What Is Involved in Armpit Liposuction?

Armpit liposuction removes fat deposits from under the arm. There are several methods to liposuction, some involving the use of lasers, ultrasound or injected solutions. Bulges in the armpit may include excess skin and breast tissue, which may need to be removed separately, in addition to liposuction.

Both men and women can get fat deposits under the arm. Dieting may help reduce the bulge, but it is impossible to target fat loss to any specific area of the body. Armpit liposuction and other cosmetic surgery can easily remove these unsightly lumps. Liposuction is typically best for those who are at or near their ideal weight. Loose skin in the area can sometimes be loosened further, requiring surgery to remove it.

Tumescent liposuction is a good option for armpit liposuction, and does not require general anesthesia or sedation. It involves the injection of a combination of saline, the local anesthetic lidocaine and adrenaline in the form of a drug called epinephrine, which constricts the blood vessels. Once the solution has been injected and given time to take effect, a small hole is made in the skin through which a small tube is passed. Suction is then used to remove the fat. The small holes do not require stitches and usually do not leave scars.

Vaser-ultrasonic liposuction is another type that does not require general anesthesia or sedation. This method uses the same injected solution as the tumescent method. Instead of just vacuuming out the fat, a probe with high-frequency ultrasound is used to break up the fat cells. The cells mix with the injected fluid, and then a small tube is placed and suction applied. The vaser-ultrasonic method is good for small areas, including the armpit.

A third type is laser liposuction. Local anesthetic is used, and a small tube fitted with a laser is inserted into the armpit bulge through a small incision. The laser melts the fat, which is then drained through small incisions or suctioned away. This method can allow tightening of the skin, which is beneficial for older patients.

Another type of armpit liposuction used is done to treat excessive sweating, removing some of the sweat glands instead of targeting fat. The availability of sweat is reduced, alleviating symptoms. Other types of liposuction are available, and usually a consultation with a plastic surgeon is the best way to find out about the newest methods. Patients preferring a certain method should search for doctors in their area that specialize in that method.