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Our Coco Ruby Skin Clinic team will ensure you receive exceptional customer service with a smile while visiting us at our Melbourne clinic. Please phone us on (03) 8849 1400 to schedule an appointment.

Armpit Fat & Back Fat: Can You SPOT Reduce Body Fat?

Understanding and Addressing Stubborn Armpit and Back Fat

Armpit fat refers to the accumulation of excess adipose tissue in the area around the side of the chest wall, typically between the side of the breast and the armpit. This can lead to discomfort when your bra presses into your upper torso. To address stubborn armpit and back fat, you should initially explore non-surgical approaches like dieting, exercise, and muscle building. However, genetic factors can influence how and where your body stores fat, leading to different outcomes for individuals. While exercise and weight loss are the primary steps, some may still struggle with persistent fat, which could prompt them to consider liposuction, breast reduction, or an upper back “body lift” as potential solutions. It’s important to note that spot-reducing fat through exercise alone isn’t typically effective. Engaging in a healthier diet and lifestyle, watching caloric intake, and making long-term lifestyle changes are essential steps. Trying lymphatic drainage may be beneficial for those with a sluggish system, in addition to losing weight and building muscle, as this can improve your metabolism by increasing your muscle-to-fat ratio. However, fat may persist in areas where you are genetically prone to store adipose cells.

Can Exercise Help Reduce Armpit and Back Fat?

A common question that arises is whether exercise can effectively spot reduce target areas like the armpit or back. The short answer is no; you can’t spot-reduce through exercises. Fat distribution in these areas often relates to genetic factors and, in some cases, being overweight. While exercise alone might not specifically spot reduce, there are upper body strengthening exercises that can contribute to overall fat reduction and body toning.

Understanding Variations in Body Fat Distribution

The distribution of excess body fat during weight gain varies from person to person. Weight gain is a highly individualised process influenced by various factors. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, exercise habits, and hormonal changes play a role in determining how and where your body stores fat. Some people may store excess fat predominantly in their thighs, abdomen, or other areas, while others distribute it more evenly or concentrate it in specific body parts like the hips or legs. To address these concerns, consider the following steps:

  • Weight Loss: Losing excess weight can help reduce fat in trouble areas. Consider consulting a dietitian or weight loss specialist for guidance.
  • Muscle Strengthening: Engaging in strength training exercises can boost metabolism, firm up your overall body and increase overall muscle-to-fat ratio.
  • Physical Activity: Regular exercise offers a host of benefits. Consult your doctor if you’re overweight or have medical conditions that may affect your exercise routine.
  • Balanced Nutrition: Adopting a healthier diet and incorporating specific exercises can enhance overall fitness levels and contribute to fat reduction.

Remember that the journey to a healthier you is unique, and a combination of these steps can help you achieve your goals.

Surgical Solutions for Stubborn Fat Areas

In situations where exercise and non-surgical methods don’t produce the desired results, surgical options such as liposuction or body lift surgery may potentially offer a solution. These procedures may help alleviate concerns related to stubborn armpit and back fat.

Liposuction for Arms

Liposuction is a surgical technique designed to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. In this case, liposuction can target the arms to reduce armpit fat and contour the upper arm region. It’s a potential option for individuals with mild to moderate fat accumulation in these areas. While it can result in a more contoured appearance, it’s important to note that any surgical procedure, including liposuction, leaves scars.

Upper Arm Reduction (Brachioplasty)

Upper arm reduction, or Brachioplasty, is a procedure tailored to address both excess fat and skin in the upper arm region.

Body Lift Surgery (Body Contouring)

Body lift surgery is a more extensive procedure that aims to address fat and excess skin concerns in various body areas, including the back. It may help achieve a firmer, more contoured upper torso. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified surgeon to determine the most suitable approach for your individual needs and goals. Surgeons can provide you with a no-obligation consultation, or phone our office for some FREE downloadable Guides to surgery. Phone (03) 8849 1400 and ask for skin reduction or liposuction surgery guides. Or visit our Guides to Cosmetic Surgery page.

Download the 2023 Liposuction Guide

This complete guide to Liposuction covers everything you need to know about this procedure, including:

  • Your surgery explained
  • How to assess if you are a good candidate.
  • Planning for your surgery
  • Answers to most frequently asked questions.
  • Before and after gallery
  • Learn more about Liposuction

Download your free Liposuction Guide

Download Now

Liposuction Guide Download

Liposuction Guide Download

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Download the 2023 Arm Lift Surgery Guide

This complete guide to Arm Lift surgery covers everything you need to know about this procedure, including:

  • Your surgery explained
  • How to assess if you are a good candidate.
  • Planning for your surgery
  • Answers to most frequently asked questions.
  • Before and after gallery
  • Read about Brachioplasty Surgery

Download your free Arm Lift Guide

Download Now

Arm Lift Guide Download

Arm Lift Guide Download

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Visit our Downloadable Guides pages

For more information about Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery options and research in Australia.

Armpit Fat & Back Fat: Can You SPOT Reduce Body Fat? - 3

Download our free guides or phone (03) 8849 1400 today – and ask for a no-obligation consultation.

Specialist Plastic Surgeons and ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Surgeon

With a wealth of experience and training, our Specialist Plastic and ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Surgeons are dedicated to best-practice patient care and education, customising Surgery for each and every patient to best meet their needs and desired surgical outcomes.

Dr Craig Rubinstein
Dr Broughton Snell
Dr Stephen Kleid
Dr Gary Kode

Specialist Plastic Surgeon MED0001124843

Dr Craig Rubinstein

Dr Craig Rubinstein is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Hawthorn East, Melbourne. With over 20 years of surgical experience especially in all areas of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, but particularly in breast surgery. These include Breast Augmentation and Breast Reduction as well as Breast Surgery Revision.

Furthermore, he believes that surgical customisation, precision planning and technical expertise help him to provide optimal surgical outcomes for his patients.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon MED0001190266

Dr Broughton Snell

Dr Broughton Snell is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. His training in Plastic Surgery took place in Australia and the United States of America (USA).

Dr Snell is a fully qualified specialist plastic surgeon having completed his Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has also spent time following the completion of this qualification gaining further experience and training in the area of craniomaxillofacial surgery, training which he completed in world-renowned centres here and in the United States.

ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Surgeon MED0001052799

Dr Stephen Kleid

Dr Stephen Kleid is an experienced Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne with a passion for Septo-rhinoplasty, Septoplasty, as well as, a strong interest in Rhinoplasty Revision.

Dr Kleid trained at Melbourne University, then completed surgical training at various hospitals including Royal Melbourne, Royal Children’s, The Eye and Ear and St Vincents. He worked as a surgeon at the University of Florida Medical school for further experience.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon MED0001405964

Dr Gary Kode

Dr Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, with experience in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as non-surgical treatments.

Dr Kode is a member of several organisations, including the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), The International Confederation for Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, and he holds a Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

What to do next?

Our Patient Liaison Team can assist with any questions you may have when considering a procedure. You can send in an enquiry form below or call our Melbourne Clinic between 9 am – 5 pm Monday - Friday.

Disclaimer: Results depend on individual patient circumstances and can vary significantly. Results may also be impacted by a variety of factors including your lifestyle, weight, nutritional intake and overall health. Consult your Specialist Plastic Surgeon for details. This information is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your Surgeon.

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