“Massage your underarms to increase breast size.”

“Push the fat inward to make your breasts bigger.”

These ideas have been widely accepted in Japan for years.

However, from a medical and anatomical standpoint, this belief should be reconsidered.

While massage may cause temporary fullness, the long-term consequences are often unfavorable.

Why Massaging the Accessory Breast Area Can Cause Skin Sagging

Anatomical characteristics of the axillary (accessory breast) area

The accessory breast region—located between the outer breast and upper arm—has several unique features:

• Dense lymphatic and venous networks
• Relatively thin subcutaneous fat
• Weak skin-supporting structures (ligaments)

Because of this anatomy, strong or repetitive massage can:

• Temporarily improve lymphatic drainage
• Increase blood flow
• Create short-term “tightness” or fullness

However, this does NOT increase breast tissue or fat volume.

The real problem: long-term damage

When the accessory breast area is continuously massaged over months or years, it can lead to:

• Skin overstretching
• Weakening of supporting tissues
• Reduced skin recoil

In other words:

The fullness disappears, but the loosened skin remains.

Clinically, patients with a long history of aggressive massage often present with laxity between the upper arm and outer breast, making the area look less defined.

The Accessory Breast Area Is Often a Region That Should Be Contoured, Not Massaged

The accessory breast region plays a critical role in defining the upper-body silhouette, connecting:

• Upper arms
• Axilla
• Outer breast contour

Excess fat in this area can cause:

• Arms to appear thicker
• Breasts to look laterally displaced
• The upper body to lose sharp definition

Why Liposuction of the Accessory Breast Requires Precision

This is not an area where fat can simply be removed aggressively.

• Over-removal → skin laxity
• Poor technique → contour irregularities
• Ignoring arm–breast continuity → unnatural results

At AVAN TOKYO, we prioritize:

The smooth transition from upper arm → axilla → breast

Only the necessary fat is selectively removed, while preserving skin tension and natural contours.

Importance of the Accessory Breast Area in Breast Augmentation

In fat grafting or hybrid breast augmentation:

• Leaving excess accessory breast fat can make the breasts appear to “flow outward”
• Proper contouring enhances cleavage and lateral breast shape

Once skin laxity develops from excessive massage, it can negatively affect breast augmentation results as well.

Clinical Example

This patient underwent:

• Upper arm liposuction
• Accessory breast liposuction
• Hybrid breast augmentation
• Follow-up at 3 months post-op

Rather than “pushing” tissue inward, strategic contouring created a smooth, elegant upper-body line connecting the arms and breasts naturally.

Final Message: The Accessory Breast Area Is Not a Massage Zone

❌ A place to push, knead, or repeatedly massage

⭕ A region that requires anatomical understanding and precise shaping

Chasing temporary fullness through massage may compromise skin quality and long-term aesthetics.

Our Philosophy at AVAN TOKYO Ginza Liposuction Clinic

We do not treat:

• Upper arms
• Accessory breast
• Breasts

as isolated areas.

Instead, we design the entire upper-body silhouette, focusing on balance, continuity, and longevity.

If you are concerned about accessory breast fullness or upper-arm definition

Before continuing aggressive massage, we encourage you to consult with us.

Protecting skin quality today is key to achieving a beautiful silhouette tomorrow.