Accessory breast, also known as "accessory mammary gland" or "excess breast tissue", refers to the presence of breast tissue in areas other than the breast. It is common in the armpits, but can also appear beside the sternum, abdomen, and even at the base of the thigh. This phenomenon originates from the partial remnants of the mammary ridge during embryonic development and has a unique physiological basis and genetic tendency. Although accessory breast is a benign change in most cases, it may cause aesthetic problems, physiological discomfort, and even pathological variations. Therefore, some patients will choose to undergo accessory breast removal surgery. This article aims to analyze the population that is suitable for accessory breast removal surgery in order to provide a reference for clinical practice.
1. Clinical manifestations and classification of accessory breast
Accessory breasts are divided into three categories according to their tissue composition:
Complete accessory breast : contains breast tissue, duct system and nipple, which can manifest as periodic swelling and pain, and even secretion of milk during breastfeeding;
Incomplete accessory breast : contains only part of the breast tissue, without nipple and areola structure;
Fatty accessory breast : It is fat accumulation in the armpits or other areas. Although it is not true breast tissue, it looks similar to accessory breast and is often mistaken for accessory breast.
Clinically, accessory breasts often present as distension and pain during menstruation, changes in volume, or abnormal fluid secretion during lactation . Some individuals may also experience tenderness or nodule formation. In severe cases, it may affect arm lifting and affect quality of life.
2. Suitable population for accessory breast removal surgery
Accessory breast removal surgery is not suitable for all individuals with accessory breasts. Based on clinical experience and aesthetic needs, the applicable population can be divided into the following categories:
1. Those who obviously affect the appearance
Axillary accessory breasts become visible when exposed in the summer, often causing individuals to have obvious body anxiety , especially when wearing sleeveless clothing. For those who care about their body shape and appearance, surgery has a strong psychological value.
2. Those with obvious periodic distension and pain
If the accessory breast tissue repeatedly swells and hurts during the menstrual cycle, especially if it is combined with premenstrual breast hyperplasia or fibroadenoma tendency , surgery can effectively relieve the discomfort.
3. Suspected pathological changes
Although accessory breast tissue is mostly benign, there is a possibility of breast fibroids, duct dilatation or cyst formation . If imaging examinations reveal suspected pathological nodules, further biopsy or surgical resection is required to confirm the diagnosis and rule out the possibility of breast disease.
4. Those who have lactation abnormalities during lactation
Some complete accessory breasts can secrete milk due to the action of breast hormones, forming nipple-like structures and secreting milk. Poor lactation may cause local inflammation, mastitis or breast abscess . For such patients, surgery is not only of therapeutic significance, but also has a preventive effect.
5. Those who have failed conservative treatment
If you have tried to relieve the discomfort by hot compresses, wearing appropriate underwear, taking oral medications to adjust your endocrine system, etc. but to no avail, or if there is a trend of increasing tissue volume year by year, it is recommended to take surgical measures to completely resolve the problem.
6. Those with genetic predisposition or multiple accessory breasts
If there is an obvious history of accessory breasts in the family, or the patient has bilateral or multiple accessory breasts, it indicates a hereditary tendency to abnormal breast development . Some individuals prefer preventive surgery to reduce the risk of subsequent complications.
3. Surgical methods and postoperative precautions
Accessory breast removal surgery is usually performed using local anesthesia or intravenous anesthesia. The incision is designed to be hidden along the axillary skin lines or the edge of the areola to reduce the appearance of postoperative scars. For fatty accessory breasts, liposuction can be used ; while for those with true breast tissue, the glands must be completely removed and tightly sutured to prevent postoperative axillary depression.
The following points should be paid attention to after surgery:
Keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection;
Wear an elastic bandage or shaping bra to reduce swelling;
Avoid strenuous exercise of the upper limb on the operated side to facilitate tissue healing;
④. If swelling, bleeding or signs of infection occur , seek medical attention promptly.
The necessity of preoperative evaluation
The following assessments should be completed preoperatively:
B-ultrasound, MRI and other imaging examinations : clarify the boundary and nature of accessory breast tissue;
Blood routine test and coagulation function test : to assess intraoperative risks;
Psychological assessment : Some patients have excessively high expectations for appearance, and their rationality needs to be assessed.
Especially for younger, unmarried and childless women, they should fully consider the breast development potential and future breastfeeding needs , and make a decision after fully communicating with their doctor.
5. Possible complications and risks
Although the surgery is generally safe, there are still a few risks of complications:
Scar hyperplasia : Individual differences may lead to scar formation in people with pigmentation or scar-prone constitution;
Axillary depression : may occur when more tissue is removed;
Lymphatic extravasation or hematoma : especially when blood vessels or axillary lymphatic system are damaged during surgery.
Therefore, the surgeon should have good anatomical identification skills and experience, and patients should choose regular medical institutions for treatment.
6. Consideration of psychological and social factors
In addition to medical factors, accessory breasts often affect an individual's social interaction, self-identity, and mental health , especially in socially sensitive groups (such as models, dancers, and white-collar women), who are more likely to develop anxiety and shame. Timely surgical intervention can not only improve the body, but also have a psychological healing effect.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
As a routine plastic surgery, accessory breast removal surgery is suitable for people who need to undergo a systematic evaluation and then be determined by professional physicians. Not all accessory breasts require surgical removal. If there is no impact on aesthetics or physiological function, regular follow-up observation can be performed. Although surgery is an effective solution, postoperative care, reasonable expectations and the standardization of medical institutions are equally important. It is recommended to fully communicate with the doctor before making a decision to avoid blindly pursuing "perfection" and ignoring the essence of health.