Accessory breast removal surgery is a surgical procedure that removes abnormal breast tissue in a woman's body. It is usually done to remove accessory breast tissue, which is excess breast tissue outside the mammary gland. Accessory breast is a common physiological phenomenon, usually manifested in the upper part of the breast, armpits, chest and even abdominal area. Although accessory breast is usually benign, in some cases, accessory breast tissue may cause discomfort, affect appearance, or cause swelling and pain during pregnancy and breastfeeding, leading women to choose to undergo removal surgery.
1. The concept and causes of accessory breasts
Accessory breast is a type of atypical breast tissue. It is usually located in the peripheral area of the breast, but may also appear in other parts of the body, such as the armpits, chest, abdomen, and even the inner thighs. The formation of accessory breast is related to the abnormal development of breast tissue during embryonic development. During the development of the human embryo, the mammary system will develop multiple mammary clefts on both sides of the body surface. As the development progresses, the mammary clefts generally degenerate, leaving only the primary mammary gland. However, in some cases, the degeneration process is incomplete, leading to the formation of accessory breasts.
Accessory breasts are asymptomatic in most cases. They vary in size and location and usually become more noticeable during puberty or pregnancy. Some women may experience discomfort during pregnancy or breastfeeding, such as swelling, pain, or tenderness.
2. Clinical manifestations of accessory breast
The main clinical manifestation of accessory breast is a lump outside the breast, usually located in the axillary area, but it may also appear in other parts of the chest, such as the pre-chest area or abdomen. Accessory breasts may be unilateral or bilateral. For many women, accessory breasts do not cause obvious clinical symptoms. However, in the following situations, accessory breasts may be noticed:
Pregnancy and lactation : During pregnancy and lactation, the hormone levels in women's bodies change. The accessory breast tissue may swell, soften, or become painful due to hormonal stimulation. These changes may cause discomfort in the accessory breast area and even affect daily activities.
Infection or inflammation : Accessory breast tissue, like normal breast tissue, has the potential to be infected by bacteria. If inflammation or infection occurs in the accessory breast area, it may cause redness, swelling, heat and tenderness, and requires prompt treatment.
Appearance concerns : Accessory breast tissue may affect the appearance of the breasts, especially when wearing certain clothing. Accessory breast tissue may cause uneven chest contours, affecting self-confidence and aesthetics.
3. Indications for accessory breast removal surgery
Accessory breast removal surgery is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue. Although accessory breasts are harmless in most cases, it is a reasonable option in the following situations:
Causes discomfort or pain : As mentioned earlier, accessory breasts may become swollen, painful, or tender during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other physiological conditions. If the symptoms of accessory breasts seriously affect daily life, removal surgery can relieve the discomfort.
Appearance concerns : For women whose breasts are uneven or unsightly due to accessory breasts, accessory breast removal surgery can restore the symmetry and beauty of the breasts.
Recurrent infection or inflammation : If the accessory breast area is repeatedly infected or inflamed and the symptoms are not effectively relieved after drug treatment, surgical removal of the accessory breast will be a more effective treatment method.
Patients' psychological distress about accessory breasts : Even if accessory breasts do not cause any physiological problems, some women may feel inferior or anxious due to the presence of accessory breasts, which may affect their mental health. In this case, accessory breast removal surgery can help improve patients' quality of life and self-confidence.
4. The specific process of accessory breast removal surgery
Mastectomy is usually a simple surgical procedure, usually performed under local anesthesia, although some patients may require general anesthesia. The specific steps of the surgery include:
Evaluation and diagnosis : Before deciding whether to perform accessory breast removal surgery, your doctor will first evaluate the accessory breast and may perform imaging tests, such as ultrasound or mammography, to ensure that the nature of the accessory breast tissue is benign.
Surgical removal : During the operation, the doctor will choose the appropriate incision based on the location and size of the accessory breast. Usually a small incision is made in the accessory breast area. Then, the excess breast tissue and surrounding fat tissue are removed. The operation is relatively fast and is usually completed within one to two hours.
Postoperative recovery : After the operation, the patient needs to rest and avoid strenuous activities. There may be some swelling and bruising at the surgical incision. The doctor will recommend that the patient wear appropriate compression clothing to reduce swelling and promote recovery. Postoperative care is very important and usually takes several days to a week to recover.
Results after removal : Most patients recover well after surgery, the accessory breast is completely removed, and the breast appearance returns to its natural symmetry. In rare cases, the accessory breast may recur, especially if it is not completely removed.
5. Risks and complications of accessory breast removal surgery
Although mastectomy is generally safe, any surgical procedure carries risks. The following complications may occur after mastectomy:
Infection : Local infection may occur after surgery, causing symptoms such as swelling, redness, and heat. The infection can usually be controlled by antibiotic treatment.
Bleeding : Bleeding during or after surgery is rare, but it is still a complication that requires vigilance. If the amount of bleeding is too heavy, a second surgery may be required to stop the bleeding.
Scarring : Surgical incisions leave scars. Although in most cases the scarring is mild, some patients may experience hypertrophic scarring, which affects their appearance.
Nerve damage : The surgery may affect the surrounding nerve tissue, causing temporary or permanent symptoms such as numbness and tingling.
6. Postoperative Care and Recovery
After accessory breast removal surgery, patients need to take appropriate care according to the doctor's instructions:
Wearing compression garments : Wearing compression garments can help reduce post-operative swelling and support breast recovery.
Avoid strenuous exercise : You should avoid strenuous exercise or activities after surgery, especially those that affect your breasts, until your doctor gives you the OK to resume normal activities.
Regular follow-up : Postoperative follow-up is very important and is usually performed in the days and weeks after surgery to ensure that the incision is healing well and to eliminate the risk of complications.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Accessory breast removal surgery is an effective and common treatment method used to remove discomfort, pain or appearance problems caused by accessory breast tissue. The operation is usually simple, but you still need to pay attention to postoperative care and regular check-ups. Understanding the physiological mechanism of accessory breasts, identifying its symptoms early, and making appropriate treatment decisions under the guidance of a professional doctor will help improve your quality of life and maintain physical and mental health. If you have accessory breast problems or related concerns, it is recommended to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.