How to Get Rid of Armpit Fat

Getting rid of armpit fat

Many women and some men struggle with the appearance of their excess fat underneath the armpit, which can push out over the side of the bra and can be visible in tank tops.

Armpit fat is localised fat and is often very stubborn and difficult to reduce with exercise and diet alone, which is why many wonder how it is possible to get rid of armpit fat.

Getting rid of armpit fat with a healthy lifestyle

It is possible to get rid of the armpit bulge through healthy lifestyle changes and overall weight loss as you will reduce overall fat storage across the body. However, it is not possible to target excess fat from the armpit and bra area only in a targeted manner.

In addition to healthy lifestyle changes there are treatments that can help reduce and get rid of armpit fat. There are surgical, non-surgical and non-invasive treatments, each with their own benefits, price point and risks.

Fat reduction treatments for the armpit area

Surgical body sculpting on armpit fat

The most expensive and invasive method to reduce stubborn fat in the armpit and bra bulge area is surgery, specifically liposuction.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that should be performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. It involves making small incisions through which a cannula (a thin tube) is inserted to suction out the fat in the armpit.

This type of treatment will likely costs upwards of £5,000. As with all surgery, armpit liposuction (axillary liposuction) requires a long recovery time period and comes with significant risks including reactions to the anaesthesia and risk of infection.

Results from liposuction are most significant and it can benefit patients greatly. However, results can also be uneven and you may not get the natural results you are looking for.

Non-surgical armpit fat treatments

There are a large range of fat reduction treatments on the market. However, not all non-surgical treatments are safe and permitted for use to get rid of armpit fat.

Fat dissolving injections

The invasive but non-surgical fat reduction treatment that in some cases may be allowed on armpit fat is the fat dissolving injection. However, some brands have stated that their product should not be used on this area, so it is important to note that not all aestheticians offering these injections will be able to provide armpit fat reduction treatments.

With fat dissolving injections a liquid is injected into the adipose tissue in the armpit with the aim to reduce fat storage and break down fat cells. Due to risk factors, questions around efficacy and risk of significant swelling and downtime following treatment we do not offer this treatment.

Ultrasound cavitation and radiofrequency (RF)

A non-invasive treatment sometimes used to treat the armpit fat area is ultrasound cavitation and radiofrequency. This treatment combination is effective for fat loss in a number of areas on the body.

Although we do offer ultrasound cavitation and radiofrequency courses, we do not generally advice this treatment for the armpit and bra bulge area.

Fat freezing armpit fat

Our recommendation, and our answer to the question how to get rid of armpit fat is fat freezing. With our specialist applicators we can target underarm fat safely and effectively.

With fat freezing treatment a portion of the fat cells that make up the armpit fat are permanently destroyed. Once the fat cells are gone the body does not create new fat cells unless you gain significant weight.

Due to the effectiveness of fat freezing you likely only need 1 to 2 treatments (in comparison to other fat reduction treatments) and the majority of results will show within 6 weeks following treatment.

1 treatment with 2 applicators for armpit fat reduction £175.-

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What causes armpit fat to enlarge

The accumulation of fat in the armpit area can be influenced by a combination of factors, and it's essential to recognise that individual body composition varies.

There are a range of factors that could contribute to the development or increasement of fat in the armpit.

Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in determining the distribution of body fat. If your parents or family members tend to store fat in the armpit area, you may be genetically predisposed to do the same.

Body composition

Those with a higher percentage of body fat may notice increased fat deposits in various areas, including the armpits. Body composition can be influenced by factors such as diet, exercise habits, and metabolism. If your lifestyle is unhealthy, your body will inevitably reflect this on the outside.

Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can affect the distribution of fat in the body. Hormones can influence where fat is stored, and this can contribute to the development of armpit fat.

Aging
As you age, there is a natural tendency for the body to undergo changes in fat distribution. This can result in the accumulation of fat in areas like the armpits. In most women the fat build up under the armpit will gradually increase with time..

Lifestyle factors
Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity can contribute to the storage of excess fat in various areas, including the armpits.

Weight changes
Significant weight fluctuations, whether through weight gain or loss, can impact the distribution of fat in the body. Yo-yo dieting can have negative effects on stubborn fat areas and overtime make it harder and harder to loose fat from specific areas.

Targeted armpit fat reduction through exercise

"Spot reduction", losing fat from a specific area through targeted exercises, is not supported by scientific evidence. To address armpit fat naturally and without treatments, a comprehensive approach that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and overall body fat reduction is the only known natural method.

The importance of weight maintenance

Weight gain will increase localised pockets of fat around the body, including around the armpit area. Even when you opt for fat reduction treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, it is still important to maintain weight.

Those that gain weight following treatments will see less results, may see no results, or may even see further fat build up. Armpit fat reduction treatments can be highly effective and offer permanent results where weight is maintained.

Fat freezing armpit fat

Areas that can be treated around the armpit

With fat freezing we can help get rid of fat in the area below the armpit. We can also target fat towards the back where the bra strap is placed and around the back of the armpit. Slightly further down we can target the entire area directly underneath the bra strap, both at the front and back of the body. We refer to areas where the bra goes as this type of bothersome fat often bothers women, but all areas can also be treated on men.

Customisable treatment options

Every person is shaped differently, which is why we customise each treatment to focus on the exact area of fat that is a problem. For some people this may mean using multiple applicators on each side, or instead using the smaller precision applicator.

To target the armpit fat we can often use one applicator on each side, placed up to the side of the breast (without taking in breast tissue) and towards the back of the body.

Armpit fat reduction treatments required

The amount of treatments required will depend on the size of the area and the goal we work towards. For armpit fat reduction one single treatment may be enough to get the results you are after.

However, if the area is larger or more extreme fat loss results are sought then multiple treatments may be required. Multiple armpit fat treatments must be spaced out and be at least 6 weeks apart from each other.