Experts Reveal How to Banish the Bra Fat Bulge

Everything could be going well—makeup and hair done, getting ready to wear a new outfit you’re excited about and then all of a sudden the pit pooch appears. Many of us have fallen victim to the bra bulge regardless of weight or age, and it can take a toll on our confidence. “Armpit fat typically appears just in front of the armpit, right where the edge of your bra rests,” says Chapel Hill, NC dermatologist Sue Ellen Cox, MD. That fat can easily be exacerbated by a bra or other piece of tight clothing. There are a few reasons why armpit fat occurs, but luckily, there are also a few solutions.

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What causes fat to gather at the armpit?

“The etiology is genetics,” says West Orange, NJ plastic surgeon Mokhtar Asaadi, MD. “Some women are just born with more fat cells in the armpit and pre-pectoral area,” explains Duxbury, MA plastic surgeon Christine Hamori, MD, who notes it tends to become more evident as people age. “Armpit bulge, often called ‘bra fat,’ can be due to genetics, accessory breast tissue or simply how the skin and fat distribute in that area,” says Richmond, VA plastic surgeon Dr. Ruth Hillelson.

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Hormonal changes can also play a role, especially during menopause, says Dr. Cox. The hormonal shifts can also shift how and where the body stores fat, she explains. “Occasionally, women can have ectopic breast tissue located in the pre-pectoral area. It’s bothersome because it gets more prominent during the pre-menstrual period,” says Dr. Hamori.

Wait, is it really fat?

“It’s worth noting that what you perceive as ‘fat’ may be something else, such as accessory breast tissue (which is normal and not a cause for concern) or lax skin,” says Dr. Cox. “Both of which can become more noticeable with age,” she adds. It’s important to have a consultation where an expert can pinpoint exactly what is going on, so they know how to best treat it.

The in-office solutions for armpit fat

“Despite the cause, the area pouches out of tank tops and makes women very self-conscious,” notes Dr. Hamori. If the pit pooch is bothersome to you, there are a variety of potential solutions to choose from. “While good posture, supportive bras and exercise can help, more stubborn pockets often respond best to treatments,” says Dr. Hillelson. Most of the experts recommended CoolSculpting, Kybella or liposuction. Dr. Hamori turns to “CoolSculpting or Kybella to melt the fat if fatty excess is the cause of the bulge or surgical reduction with liposuction and sometimes direct excision of skin and breast tissue if necessary.” Dr. Hillelson notes that skin-tightening devices such as Thermage, Evolve or Morpheus8 can then further refine the contour.  

Ultimately, “Like other fat collections in the rest of the body, the most effective treatment is liposuction,” says Dr. Asaadi. “Axillary fat usually needs to be treated with liposuction and/or a vertical breast lift that pulls the axillary skin medially,” says Dr. Hamori, who notes her patients love the results of this approach. “Each option differs in terms of precision, cost, downtime and how many sessions may be needed,” says Dr. Cox. “A consultation is key to determine which approach is the best fit for your goals and anatomy.”