How to get rid of accessory breast tissue

Oct 10, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Dapeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, accessory breast tissue may develop due to congenital factors, improper clothing, obesity, hormonal changes, and other causes. Daily management can include regular observation, wearing properly fitted bras, weight control, and similar measures to improve the condition. If these methods are ineffective, treatments such as radiofrequency lipolysis, fractional laser therapy, liposuction, minimally invasive breast excision, or accessory breast removal surgery may be considered for elimination.

In general, accessory breast tissue may develop due to congenital factors, improper clothing, obesity, hormonal changes, and other causes. Daily improvements can be achieved through regular observation, selecting properly fitting bras, and maintaining a healthy weight. If these measures are ineffective, treatments such as radiofrequency lipolysis, fractional laser therapy, liposuction, minimally invasive breast rotary cutting surgery, or surgical excision of accessory breasts may be considered. It is recommended to seek treatment at a reputable medical facility under the guidance of a qualified physician.

Analysis of Causes of Accessory Breast Tissue:

1. Congenital Factors

Under normal circumstances, aside from the pair of mammary gland primordia in the chest that develop into breasts, all others should regress and disappear. If additional mammary primordia fail to fully regress, they may develop into accessory breasts, which often contain functional breast tissue. If congenital accessory breasts cause no obvious symptoms and do not interfere with daily life, they may not require immediate treatment and can simply be monitored regularly. However, if the accessory breast is large, affects appearance, or causes pain, hyperplasia, or shows potential for malignant transformation, surgical removal is recommended.

2. Improper Clothing

Wearing bras that are too tight, too small, or ill-fitting—especially those with narrow band sizes or undersized cups—can excessively compress fat in the chest and underarm area. This pressure may displace fat, causing it to accumulate under the arms and form accessory breasts. It is advisable to choose bras with good support and containment. The cup size should fully cover the breasts and provide sufficient space to accommodate breast fat without compression.

3. Obesity

When overall body fat is high, excess fat tends to accumulate in the armpit area, leading to the formation of accessory breasts. Obesity may also disrupt the endocrine system, altering hormone levels and further promoting abnormal fat deposition in areas like the underarms, making accessory breasts more prominent. Weight can be managed through balanced diet and regular exercise. Dietary adjustments include reducing intake of high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods such as fried foods, desserts, and sugary drinks, while increasing consumption of nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and fish. For physical activity, aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming.

4. Hormonal Changes

Women experience significant hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause. These changes not only cause enlargement of normal breast tissue but may also stimulate the growth of accessory breast tissue in the armpit area, making accessory breasts more noticeable. If accessory breasts persist after hormone levels stabilize and cause significant discomfort or cosmetic concerns, treatments such as fractional laser therapy or surgical excision may be considered.

Analysis of Treatments for Accessory Breast Removal:

Procedure Name

Radiofrequency Lipolysis

Fractional Laser Therapy

Liposuction

Minimally Invasive Breast Rotary Cutting Surgery

Surgical Excision of Accessory Breasts

Image Example

Principle

Uses high thermal energy applied to areas of fat accumulation in accessory breasts to dissolve fat and stimulate collagen regeneration

Utilizes photothermal effects to break down and destroy fat cells in accessory breasts

Removes excess subcutaneous fat from accessory breasts via vacuum suction

Under ultrasound guidance, uses a vacuum-assisted rotary cutting device to repeatedly cut and extract breast lesions

Surgically removes breast tissue, fat, and excess skin within the accessory breast to eliminate its visible appearance

Reference Price

1,000–6,000 RMB per session

3,000–6,000 RMB per session

5,000–30,000 RMB per session

5,000–8,000 RMB per session

5,000–15,000 RMB per session

Advantages

1. High safety profile
2. Targeted treatment

1. Minimal discomfort
2. Low bleeding risk

1. Highly targeted
2. Less likely to leave scars post-procedure

1. Minimally invasive
2. Preserves aesthetic appearance

1. Incisions are discreet
2. Mild postoperative pain

Potential Risks

1. Risk of local nerve damage
2. Possible hematoma formation

1. Risk of skin burns
2. Possible worsening of pigmentation

1. May cause skin irregularities (dimpling)
2. Possible pigmentation changes

1. May cause pain
2. Risk of hematoma

1. Scarring likely
2. Risk of infection

Duration of Results

6–10 years

2–3 years

5–7 years

3–5 years

10–15 years

As individual conditions vary, treatment outcomes may differ from person to person. Additionally, applying warm compresses to the accessory