Under-Breast Fat - What Is It?
At a Glance
- •Localised fat accumulation beneath the breast
- •Mainly affects overweight women
- •Non-surgical solutions available
- •Liposuction as a surgical option
- •Ultrasound radiofrequency as an alternative
Expert
Dr. med. Karl Schuhmann
Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery in Düsseldorf
Expert statement by Dr. med. Karl Schuhmann – Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery in Düsseldorf.
What exactly is under-breast fat?
"Under-breast fat is a colloquial term for a small roll of fat located on the upper abdomen beneath the breast. There is no clinical term for this phenomenon. It refers to a localised accumulation of fat beneath the breast."
— Dr. med. Karl Schuhmann
Who is affected?
In many cases, the cause of the fat accumulation is an excessively high body fat percentage.
Frequently affected
Overweight women are particularly commonly affected by under-breast fat.
Less commonly affected
Slim women are generally not affected by this issue.
⚠️ After significant weight loss
Due to excess skin, fat rolls resembling under-breast fat can develop on the upper abdomen following significant weight loss.
Non-surgical measures
A tried-and-tested measure is of course always weight loss. Combined with exercise and a low-fat, healthy diet, one can effectively and specifically tackle under-breast fat.
💪Improve posture
An upright posture can reduce the visibility of under-breast fat rolls. Strengthening the back muscles often automatically leads to a more upright posture.
👗Choosing the right bra
Attention should also be paid to choosing the right bra.
🥗Diet & Exercise
Through regular exercise and a healthy diet, a surgical procedure is not necessary in most cases.
Surgical & Minimally Invasive Solutions
Liposuction
When choosing a surgical approach to removing under-breast fat, liposuction is a common method. Depending on the extent of the abdominal fat, a subsequent skin tightening procedure may also be advisable to achieve the best possible result.
Ultrasound Radiofrequency Treatment
If you wish to avoid surgery, an ultrasound radiofrequency treatment can also provide relief.
How does it work?
Gentle energy impulses delivered into the tissue via the device cause the fat cells to break down, and the fat is reabsorbed by the body. With repeated treatments, the fat rolls can be significantly reduced.
Treatment Options at a Glance
Exercise & Diet
Recommended- ✓ No costs or risks
- ✓ Sustainable results
- ✓ General improvement in health
- ⚠ Requires discipline and time
Ultrasound Radiofrequency
Minimally invasive- ✓ No surgery required
- ✓ No downtime
- ⚠ Multiple treatments required
- ⚠ Gradual results
Liposuction
Surgical- ✓ Immediate, visible results
- ✓ Permanent fat reduction
- ⚠ Surgical procedure with recovery time
- ⚠ Additional skin tightening may be required
Important to know
No skincare products are known to offer an effective solution for treating fat rolls on the upper abdomen.
The best approach is a combination of healthy diet, regular exercise, and where necessary, professional medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is under-breast fat?
Under-breast fat is a colloquial term for a localised accumulation of fat situated on the upper abdomen directly beneath the breast. It refers to a small roll of fat for which there is no official medical term.
Are only overweight women affected?
Mainly yes. In many cases the cause is an excessively high body fat percentage, which is why overweight women are more frequently affected. Slim women generally do not have this problem. However, similar fat rolls can develop after significant weight loss due to excess skin.
Can I get rid of under-breast fat without surgery?
Yes, in most cases no surgical procedure is necessary. Through regular exercise, a healthy low-fat diet, and weight loss, under-breast fat can be effectively reduced. Improved posture through back strengthening can also reduce its visibility.
What role does bra selection play?
Choosing the right bra can make a significant difference. As a rule of thumb: at least two fingers should fit under the underbust band. This ensures optimal wearing comfort and prevents fat deposits from showing and being accentuated by a bra that is too tight.
What surgical options are available?
Liposuction is the most common surgical method for removing under-breast fat. Depending on the extent, an additional skin tightening procedure may be beneficial. As a minimally invasive alternative, ultrasound radiofrequency treatment is available, in which energy impulses are used to break down the fat cells.
How does ultrasound radiofrequency treatment work?
In this non-surgical method, gentle energy impulses are delivered into the tissue via a device. These break down the fat cells, and the released fat is reabsorbed by the body naturally. With repeated treatments, the fat rolls can be significantly reduced.
Do skincare products help with under-breast fat?
No, no skincare products are known to be effective against under-breast fat. Treating this localised fat accumulation requires either a lifestyle change (diet and exercise) or medical measures such as liposuction or ultrasound radiofrequency treatments.
Über den Autor
Facharzt für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie & Handchirurg
Mit mehr als 30.000 Eingriffen und mehrjähriger Tätigkeit als Chefarzt führt Dr. Schuhmann seit 2016 als Gründer von artethic® seine Praxen in Düsseldorf und Berlin.