How To Get Rid of Bra Roll Fat
With a new season comes change, and a unique pressure to look our best when the summer months roll around. We dress down to stay cool! So when we try on our wardrobe from last summer, we tend to notice those stubborn areas that we were hiding in the winter and spring. Weight gain, weight loss or hormonal changes, and the unwanted physical side effects that accompany these fluctuations, can have a huge impact on one’s self-image.
One of the most common areas of concern that we see during and leading up to bikini season is the dreaded bra roll or accessory breast tissue.
Accessory breast tissue is the fatty bulge in the armpit area that’s highlighted when wearing tighter, more revealing clothing items such as tank tops, sports bras or swimwear. The bulge consists of either glandular breast tissue or fatty tissue. There is the common misconception that exercise and diet can correct this concern, but the truth is that it is very difficult or near impossible in many cases. There is no way to get rid of the bulge on your own if it is breast tissue; and if it is fatty tissue, this is one of the most stubborn areas for weight loss. Axillary breast tissue typically requires the intervention of a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Michelle Lee.
There are both nonsurgical and surgical approaches for correcting this common concern. That said, each treatment plan at PERK plastic surgery is specially tailored to the client’s unique anatomy and goals to ensure that we achieve the most favorable result!
The non-surgical method best used for minor “bra rolls” is the Kybella injection. Kybella is specially formulated to burn small pockets of fatty tissue, and it is great for stubborn areas like the underarms and beneath the chin. Typically, 1 to 2 vials are administered per session, and multiple sessions are required for the full effect. Kybella is a simple and easy solution for those concerned about a small, yet noticeable pocket of fat.
Larger amounts of fat cannot be corrected with Kybella injections alone. We see many patients with a similar story: after trying several vials of Kybella with little to no effect, they are often disappointed by their result––especially after investing so much time and money into the treatment! The common conclusion is that their investment would have been more worthwhile if they opted for the more predictable method: surgical correction.
Surgical correction of accessory breast tissue may not be as fast and straightforward as the Kybella injection, but it is a much more predictable procedure with a higher satisfaction rate among our patients! The surgery is outpatient and is often performed under local anesthesia.
The removal technique is dependent on whether the excess tissue is glandular breast tissue or fatty tissue. Glandular tissue typically requires surgical excision combined with liposuction and involves a small scar that hides well in the natural folds of the armpit. On the other hand, fatty tissue alone can be removed via liposuction only (no scars!)
Most patients find the recovery from accessory breast tissue removal to be easier than expected. The initial recovery period is 1-2 weeks. However, at least 1 month of downtime is necessary before returning to vigorous exercise and physical activity. Limited arm movements are also required during this time. When liposuction is the only necessary removal method, the recovery can be as little as a few days!
The only way to know for sure which accessory breast tissue removal technique is right for you is to have a board-certified plastic surgeon, like our very own Dr. Michelle Lee, evaluate you. Call our office at (310) 400-6180 or email [email protected] to book your initial consultation today!
