Endoscopic shaver with liposuction for treatment of axillary osmidrosis

Axillary osmidrosis is a distressing problem, and in severe cases patients may seek a permanent solution. Many treatment techniques have been developed that involve destruction or removal of the apocrine and eccrine glands. Previous methods have been hampered by surgical or aesthetic concerns. From June 1999 to June 2000, 64 patients (43 women and 21 men) were treated surgically for axillary osmidrosis. A 1-cm incision is made in the axillary crease. An endoscopic shaver is inserted, extended to the edge of the axilla, and subcutaneous tissue and glands are excised as the shaver is drawn from the axillary edge to the crease. Suction connected to the shaver immediately removes excised tissue. This procedure is repeated throughout the entire axilla. Malodor elimination was good in 117 of 128 axillae (91.4%) treated, fair in 8 (6.3%), and poor in 3 (2.3%). The resulting scar is small and essentially invisible because it is located in the axillary crease. This technique results in a small, inconspicuous scar; a surgical time of only 40 minutes; patients resuming exercise and daily activities within 5 days of surgery; and high patient satisfaction.