Minimally invasive surgery for axillary osmidrosis: Combined operation with CO₂ laser and subcutaneous tissue remover

BACKGROUND. Axillary osmidrosis is a distressing problem characterized by unpleasant odor, profuse sweating, and occasionally staining of clothes that may handicap those affected both socially and psychologically. Various types of surgical procedures have been developed for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis. OBJECTIVE. To introduce a new odor measurement method and minimally invasive surgery technique for axillary osmidrosis. METHODS. Eighty-eight patients with axillary osmidrosis were treated by combined operation using a carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser and subcutaneous tissue remover. Measurement of axillary odor was done with the cotton-roll method. RESULTS. Eighty-seven of the 88 patients (98.8%) had good to fair results; only one patient (1.2%) had poor results. Complications such as ecchymosis and partial skin necrosis with delayed wound healing occurred in four patients (4.6%). CONCLUSION. A combined technique using a CO₂ laser and subcutaneous tissue remover has the advantages of a high success rate, low complication rate, no admission treatment, less scarring, and rapid recovery. This combined approach should become the preferred technique for the treatment of axillary osmidrosis.