Comparison of Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Microwave and Surgery in the Treatment of Axillary Osmidrosis: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND A microwave-based device is a newly developed method for treating axillary osmidrosis. Few studies have compared the difference between microwave therapy and subcutaneous curettage for axillary osmidrosis. OBJECTIVE To compare the long-term effectiveness, complications, and recurrence of osmidrosis after microwave therapy and subcutaneous curettage. METHODS AND MATERIALS Medical records of 155 patients with osmidrosis treated with microwave therapy or subcutaneous curettage were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, visual analog scale for odor, hyperhidrosis disease scale, complications, and recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS Osmidrosis improved significantly in both treatment groups at 6 months. Effective improvement was observed in 90% and 23% of the patients in the surgery and microwave groups, respectively, after 3 years postoperatively. The recurrence rates were 39% and 21% in the microwave and surgery groups, respectively. The transient complication rate was higher in the microwave group, and long-term complications only occurred in the surgery group. CONCLUSION Subcutaneous curettage is a more effective approach for axillary osmidrosis. However, microwave therapy is recommended for patients with cosmetic concerns.