Excision of apocrine glands with preservation of axillary superficial fascia for the treatment of axillary bromhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Axillary bromhidrosis is a distressing problem, which has a strong negative effect on one's social life.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects and complications of the surgical modality for the treatment of axillary bromhidrosis.

METHODS: One hundred fifteen patients with axillary bromhidrosis were treated. Two incisions were made transversely along the marked lines on the axillary crease. Subdermal undermining of the marked area with a depth of 0.3 to 0.5 cm and transverse detachment were performed, allowing the exposure of the skin flaps. Skin flaps were carefully separated from the skin. The apocrine glands, follicles, and fats were dissected, and the axillary superficial fascia was maintained.

RESULTS: All patients achieved good results in terms of malodor elimination during the follow-up period. All patients reported reduction in axillary sweating. Postoperative complications were minor, including small hematoma (3 cases), delayed wound healing (5 cases), pressure blister (5 cases), and slightly wound scar (2 cases). No infection, skin necrosis, malodor, or recurrence was observed. One hundred eleven patients (96.5%) were very satisfied and 4 (3.5%) patients satisfied with the procedure, with none regretful.

CONCLUSION: The procedure has the advantage of a high success rate in radical elimination of the malodor with minor complications.