| AXR | Axillary Reduction Surgery |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Fullness in the axillae (=armpits) can be caused by excess breast tissue or fat ("bra fat", "boob fat"). This can be reduced with excision of breast tissue and / or liposuction ("armpit reduction" or "axillary reduction"). I do not use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which do not require removal and dissolve within four months. Compressive padding for a few days is recommended. |
| Scars | Excision: 5-10 cm, Liposuction: 5 mm. Mainly within the axilla |
| Operation time | 1.5 hours |
| Anaesthesia | Local > (General) |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological, Functional, Symptomatic |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Skin cones, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis, Fat cysts, Pain, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness, Paralysis), Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Remaining stretch marks, Recurrent redundancy / prominence, Aesthetic imperfections (higher risk after subsequent pregnancies / weight changes), Seroma, Lymphocele, Lymphoedema, Reduced shoulder mobility, Pneumothorax, Contour irregularities, Need for further surgery, Liposuction: Friction / thermal burns, Allergic reaction. N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Alcohol, Breastfeeding over last 6 months, Poor tissue quality can cause recurrent laxity, Asymmetry cannot be entirely corrected, Too early or excessive mobilisation, Wound interference without surgeon's agreement; Contraindications which preclude surgery unless discussed otherwise in the consultation: Smoking / vaping / nicotine / recreational inhalations within 6 weeks before and after surgery, Contraception with estrogens or HRT tablets (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel over 2 hours within 6 weeks before and after surgery (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel under 2 hours within 2 weeks before and after surgery, Overweight (Body Mass Index = BMI of 27 and over), Recent weight changes over 6kg, Pregnancy (if under general anaesthetic), Raised blood pressure (if poorly controlled), Bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), Diabetes or immunosuppression (if poorly controlled) |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, sufficient sleep, scar massage, sun protection, silicone sheets / gel, local compression |
| Discomfort | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 1 week, Driving 2 weeks, Physical work & sports 6 weeks, Unrestricted 3 months |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 -18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Covering with clothes, Weight loss |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
