How to Treat Bromhidrosis: Fundamental Treatment for Smelly Bromhidrosis with SIT Surgery

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How to Treat Bromhidrosis: Fundamental Treatment for Smelly Bromhidrosis with SIT Surgery

Kim Heon-gon Plastic Surgery Bromhidrosis Clinic

Hello, everyone^^

This is Kim Heon-gon Plastic Surgery Bromhidrosis Clinic, where a board-certified plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience treating bromhidrosis and hyperhidrosis is on site.

Patients with bromhidrosis, who have an unpleasant odor from the armpits, often have difficulty in social life. In severe cases, it is said that this can even lead to mental health conditions such as social anxiety or depression.

On the other hand, some people may think, “How bad must the odor be for it to lead to psychological problems..?” However, for those who have not experienced it themselves, it can be difficult to fully understand the discomfort.

So today, let’s look at the causes and symptoms of bromhidrosis, and what treatment options are available for bromhidrosis.

Kim Heon-gon Plastic Surgery Bromhidrosis Clinic (Bromhidrosis/Hyperhidrosis Care)
With years of experience and skill built over a long period of practice, no one can overlook our expertise.​From the very first consultation to the final visit, we promise responsible care so that patients can remain comfortable throughout.​
​Board-certified plastic surgeonGraduate of Seoul National University College of MedicineGraduate of Seoul National University Graduate SchoolFormer board-certified specialist at Samsung Medical Center (Samsung Seoul Hospital)Visiting professor of Plastic Surgery at Samsung Medical CenterRegular member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonsRegular member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryRegular member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryRegular member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryMember of the American facial plastic surgery society​
▶ Main phone: 080-080-3080▶ KakaoTalk ID: Kim Heon-gon Plastic Surgery Bromhidrosis Clinic▶ Clinic address: Room 201, Boramae Nasan Suite, 24 Boramae-ro 5ga-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

Bromhidrosis refers to a condition in which an abnormal odor is caused by a problem with the sweat glands in the underarm area. There are two types of these glands, eccrine and apocrine glands, and bromhidrosis is mainly caused by excessive or abnormal secretion from the apocrine glands.

Sweat secreted by the apocrine glands is normally colorless and odorless, but when it combines with bacteria on the skin surface, it breaks down into fatty acids and ammonia, producing an unpleasant odor.

This odor usually appears after puberty and is known to be more common in Western people than in East Asians.

Bromhidrosis is a genetic condition with a strong family history, and if one or both parents have bromhidrosis, the child has a higher chance of having it as well. It also occurs more often in women than in men, and symptoms may worsen during menstruation or pregnancy.

Bromhidrosis can cause significant inconvenience in daily life and may affect social activities and interpersonal relationships, so active treatment is necessary.

<Main symptoms of bromhidrosis>

1. An unpleasant odor from the armpits is the most typical symptom. This odor may also be accompanied by yellow staining in the underarm area of underwear.

2. Excessive sweating in the armpits is another characteristic feature. This can cause clothes to become wet or stained.

3. Earwax is often moist. Unlike dry earwax, wet earwax is also another indicator of bromhidrosis.

In severe cases, people may begin to avoid contact with others or enclosed spaces, which can act as a source of mental stress, so caution is needed.

The diagnosis of bromhidrosis is made by considering both subjective and objective factors.

Subjective factors include the patient’s own symptoms, and if there is a family history, it can be relatively easy to recognize. However, there are cases in which only the patient notices it, so it is also important to hear from people around them.

Objective factors include tests that measure the degree of body odor.

The method mainly used is a sweating test called the “body odor index,” which measures the amount and odor of sweat produced by pricking the sweat glands in the armpit with a needle. In addition, blood tests or tissue tests can also be used to identify the cause more clearly.

There are various bromhidrosis treatment options, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Patients can choose according to their situation and preferences, and it is important to consult a specialist to determine the appropriate treatment method.

1. Conservative treatment

This is aimed at temporary relief and includes maintaining cleanliness by showering frequently and changing clothes, removing hair, or applying antibiotic ointment. However, these methods do not improve the underlying cause of bromhidrosis.

2. Surgical treatment

This is one of the fundamental bromhidrosis treatment methods and works by removing or destroying the sweat glands through surgery. Representative methods include incision-based surgery, laser procedures, and ultrasound procedures. Each method has its pros and cons, and recurrence rates and scarring must be considered.

3. Non-surgical treatment

Recently, treatment using Botox injections has also been performed frequently. Botox helps relieve bromhidrosis by suppressing sweat gland activity, but because its duration is limited, repeated treatments are necessary.

SIT surgery is one of the surgical methods that removes the apocrine sweat glands, which are the root cause of bromhidrosis.

It is performed by scraping out the sweat glands with a specially designed instrument and then removing them. Unlike conventional surgery, it is done through a small incision of about 3 mm, so there is almost no scarring and the recovery period is short.

• The recurrence rate is relatively low, and once removed, the sweat glands do not regenerate, so the improved results are maintained for a long period of time

• Because it is performed with a small-incision method, there is almost no scarring

• The recovery period is relatively short, allowing a faster return to daily life

The recovery process after SIT surgery may vary from person to person, but it generally goes through the following stages. Knowing this in advance may be helpful^^

<On the day of surgery>

As the anesthesia wears off, pain may be felt, so it is a good idea to take pain medication. A bandage is wrapped or a band is applied to compress the surgical site.

<1–2 days after surgery>

Pain may continue, and the surgical area may swell. At this time, cold compresses are recommended. Showering should be limited to wiping with a wet towel.

<3–7 days after surgery>

The swelling gradually subsides and the pain also eases. Light massage or stretching of the surgical area helps recovery. A light shower is possible, but sauna and swimming are best avoided.

<8–14 days after surgery>

The surgical area is almost healed, and daily life is not affected. However, care should still be taken not to irritate the surgical site.

During the recovery period, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, as they may cause inflammation, and to avoid scratching or touching the surgical area. Also, avoid excessive exercise or activity and get plenty of rest.

If you are already experiencing inconvenience in daily life due to the bromhidrosis symptoms discussed today, it is best to receive fundamental treatment through SIT surgery, one of the bromhidrosis treatment methods.

We hope this has been helpful to those struggling with bromhidrosis, and if you have any further questions, please contact us.

Thank you^^

• This post is a medical advertisement for Kim Heon-gon Plastic Surgery Bromhidrosis Clinic.

It was written directly by our clinic in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Advertising Act.

Depending on the individual, side effects may occur after surgery/procedure,

so please be sure to fully understand the precautions before and after treatment after sufficient consultation with the attending medical staff. -

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