Liposuction-assisted circumferential trimming in treatment of axillary osmidrosis (AO)

Background: The study is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the minimally invasive treatment for axillary osmidrosis by liposuction assisted circumferential trimming.

Methods: It was a retrospective study. From July 2014 to July 2017, 79 patients underwent superficial liposuction and circumferential trimming for bilateral axillary osmidrosis. The preoperative and postoperative degree of axillary malodor was measured by doctors and the patients themselves. In the doctor’s evaluation, the odor levels were scored by the sniffing method before and 1 year after treatment. In the patient’s self-assessment, each patient selected a scale value to convey his/her satisfaction during the visits after 1 year. The complications were recorded.

Results: The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 24 months after surgery, and the mean follow-up period was 16 months. 75 (94.9%) had good results, four (5.1%) had moderate malodor or recurrence after one year. When considering patient’s own satisfaction, 93.7% (74/79) of patients were satisfied with the outcomes after one year. The partial epidermis necrosis was observed in four patients, it healed spontaneously without scarring. Three patients had a small amount of hematoma which was easily evacuated through the central primary incision. There was no other serious side effect.

Conclusions: The liposuction assisted circumferential trimming technique is proved reliable and safe in treatment for axillary osmidrosis.