Treatment of Osmidrosis Using Combination Techniques

ABSTRACT

Elimination of the apocrine glands by a radical surgical procedure has been known to be the best solution for axillary osmidrosis; however, it is often accompanied with a marked scar. Ultrasonic tumescent liposuction is a safe procedure for removal of subcutaneous fat tissue. Herein, we describe our modification of the traditional osmidrosis operation(subdermal excision or superficial liposuction). The first, pre-suction "scrape" could require adequate plane of skin flap; the second, "ultrasound-assisted liposuction"; the third, post-suction "rasp" helped subdermal curettage; the last, "endoscopic approach" could visibly remove remaining apocrine glands. It is named SURE technique. From April 2007 to September 2008, 43 patients underwent our "SURE" method for axillary osmidrosis. All patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months with an average of 6 months. The total satisfaction rate was 91 percent(39/43). The complications(skin slough and subdermal band formation) rate was 14 percent(6 of 43). However these complications were temporary and complete recovery occurred without special cares. We emphasize four components of our SURE method procedures. In conclusion, "SURE" method can be one of alternatives for osmidrosis treatment.