ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lasers have been proposed as an alternative treatment for axillary osmidrosis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the use of a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser with a wavelength of 1,444 nm for treating axillary osmidrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with axillary osmidrosis who underwent an operation with a 1,444-nm wavelength laser were included in this study. Operative parameters were as follows: pulse = 40 Hz and energy = 170 mJ. Total energy was approximately 2,000 to 3,400 J, and the operation time was 45 minutes. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in the degree of malodor evaluated by both the patients (p = .001) and doctors (p = .012) were detected between preoperative and 6-month postoperative assessments. Sweat area was significantly reduced 6 months after the operation compared with preoperative values. Postoperative pain had subsided at day 7 in all but 1 patient. Two patients (11.1%) experienced superficial second-degree burns on the unilateral axilla; these burns were resolved fully. CONCLUSION: The laser with a wavelength of 1,444 nm was found to be a reliable method for the treatment of axillary osmidrosis, with advantages such as small wound size, rapidity of the procedure, inconspicuous scars, and speedy recovery and return to normal daily activities.
