No. Confirmed accessory breast tissue may not need treatment if it is not causing problems. If you have discomfort, rubbing or concerns about its appearance, your surgeon can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of removal. A new or changing armpit lump should be assessed rather than assumed to be accessory tissue.
Treatments - Cosmetic
Accessory Breast Tissue Removal in Birmingham
Accessory breast tissue removal treats extra breast tissue outside the usual breast area, often in the armpit (axilla). At Birmingham Breast Group, we assess the cause of the swelling and discuss whether surgery could help with discomfort, clothing fit or concerns about appearance. Your treatment plan will depend on your symptoms, examination and goals.
At a Glance
Treatment time:
1 hour
Anaesthetic:
Local Anaesthetic with Sedation
Return to work:
1 week
Duration:
Long Term Results
Final results:
Improved physical appearance
What is accessory or axillary breast tissue?
Accessory breast tissue is additional breast tissue outside the usual breast area. It is most commonly noticed in the armpit, where it may form a soft bulge. It may occur with or without an extra nipple. An examination is needed to distinguish it from other causes of armpit swelling.
What causes accessory breast tissue?
Accessory breast tissue is a developmental variation present from birth, although it may not become noticeable until later. Hormonal changes during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or breastfeeding can cause it to swell or become tender. It can occur in both women and men.
Is an armpit lump always accessory breast tissue?
No. A lump or swelling in the armpit can have several causes, so it should be assessed before considering cosmetic treatment. See a GP if you notice a new lump in your breast or armpit, or another unusual breast change. You can read more about a lump in the armpit and the NHS advice on breast lumps.
When might accessory breast tissue removal help?
Removal may be considered when confirmed accessory tissue causes persistent discomfort, rubbing from clothing, difficulty with bra fit or concerns about appearance. Surgery is not always needed. Your surgeon will discuss whether the likely benefits justify the risks in your circumstances.
Your assessment before surgery
At your consultation, your surgeon will review your symptoms and medical history and examine the area. Imaging or further tests may be recommended if needed to clarify the diagnosis. You can discuss the changes you would like, the likely scar, recovery and the limits of what surgery can achieve.
How is accessory breast tissue removed?
Excision involves making an incision and removing the extra tissue. The technique and incision position depend on the size, location and type of tissue, and whether excess skin also needs to be removed. The wound is then closed with stitches and covered with a dressing.
Our treatment summary lists local anaesthetic with sedation and an indicative operating time of one hour. The anaesthetic and duration will be confirmed for your individual procedure; some cases may require general anaesthesia.
Recovery after accessory breast tissue removal
Swelling, bruising and discomfort can occur after surgery. Our indicative return-to-work time is around one week, but recovery depends on the extent of surgery and your job. Physical work may require longer. Your surgical team will explain wound care, pain relief, follow-up and when you can resume driving, lifting and exercise.
Scars, results and surgical risks
Surgery aims to reduce excess tissue and improve comfort or contour, but results vary. Incisions leave scars, which may become less noticeable over time but will not disappear completely. Risks include infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, altered sensation, asymmetry and an uneven contour. Your surgeon will discuss these risks and realistic expectations before you decide.
Book a consultation in Birmingham
Meet our breast care team and view our Birmingham hospital locations. A consultation gives you the opportunity to confirm the cause of the swelling and discuss your options. Book an accessory breast tissue consultation.
Planning your accessory breast tissue removal appointment
For location details and travel information, visit our pages for The Priory Hospital in Edgbaston and Spire Parkway Hospital in Solihull. When booking, our team can confirm the appropriate hospital for your consultation and treatment.
Accessory breast tissue removal: frequently asked questions
The best approach depends on whether the bulge contains fat, glandular breast tissue or excess skin. Liposuction may address fatty tissue, while glandular tissue or loose skin may require excision. Your surgeon will assess the area and explain which options are appropriate and available for you.
Excision leaves a scar. Its position and length depend on how much tissue and skin need to be removed. Scars usually fade over time, but they do not disappear and may remain raised or noticeable. Ask your surgeon where the incision would be and what scar care they recommend.
BBG gives around one week as an indicative return-to-work time. You may need longer if surgery is more extensive or your work involves lifting or repeated arm movements. Follow your surgical team’s advice on exercise and driving rather than relying on a fixed timetable.
Risks include infection, bleeding, a collection of fluid, scarring, changes in sensation and an uneven or asymmetrical result. Some symptoms or cosmetic concerns may persist. Your surgeon will explain your individual risks and follow-up plan, including whom to contact if you have concerns while healing.
How much does accessory breast tissue removal cost in Birmingham?
The cost depends on your individual treatment plan. Contact Birmingham Breast Group for the current consultation fee and to discuss an assessment. Ask for a written quote that explains the procedure, anaesthetic, hospital fees and follow-up included in your care.
Initial consultation
please enquire
All consultations are conducted in strict privacy and all information is confidential.
Surgery costs from
based on consultation
Each procedure has its own personalised treatment plan that is meticulously tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
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Our Specialist Team
Meet the dedicated professionals at Birmingham Breast Group – committed to excellence, compassion, and personalised care for every patient.
BSc, MBBS, MSc, MRCS (Ed), FRCS (Eng), MD, FEBS
Naren Basu
Lead Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
BSc, BM, MRCP, FRCR, MD
Daniel Henderson
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
MBChB, PhD, FRCS (Eng)
Ms Salena Bains
Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
Consultant Clinical oncologist
Dr James Good
PhD, FRCR
BSc, PhD, FRCP
Professor Daniel Rea
Professor of Medical Oncology
MRCP, FRCR
Dr Sara Meade
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
BSc, MBBS, MRCS, FRCR
Dr Faisal Majid
Consultant Radiologist
MSc, PhD, FRCPath
Dr Abeer Shaaban
Path Consultant Pathologist
Bsc, MBBS, MD (Pathology) FRCPath
Dr Rachna Awasthi
Path Consultant Pathologist
Dawn Larkin
Breast Care Specialist Nurse
Ruth Tracey
Macmillan Breast Health Care Assistant
Qualifications Here
Gill Farrington
Breast Care Specialist Nurse
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
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