Experience of Tumescent Liposuction in the Treatment of Osmidrosis

Abstract

Background. Tumescent liposuction is a safe procedure for removal of subcutaneous fat tissue. Because apocrine glands are located deep in the fat, surgical removal of these glands by nontumescent liposuction has been utilized for treating osmidrosis. Objective. To evaluate the effect of tumescent liposuction in the treatment of osmidrosis and to compare the efficacy of simple tumescent liposuction and combined tumescent liposuction and curettage. Methods. A total of 20 patients with osmidrosis (all female, age 16–44 years) were included in this study. Ten patients were treated by simple tumescent liposuction, the other 10 patients were treated by tumescent liposuction combined with curettage. The aspirates were sent for pathologic examination. At a follow-up visit, the improvement of symptoms was graded by the patient as satisfied when the odor decreased> 75%, partially satisfied when it decreased ≥50% to ≤75%, and dissatisfied when it decreased <50%. Results. Among the 10 patients treated with simple tumescent liposuction, 10% were satisfied, 70% were partially satisfied, and 20% were dissatisfied. Eighty percent of patients treated with a combination of tumescent liposuction and curettage were satisfied, while 20% were partially satisfied. No major complications were noted following the procedure except mild ecchymosis and swelling. Conclusion. Tumescent liposuction is a simple and safe procedure in the treatment of osmidrosis. Tumescent liposuction combined with curettage is better than simple tumescent liposuction alone. The effect of tumescent liposuction combined with curettage in the treatment of osmidrosis is compatible with traditional surgery or neurosurgery but offers fewer complications.