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Armpit Fat Removal (Axillary Liposuction) in Chicago
Armpit liposuction smooths and slims the armpit and “side boob” area, reducing bulges for a more contoured, balanced look.
Complimentary virtual consultation. Regularly $250.
Board-certified surgeons Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong and Dr. Kevin Lin. AAAHC-accredited surgical facility, on site.
See before & after photos
Updated
What is armpit (axillary) liposuction?
Armpit liposuction, also called axillary liposuction, removes stubborn fat from the armpit area through tiny incisions. It treats armpit fat, underarm fat, bra fat and side boob bulges that usually stay even with diet and exercise.
What are the benefits of armpit liposuction?
Reduces bra fat bulges and smooths the armpit area for a cleaner fit under clothing
Reduces armpit fat and side boob fullness
Long-lasting results as long as you maintain your weight
A smoother line in sleeveless dresses, swimsuits and workout gear
Can be paired with other procedures in the same surgery
Doctors call this area the axillary region, and the fat at the front of the armpit is called anterior axillary fat. These fat deposits often spill over bras, swimsuits and sleeveless tops.
During axillary liposuction, your Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics surgeon removes fat through tiny 2 mm incisions hidden in the armpit crease. The result is a smoother transition from the chest to the arm and a more contoured upper body.
Armpit liposuction before and after photos
These are actual patients of Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong whose surgery included liposuction of the armpit area. Both plans also included ArmSculpt™ and Renuvion, so the photos show the arms and back too.
View Patient Gallery“The result of the surgery has given me a newfound confidence that I’ve never experienced before. I am so glad I decided to make this investment in myself.”
Lulu, Actual Patient
All photos are actual, unedited patients of Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics. Individual results may vary.
Can bra fat liposuction be done awake?
Yes, for some patients. Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin both offer bra fat liposuction done awake with local anesthesia (the area is numbed). It takes about 45 minutes, and your consultation decides whether it fits your plan.
Prefer to stay awake? Ask about it when you book your consultation in Chicago.
Why won’t armpit fat go away with diet or exercise?
Diet and exercise shrink fat all over your body, but they can’t choose where it comes off. That’s why armpit and bra fat can stay even when you’re at a weight you’re happy with.
Your workouts aren’t the problem. Armpit fat is a stubborn area that usually doesn’t respond well to diet or exercise. It can come with weight gain, and it often runs in families.
Liposuction works differently. It removes fat cells from the armpit area itself, and the fat cells that are removed do not come back. If a bulge is still there after diet and exercise, that’s the stubborn fat axillary liposuction targets.
You may also read about non-surgical options, such as CoolSculpting. Those are a different kind of treatment. Bring your questions to your consultation and get an honest answer for your body.
Is it armpit fat or breast tissue?
It’s usually mostly fat, which liposuction alone can treat. Some people also have breast tissue there, and Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin checks for it at your consultation.
Some women have breast tissue that reaches into the armpit. This is called axillary breast tissue. Armpit fat is fat that sits in the same spot.
Chicago Breast & Body treats both. Armpit fat is treated with axillary liposuction. Axillary breast tissue removal is done as part of a breast reduction, so if breast tissue is the cause, your plan follows that path. If breast tissue needs to be removed, it’s done through a small incision hidden in the armpit.
Any new lump, or swelling on one side only, should be checked by a doctor.
How much does armpit liposuction cost in Chicago?
The cost of axillary (armpit) liposuction in Chicago starts at $4,995* and up when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon. Your exact armpit fat removal cost comes from your personalized quote.
*Starting prices do not include the OR facility fee or anesthesia. Both are added to your written quote after your surgeon recommends your surgical plan.
Awake bra fat liposuction also starts at $4,995 and up. You stay awake while the area is numbed, so there’s no general anesthesia fee. The OR facility fee still applies.
This price may vary based on several factors, including:
The surgeon’s qualifications and experience
Your individual aesthetic goals
Whether you combine additional procedures
More areas mean more time in the operating room, which is why your goals and any added procedures change the quote.
A personalized quote will be provided during your consultation after a full evaluation of your anatomy and goals. Complimentary virtual consultations are available with photos. Financing options are available to help make treatment more affordable, for qualified applicants.
Treating your upper arms too? See our arm liposuction cost guide.
Armpit liposuction recovery and pain: what to expect
Downtime is minimal. Most patients go back to work the same day or the next day, with no limits on moving their arms. Most have mild pain and only need over-the-counter pain medicine like Tylenol.
Your axillary liposuction journey begins with a personalized consultation where your surgeon evaluates areas of concern, including the axillary region and any excess anterior axillary fat, and creates a tailored treatment plan. On the day of surgery, fat is removed through tiny incisions using liposuction, a process that takes about 1 hour or less for the armpit area alone. Afterward, a compression garment is applied to minimize swelling and support your new contour.
You get a compression garment and foam to wear for 1 to 2 weeks. Bruising can last 7 to 10 days. Workouts and heavy lifting can start again once bruising and swelling are fully gone, usually within 2 weeks. You can move your arms freely the whole time. Small areas of numbness can last several months.
Final results show at 3 to 6 months, once swelling fully settles.
Here’s a general overview:
Day 1–3
Mild swelling and soreness are normal. Bruising can last 7 to 10 days
Most patients go back to work the same day or the next day
Compression garment and foam, worn for 1 to 2 weeks
Week 1–2
Swelling and bruising keep fading
Swelling begins to improve
Most patients can go back to exercise once bruising and swelling are fully gone, usually within 2 weeks
Month 1
Noticeable reduction in bra fat and underarm fullness
Resume most normal activities
Compression garment usually done (worn 1 to 2 weeks)
Month 3–6
Final results become visible as swelling fully resolves
Smooth, sculpted contour around the underarm and bra line
This is a general guide and times vary from patient to patient. Your surgeon and patient care team will give you a plan for your specific procedure and answer questions at every stage of your recovery.
Why choose Chicago Breast & Body?
Chosen by patients across Chicago
Patients come to us from Chicago and across the country for safety-focused planning and natural-looking results. Many of our patients travel from outside Illinois, and our team helps coordinate the trip.
Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Matched to Your Goals
At Chicago Breast and Body, you’re matched with a board-certified surgeon who focuses on the exact procedure you want, so you benefit from concentrated experience and a more personalized plan. Whether you’re considering breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), tummy tuck, breast lift, gynecomastia, or vaginal rejuvenation., you see the surgeon who does that type of surgery every day. This specialist approach is designed to improve safety, enhance your results, and keep your outcome looking natural and proportional.
Real Results & Before After Photos
You can view unedited before and after photos showing different body types and starting points. This helps you plan realistic goals before you schedule surgery.
Transparent pricing & Flexible Financing Options
You’ll get clear pricing and plan you can understand. We offer flexible financing options so you can move forward without added stress.
Awake Option for Bra Fat
For some patients, Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin offer bra fat liposuction done awake with local anesthesia (the area is numbed). Your consultation decides whether it fits your plan.
Nationally Accredited for Patient Safety
Your procedure takes place at our AAAHC-accredited surgical facility. AAAHC is a national accreditation for outpatient surgical care and patient safety.
Commonly combined procedures
Many patients choose to combine axillary liposuction with other procedures in the same surgery. Combining procedures means one surgery and one recovery instead of two.
Complementary Procedures
Breast Augmentation: Enhances breast shape and size while smoothing side boob and bra fat bulges.
Lipo 360: Comprehensive liposuction around the waist, back, and abdomen for full-body contouring.
Tummy Tuck: Removes loose abdominal skin and tightens muscles for a firmer torso.
Arm Liposuction: Targets upper arm fat to create slimmer arms.
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): Removes sagging skin on the arms, especially after weight loss.
Buffalo Hump Liposuction: Removes stubborn fat at the base of the neck and upper back.
Axillary liposuction targets stubborn fat pockets around the underarm, bra line, and side boob area that don’t respond to diet or exercise. This procedure uses advanced liposuction techniques to sculpt a smoother contour along the upper torso.
“I have the body of my dreams and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I have my confidence back,and you just can’t put a price on that. If I ever have any more procedures I’ll choose Chicago Breast & Body again.”
Bridgette, Actual Patient
Board-Certified Surgeons. Natural-Looking Goals.
Five-star rated by patients across Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics is a Chicago practice for cosmetic surgery of the body, breast, and face. Our award-winning team of board-certified plastic and cosmetic surgeons is known for advanced training, surgical precision, and a focus on natural-looking results and safety.
Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong
Triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon
Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong is a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon, including the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American Board of Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Truong is the founder and CEO of Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics.
Board certifiedAmerican Board of Surgery, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery
AffiliationsFellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS); American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Kevin Lin
Board-certified plastic surgeon
Dr. Kevin Lin is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago who emphasizes tailored care and treatment to each individual patient. Dr. Lin is skilled in both Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, gaining valuable insight and an unparalleled experience with stunning results. Dr. Lin’s specialty lies primarily in Breast and Body Contouring.
Board certifiedAmerican Board of Plastic Surgery
AffiliationsMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Patient reviews
★★★★★
“He was very down to earth and set super realistic expectations for me. I felt very confident going into the surgery and I have to say it was the best decision. My results are beyond what was expected. … the contour and overall shape created for me by Dr. T is amazing.”
Stephanie M. ★★★★★
“I can’t lie, I was apprehensive. I’m like, how can you accurately see me, accurately quote me my price and be as thorough you know. But to my surprise, the virtual consult was AMAZING!!!! … I did a slow 360 turn so he could analyze and see my midsection from all angles, I even grabbed my fat to show what I wanted to get rid of lol.”
Anonymous patient ★★★★★
“my Smart Lipo was on 11/25/2014 by Dr. Truong. The procedure is on my upper and lower abdomen, Back , Fanks and upper arms. … It was uncomfortable the first day after the surgery … 11/27/2014 I felt better, I was wearing the pressure garment and I can go out to have lunch with my friends.”
Phung M. ★★★★★
“Dr. Lin did a great job on lipo on the upper and lower abs and love handles great job so far two months after treatment. Great job by the staff and Dr. Lin with follow ups appointments!”
Anonymous patient ★★★★★
“I had skinny lipo in September 2023 with Dr. Truong and I love my results! … I would recommend Dr. Truong to anyone considering liposuction.”
Brit R. ★★★★★
“I wanted an hour glass shape, and Dr. Lin did what needed to be done, my waist is snatched, and no more double chin. … I would recommend him to anyone. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.”
Anonymous patient
Verbatim excerpts from Google reviews and from reviews patients left with our practice. Individual results may vary. Read all reviews on Google
Armpit liposuction FAQs
Am I a good candidate for armpit liposuction?
You may be a good candidate if you have a pocket of fat in the armpit or bra line that stays even with diet and exercise. Liposuction removes fat. It doesn’t remove loose skin, so if loose skin is your main concern, a different procedure may fit better. Is it worth it? That’s your call, and your consultation gives you an honest look at what it can and can’t change for you.
Can liposuction remove bra fat or side fat?
Yes. Axillary liposuction targets fat around the underarm, bra line and side boob area. Bra fat is hard to lose because it usually stays even with diet and exercise. For back fat liposuction, Lipo 360 treats the waist, back and abdomen and can be added to your plan.
Does the fat come back?
No, the fat cells that are removed do not come back. Your result is long-lasting as long as you maintain your weight. Significant weight gain can enlarge the fat cells that remain, so regular exercise and a balanced diet help you keep it.
Is armpit liposuction safe? What are the risks?
Armpit liposuction is surgery, and every surgery carries some risk, including contour irregularities and infection. Swelling, bruising and mild soreness are expected in the first weeks. Your surgery takes place in our AAAHC-accredited surgical facility, and Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin walks you through the full list of risks at your consultation.
Will there be scars?
Yes, but they’re small. The incisions are tiny, about 2 mm, and hidden in the armpit crease. Keep the scars out of the sun for at least 12 months and use SPF 30 or higher.
Can I combine armpit liposuction with arm lipo or a breast procedure?
Yes. Many patients pair it with ArmSculpt™ arm liposuction or a breast augmentation in the same surgery. Having both done in one surgery means one recovery instead of two.
Does insurance cover armpit liposuction? Can I finance it?
No. We’re a self-pay practice, so we don’t bill insurance. If you’d like to submit a claim yourself, just ask for the documents your insurer needs, and your coordinator would be happy to send them to you. Full payment is due before surgery. To pay over time, Chicago Breast & Body offers flexible financing through CareCredit, Cherry and Alphaeon for qualified applicants. See our axillary liposuction financing options.
Can I smoke or vape before my surgery?
Do not smoke, vape, or use any nicotine products for 6-8 weeks before and after all elective procedures unless specifically allowed by your surgeon. Smoking and using nicotine products reduces blood flow to the skin and can cause significant complications during healing.
Also have upper arm fat? See ArmSculpt™ arm liposuction, which also explains when an arm lift fits better.
Have more questions? Contact us today!
Book Your Consultation Today!
We focus on natural-looking results that enhance your proportions without ever looking overdone. Our team prioritizes your safety and sets clear expectations from day one so you feel guided through every step of your journey. Reach out to us today to schedule your complimentary virtual consultation and see what is realistically possible for you.
Book a ConsultationComplimentary virtual consultation. Regularly $250.
Prefer to talk? Call us at (312) 846-1529.