Fractional microneedling radiofrequency treatment for axillary osmidrosis: A minimally invasive procedure

BACKGROUND: Axillary osmidrosis is a distressing condition that can reduce quality of life and lead to personal and social problems. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) treatment is a new minimally invasive procedure. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess retrospectively the efficacy and safety of FMR treatment for axillary osmidrosis compared with subcutaneous surgery in a Chinese population. METHODS: In total, 48 and 42 patients receiving FMR treatment and subcutaneous surgery, respectively, were recruited. The treatments were assessed in terms of efficacy, complications, and malodor recurrence. Patient satisfaction and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were also evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 93.75% of patients in the FMR group and all patients in the surgery group showed good-to-excellent improvement in osmidrosis (P > 0.05). The patients' satisfaction in the FMR group was significantly higher than that in the surgery group at 1 month after treatment, but there were no differences between the two groups at the 3rd and 6th months (P > 0.05). The DLQI score was significantly decreased after both treatments. Two patients in the surgery group experienced hemorrhage complications, and no patients in the FMR group showed severe adverse effects. There was no significant difference in the malodor recurrence rate between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fractional microneedling radiofrequency treatment offers a safe and effective method for treating axillary osmidrosis with minimal recovery time and no strict postoperative immobilization.