Subcutaneous laser treatment of axillary osmidrosis: a new technique.

Axillary osmidrosis, also referred to as bromidrosis, is a distressing condition that can pose significant social embarrassment, especially in Japan and other Asian countries. Conservative treatments such as topical agents, systemic agents, and botulinum toxin are only temporarily effective and may lead to surgical treatment.1–3 However, surgical interventions using gland excision or liposuction have associated downtimes and complications that may be unacceptable for the treatment of a benign condition.1–3 The following is a report of a new technique for resolving problems in the management of axillary osmidrosis. We describe subcutaneous application of pulsed neodymium:yttriumaluminum-garnet laser for ablation of the sweat glands.