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“Bra Bulge” Removal Surgery Is on the Rise

Original Article By Sarah Kinonen

allure logoReal talk: We all probably have something we’d like to change about our appearance. Whether that means getting highlights or a procedure that requires a little more commitment (and money) — for example removing fat between armpit and bra, known as “bra bulge” — then who are we to stand in the way? According to Beverly-Hills-based plastic surgeon and RealSelf contributor Sheila Nazarian, MD, there’s been a slow but steady rise in the number of requests for “bra bulge” removal surgery within the last few years from “young, active” women in their twenties, thirties, and sometimes forties.

The procedure is a fat-reduction surgery that can be done one of three ways: via liposuction, CoolSculpting, or Kybella, says Dr. Nazarian. She adds that, in her experience, the most common procedure for this type of treatment is liposuction: It’s the oldest and best-known option. During liposuction, which is a one-time treatment, incisions are made in the area of concern and fat cells are vacuumed out with a wand. Then incisions are stitched closed. “Bra bulge” liposuction can be performed under local anesthetic within about an hour or two.

Some patients, meanwhile, opt for CoolSculpting, a noninvasive method for killing fat cells by chilling them. “When fat cells freeze, they die, which reduces some of the bulge,” explains Min S. Ahn, MD, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon in Boston. The procedure, which reduces approximately 20 percent of the fullness of the “bulge” during a 35-minute session, involves attachment of a CoolCurve applicator to the area of concern while the patient sits and waits.

“Initially, the treatment feels cold, and after a few minutes, the area just feels numb,” says Dr. Ahn. “There is minimal discomfort as the treatment starts, but once it has set in, there is no pain.” Following the procedure, the area of skin treated will feel slightly sensitive to touch, but will return to normal within about a half hour. With CoolSculpting, more than one session is typically needed, says Dr. Ahn.

And then there’s Kybella, an injectable medicine that dissolves fat, much like a detergent can break down grease, which has picked up steam for this type of fat-removal procedures since its FDA approval two years ago, says Matthew Schulman, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon.

Kybella can be used on virtually any part of the body, so it is commonly requested for treatment of the neck (double chin), back of the thighs, flanks, inner thighs, or residual fat after liposuction procedures,” says Schulman. “In my office, we perform six to ten Kybella treatments per week, and about half are for ‘bra bulge’ removal.” It takes only a few minutes to administer and is injected into areas of unwanted fat with a series of small needle sticks. In the weeks following the injection session, the medicine breaks down fat cells, Schulman explains.

Similar to CoolSculpting, Kybella requires multiple treatments, depending on the amount of fat being targeted, but the average amount of sessions for small- to moderate-sized “bulges” is two to three. For all three treatments, typical side effects include bruising and slight swelling, but these last only a couple of weeks at most, says Dr. Nazarian. As for the cost, all three vary in price, depending on the amount of sessions required to remove the fat. Dr. Ahn says the starting price for liposuction is $3,500, while CoolSculpting typically ranges from $600 to $750 per application, and $700 per vial of Kybella.

Bottom line: No matter which of these options you choose, it’s definitely going to be an investment — and before pursuing it, it can’t hurt to first make sure you have well-fitting bras.

Male patient receiving an Emsculpt NEO treatment to the abdominal area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can EMSCULPT NEO do for me?

EMSCULPT NEO is an amazing noninvasive body sculpting treatment. It’s perfect for patients who are looking to get summer body ready! With this state-of-the-art, two-in-one technology, you build muscle and burn fat at the same time! This treatment provides a 30% reduction in subcutaneous fat and 25% growth in muscle on the treated area after a recommended number of treatments.

How does EMSCULPT NEO work?

While you lie down and relax, EMSCULPT NEO sends high-intensity energies deep below your skin, making your muscles contract in a big way that is like doing thousands of crunches or squats in a few minutes. While your muscles are contracting, the energy from the applicator simultaneously sends warmth to your fat cells, heating them up to the point of destruction. So you build real muscle from the contractions while destroying fat cells that are later naturally eliminated by your body.

How many EMCULPT NEO treatments will I need?

The recommended treatment plan is 4-6 treatments, one week apart. Depending on the patient, you may see improvement in your muscle tone, core strength and posture within a few weeks. And you’ll see fat reduction continue for about 12 weeks after your last treatment.

Are there any patients for whom you do not recommend EMSCULPT NEO?

EMSCULPT NEO is great because it has been shown to be safe and approved for all body and skin types. Contraindications include hernia, recent surgery, and pregnancy, so if a patient has any of these conditions, they should wait until they don’t to get EMSCULPT NEO.

What is the difference between CoolSculpting and EMSCULPT NEO?

CoolSculpting is a well-known treatment that is excellent for reducing unwanted fat in targeted areas. EMSCULPT NEO also reduces fat, but it has the benefit of building muscle, which is what its predecessor EMSCULPT was made to do.

Which treatment you choose depends on what your body needs and your personal goals. If you have great muscle tone and only need to get rid of some extra fat in a specific area like your abdomen or below your chin, CoolSculpting is an excellent option. But if you have loss of muscle tone and need more of a lift or tightening to a certain area like your abs or butt, EMSCULPT NEO is your two-in-one solution.

What is your favorite thing about EMSCULPT NEO?

Not only is this treatment super convenient with one treatment lasting only 30 minutes, but there is also no downtime! Patients can go about their day as they normally would immediately after their visit.

Greenwich Med Spa