Similar to unsightly fat that may protrude over pants, fat that bulges next to the armpit can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. These stubborn pockets of armpit fat, medically known as axillary fat, can often be resistant to diet and exercise and occur in individuals with an otherwise healthy body weight and proportional breast size. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can reduce these small “pooches” to achieve tauter contours in the area. Below, our board-certified Atlanta plastic surgeon, Thomas Lintner, MD, highlights several surgical and non-surgical options to consider to effectively get rid of armpit bulges.
Surgical Options for Armpit Fat
It is quite common for excess fat, tissue, and skin to accumulate in the body even with rigorous amounts of exercise. However, cosmetic surgery performed by an expertly trained and experienced plastic surgeon can alter fat and tissue for an improved appearance with long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) is designed to eliminate loose, excess skin and elevate the breasts to a more youthful position. As the fourth most performed procedure in 20231, a breast lift can provide versatile results—including addressing armpit fat. During the procedure, your surgeon can tighten the skin, fat, and tissue on the side of the breast for a more defined, rejuvenated look that complements the newly lifted breast profile.
Liposuction
To achieve a slimmer appearance in the armpit area—and virtually any other area of the body—liposuction utilizes a small cannula inserted through short, thin incisions to suction away unwanted deposits of fat. By breaking up and removing stubborn underarm fat, liposuction can help you achieve a more toned, defined underarm appearance.
Non-Surgical Options for Armpit Fat
For individuals that prefer less invasive treatment without anesthesia or incisions, there are several non-surgical procedures that can be performed—generally over multiple sessions—to tighten and smooth the underarm area.
Exilis™ Laser
For body contouring and skin tightening, the Exilis™ laser technique can target small areas of excess fat and inelastic skin with a virtually painless procedure. Utilizing electrical currents and radiofrequency (RF) waves, Exilis™ liquifies and shrinks fat cells while also promoting new collagen development deep in the skin to improve tone and firmness.
BodyTite by InMode
A minimally invasive alternative to surgery that can provide exceptional results is BodyTite by InMode, which involves inserting a cannula under the skin to gently heat and melt the fat inside while tightening the skin on top using innovative RF technology.
For more information about the various treatments that can help to address armpit fat, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lintner, please contact us today.
1The Aesthetic Society in collaboration with CosmetAssure: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Stats 2023