Affiliation:
1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea
2. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inje University College of Medicine, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The 1444 nm wavelength Neodymium:Yttrium–Aluminum–Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser treatment is an efficient method for treating axillary osmidrosis (AO); however, it has a relatively low treatment persistence. To address this issue, we performed integrated liposuction surgery with a laser to treat AO and compared the results with those of a group treated only with a laser. Materials and Methods: This study compared the outcomes of AO treatment between the two groups up to six months postoperatively. The first group of 18 patients underwent laser treatment alone, and the second group of 12 patients underwent integrated liposuction surgery in addition to laser treatment. Outcomes were assessed using the following variables: degree of malodor (DOM), sweating area, patient satisfaction, pain levels, and complications, such as burns, swelling, and contractures. Results: Compared to the laser-only group, the integrated liposuction group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in terms of DOM (p = 0.002) and patient satisfaction (p = 0.006), as well as a reduction in the sweating area (p = 0.012). The pain rating was higher in the liposuction group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.054). Compared with the patients in the integrated liposuction treatment group, those in the laser treatment group exhibited a significantly higher number of burns under the axillae (p = 0.025). However, no significant differences were observed in the swelling or contracture between the groups. Conclusions: Integrated liposuction with laser therapy significantly improved treatment outcomes, including malodor, patient satisfaction, sweat test results, and decreased complication rates.