Accessory breast tissue (also called axillary breast or "aksesuar meme") refers to the fullness or bulging at the underarm/lateral chest area — visible particularly in fitted clothing and swimwear. It can be fat-dominant (responds well to liposuction alone) or contain ectopic glandular breast tissue (may need additional excision). Performed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erdal at JCI-accredited hospital. All-inclusive packages from €1,800 for liposuction-only treatment, €2,500 when combined with breast surgery.
Accessory breast tissue (Turkish: aksesuar meme; medical: ectopic axillary breast tissue or polymastia) is breast tissue that develops outside the normal breast boundaries — most commonly extending into the armpit area (axilla). It's present from birth as a remnant of embryological development along the "milk line", but typically becomes noticeable during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight gain, or hormonal fluctuations.
The condition is more common than most people realise — affecting an estimated 2–6% of women. Many cases are mild and unrecognised; significant cases create visible underarm bulging that affects clothing fit, causes self-consciousness in swimwear, and sometimes causes physical discomfort during arm movement.
The treatment plan depends on the proportions of each component. Pure fat → liposuction alone. Predominant gland → excision required. Mixed pattern (most common) → combined approach. Significant skin laxity → may need axillaplasty (skin excision).
| Tissue composition | Recommended treatment |
|---|---|
| Fat-dominant (soft, diffuse tissue, no firm gland) | Liposuction alone — VASER preferred for skin tightening |
| Mixed (some fat + minor gland) | Liposuction + targeted gland excision through tiny incision |
| Gland-dominant (firm, disc-like tissue palpable) | Direct surgical excision (lipo alone insufficient) |
| Mixed + skin laxity | Liposuction + excision + skin tightening or axillaplasty |
Physical examination is required for definitive assessment. Photos sent via WhatsApp typically allow preliminary evaluation, but firm gland identification requires palpation — confirmed at the in-person consultation the day before surgery. The proportion of fat vs gland substantially affects: operative time, pricing, recovery duration, and final result expectations.
Axillary fat is often fibrous (denser than abdominal or thigh fat) — similar to chest fat in male gynecomastia. Traditional liposuction can struggle with fibrous tissue, leaving incomplete extraction or contour irregularities. VASER ultrasound emulsification handles fibrous fat efficiently, enabling complete extraction with smooth contouring. For accessory breast specifically, VASER is the appropriate primary technique despite costing slightly more.
General anaesthesia at JCI hospital with board-certified anaesthetist. Operative time 45–90 minutes for standalone bilateral accessory breast lipo, longer when combined with breast surgery. Often combined into the same anaesthesia session as breast augmentation, lift, or reduction — single recovery, single travel period.
1–2 small (3–4mm) incisions per side, hidden in the natural axillary fold and the lateral inframammary crease. Both incisions invisible in normal posture. For cases requiring gland excision, an additional incision may be made within the existing axillary crease for direct access.
Tumescent solution infiltration. VASER ultrasound emulsification of fibrous accessory tissue. Fine cannulas extract fat with attention to: complete removal of accessory tissue (incomplete removal allows recurrence appearance), preservation of lymphatic structures (the axilla contains important lymph nodes — careful surgical anatomy required), and smooth contour transition to lateral breast and upper arm.
Specialised axillary compression — combination of compression vest plus targeted underarm pads — worn continuously for 3 weeks, then 12 hours daily for an additional 2 weeks. Total duration 4–5 weeks. Lighter compression than body areas because of axillary mobility requirements.
Accessory breast tissue is anatomically continuous with normal breast tissue — they are biologically the same tissue type. Patients undergoing breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), or breast reduction often have accessory breast tissue as well. Treating both in the same session produces substantially better aesthetic results than addressing breast alone.
Many premium plastic surgeons now consider axillary liposuction a standard adjunct to breast procedures rather than a separate add-on — included as part of comprehensive breast contouring. Discuss this specifically during consultation if considering breast surgery.
Mild discomfort (3–4 out of 10). Limited overhead arm movement. Compression continuous. Sleep with arms slightly elevated.
Most patients cleared to fly home. Walking and light activities comfortable. Avoid heavy lifting and overhead arm work.
Most desk workers return to work. Compression continuous wear. Bruising substantially resolved.
Most swelling resolved. Compression transitions to night-only wear. Visible contour transformation clearly emerging. Clothing fit improvement noticeable.
Compression discontinued. Return to full activity. Final contour substantially settled.
Final contour with skin tightening (VASER) at maximum visibility. The transformation in fitted clothing and swimwear is most appreciated at this stage.
Pricing for accessory breast liposuction with Dr. Erdal in 2026 — all-inclusive packages (surgery, JCI hospital, anaesthesia, hotel at Antwell Suites, transfers, compression, 12-month follow-up):
| Procedure | Cost (all-inclusive) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Axillary liposuction (fat-only) | €1,800 – €2,500 | Pseudogyno-equivalent in axillary location |
| VASER axillary lipo | €2,200 – €2,800 | Preferred for fibrous accessory tissue |
| Lipo + minimal gland excision | €2,500 – €3,200 | Mixed pattern (most common) |
| Full accessory breast excision | €2,800 – €3,800 | For dense glandular tissue |
| Accessory breast + breast augmentation | €4,500 – €6,500 | Common combination |
| Accessory breast + breast lift (mastopexy) | €5,000 – €7,000 | Comprehensive upper body |
| Accessory breast + breast reduction | €5,500 – €7,500 | Often interconnected fat distribution |
Comparison for primary accessory breast liposuction procedures in 2026:
| Country | Domestic price | Istanbul (Dr. Erdal) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £3,500 – £5,500 | £1,530 – £2,400 | ~55% |
| United States | $4,000 – $7,500 | $2,000 – $3,100 | ~60% |
| Germany | €3,500 – €6,000 | €1,800 – €2,800 | ~55% |
| Australia | A$5,500 – A$9,500 | A$3,000 – A$4,800 | ~55% |
| UAE / Dubai | $4,500 – $8,000 | $2,000 – $3,100 | ~60% |
Domestic prices typically exclude hospital and anaesthesia. Istanbul all-inclusive.
Accessory breast liposuction with Dr. Erdal in Istanbul costs €1,800–€2,500 for fat-only treatment, €2,200–€2,800 for VASER axillary lipo (preferred for fibrous tissue), €2,500–€3,200 for liposuction with minimal gland excision, €2,800–€3,800 for full accessory breast excision when significant glandular tissue present. Combined with breast augmentation: €4,500–€6,500. Combined with breast lift: €5,000–€7,000. Combined with breast reduction: €5,500–€7,500. The all-inclusive package covers surgery, JCI hospital, anaesthesia, hotel, transfers, compression, and 12-month follow-up.
Accessory breast tissue itself is not dangerous, but it is true breast tissue and can theoretically develop the same conditions as normal breast tissue — including breast cancer (rare, but documented in literature), benign breast lumps, and cyclic hormonal sensitivity. Most patients seek treatment for cosmetic reasons rather than medical concerns. Routine breast cancer screening should include the axillary region in patients with significant accessory breast tissue. Discuss with your gynaecologist about screening protocols.
Fat removed via liposuction is permanently gone — those fat cells cannot regenerate. Glandular tissue properly excised does not regrow. However, if treatment is incomplete (some glandular tissue remains), the remaining tissue can grow and appear to "recur" — particularly with hormonal changes (pregnancy, weight gain). Complete proper treatment by experienced surgeons addresses both fat and glandular components for permanent results. Recurrence rate with adequate primary treatment is under 5%.
Anatomical distinction: accessory breast tissue is true breast tissue (responds to hormones, can develop breast pathology), located in the axillary tail of the breast (anatomical extension into armpit). Regular underarm fat is just adipose tissue, located more posteriorly along the lateral chest wall. Both can coexist. Physical examination determines which type predominates. Treatment differs: regular fat responds completely to liposuction; accessory breast tissue may need glandular excision in addition to liposuction.
Yes, but rare. When present in men, it usually represents an extension of gynecomastia tissue into the axilla. Treatment principles are similar to female accessory breast: liposuction for fat-dominant cases, excision for gland-dominant cases. Often treated as part of comprehensive male chest contouring. See gynecomastia liposuction page or dedicated gynecomastiaistanbul.com practice site for male chest treatment.
No — scars are minimal and well-concealed. Liposuction-only: 1–2 small (3–4mm) incisions in natural armpit creases, fade to invisibility by 6–12 months. Excision cases: small curved incision within axillary crease, also fades to near-invisibility. Most patients cannot see scars even when arms are raised at 6–12 months post-op. The axilla heals particularly well due to the multiple natural skin folds that hide healing scars.
If you're planning breast augmentation, lift, or reduction, mention accessory breast concerns at consultation — addressing it in the same session is straightforward and produces substantially better aesthetic results. Adding accessory breast liposuction to existing breast surgery typically adds €600–€1,200 to total cost (vs €1,800–€2,800 if done as separate later procedure). The combined approach is recommended whenever both concerns coexist.
Send photos showing arms raised. Confidential personal assessment from Dr. Erdal.
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