| Procedure | Fullness in the axillae (=armpits) can be caused by excess breast tissue or fat. This can be reduced with excision of breast tissue and / or liposuction. I don’t use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which don’t 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 | Cosmetic, 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, Cosmetic 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 and serious risks are rare | |
| Risk factors | Smoking within 6 weeks of surgery, contraception and flights within 6 weeks of a general anaesthetic, overweight, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency, diabetes |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage, sun protection, 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
