes, they scars are big and red and obvious, but worth it. They will fade away, and you can't see them under my clothes like you could my second set!  I just wish I had gotten them done when I was 18, but I had no idea what it was, and honestly just thought I was an ugly, fat freak and tried not to think about it. Ha!!  Good luck in your journey!
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1702402 tn?1312634612
Please send me email and photo or any information about breast tissue before and after surgery in my email: rix_cux***@**** Thank you before.
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1702402 tn?1312634612
I have breast tissue on the left and right armpit since age 25, now 35, is now bigger and pain.      Everyday, I fear for surgery, because I have no family support, so I tried to find information on the Internet, please for those who already surgery, I need some information and photographs before and after surgery. Help me,..   T___T"  .. thanks
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