Effectiveness and Complications of Improved Liposuction-Curettage Through Mini-Incisions for the Treatment of Axillary Osmidrosis.

[BACKGROUND] Liposuction-curettage (LC) is a popular and effective surgical method for the treatment of axillary bromhidrosis (AB). However, residual malodour and skin necrosis often appear after this type of surgery. We investigated the efficacy and complications of 4 methods of LC.

[METHODS] A total of 280 patients with AB comprised the study cohort, of which 228 were followed up. We carried out 4 methods of modified tumescent LC through mini-incisions and provided a questionnaire for evaluation of surgical outcome. Evaluations were malodour elimination, scarring, reduced growth of hair, and complications. Mean follow-up was 15 months.

[RESULTS] The study involved 449 axillae. In patients with LC in the final phase of improvement (programmed and well-organized LC, skin pinching to wrap up the cannula, LC to the skin around 2 surgical incisions, and cotton balls packed in gauze and an elastic set for post-operative management), excellent elimination of malodor was observed in 141 (89.81%) of 157 axillae. Only 4 (2.55%) cases encountered a small area of skin necrosis, and 28 (17.83%) had local damage to the epidermis.

[CONCLUSION] These data suggest that LC with a final phase of improvement through mini-incisions is effective for AB treatment.