Can accessory breast surgery be performed too? We’ll explain everything from the causes to the surgery

Hello.

This is Moms Surgery and Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Today, we’ll take some time to talk about accessory breast tissue, which many people are curious about.

After pregnancy and childbirth, women often say,

“I have three breasts now!”

Usually, after giving birth, they have a really hard time with engorgement.

But when the breasts swell a lot, I think the word they often hear is “accessory breast.”

When accessory breast tissue overlaps with engorgement, the armpit area can become so enlarged that it becomes difficult to manage.

So even if they visit the clinic, it can be painful, and the appearance can be especially unpleasant.

Of course, as time passes and engorgement subsides, the symptoms do improve, but if there are hormonal cycles, a connection to the lymph nodes, or fatigue, some pain may recur.

However, by then it does not swell as much as before, so many people simply leave it alone.

Then, is it okay to leave accessory breast tissue as it is? Or is surgery needed?

Today, let’s answer these questions about accessory breast tissue.

How large can accessory breast tissue grow?

Some people can feel only a small lump, while others have something that looks like a real third breast, even appearing as if it has a nipple.

Especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, when female hormones rise sharply, accessory breast tissue can swell as well, which makes the pain worse.

About 70% or more of women have traces of accessory breast tissue, and about 10% to 15% of them have tissue that is developed enough to actually be called accessory breast tissue.

Why does accessory breast tissue form?

When our body is still an embryo, a milk line extends continuously from the armpits to the groin.

Normally, only the two breasts remain, and the rest should regress, but if some part remains and develops, that becomes accessory breast tissue.

Simply put,

it is the trace of a mammary gland that did not stop developing.

Are there people who undergo accessory breast surgery?

There are more than you might think.

Some people have surgery for cosmetic reasons or to treat pain.

Does it always need to be removed?

Accessory breast surgery is recommended in the following cases.

When the accessory breast tissue contains a large amount of glandular tissue or is large in size When the person wants it removed for cosmetic reasons

And if the accessory breast tissue is small, it is better to have surgery early.

In fact, when it is small, the armpit skin is a particularly thin area that rubs easily, so it tends to sag over time.

In such cases, it is best to organize it with surgery early on.

Is accessory breast surgery painful?

Because the armpit area is sensitive, there is some mild burning pain right after surgery.

But it is manageable with painkillers, so it should be fine if you take them.

These days, it is not just simple liposuction; rather, the procedure is done in a way that organizes whether the glandular tissue in the fatty area will also be treated.

If it is classified as the fatty type, treatment is simpler and complications are reduced.

If it is diagnosed as the glandular type, the surgery can be performed more neatly, so treatment has become more precise.

How long does accessory breast surgery take?

Accessory breast surgery is performed under sedation anesthesia, and the incision line is about 1 cm.

The procedure takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, and you can return to daily life after being discharged.

Some people think they need to stay in the hospital for several days, but that is not necessary for this surgery.

Does accessory breast surgery affect the breasts?

This is a concern many people have, but because it is a completely separate, independent structure, it does not affect the original breasts.

Having accessory breast surgery does not affect the main breasts or breastfeeding function.

In fact, many people find that lymphatic circulation improves, so the arms swell less and the breast line becomes neater.

Because it is something that only women have, and something women have to go through, these are issues that are hard to talk about openly, so many people worry about them quietly.

I hope today’s post was helpful for those who are worried about accessory breast tissue.

Thank you.