A Clinical Study of Postoperative Efficacy of Superficial Liposuction in Axillary Osmidrosis

Lee, Hong Sun; Park, Kun; Son, Sook Ja; Kim, Seong Eon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Axillary osmidrosis is characterized by unpleasant odor, profuse sweating and occasionally staining of clothes. Classical surgical treatment of axillary osmidrosis may result in many complications, such as scarring, hematoma and necrosis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of superficial liposuction in the treatment of axillary osmidrosis.
METHODS
Through two 5 mm sized incisional windows, liposuction can be done in a two directional criss-cross pattern. Fifteen patients received this surgery for bilateral axillae on an outpatient basis. The follow-up period ranged from 8 months to 18 months, the mean follow-up period was 12.5 months.
RESULTS
Of the 30 axillae, 28 axillae (93%) had excellent to good results. The axillary scars were short and nearly negligible (90%). Complications including one minor wound infection (3.3%) and one hematoma (3.3%), were improved with proper post-operative treatment. Four patients experienced transient fibrotic bands. All of these complications disappeared after 1~2 months.
CONCLUSION
In axillary osmidrosis, superficial liposuction has the merits of high success rates, short scars, minimal postoperative care with a short term of compressive dressing and rapid recovery to normal life.