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Can Severe Underarm Odor Be Treated at the Root?

김헌곤성형외과의원 · 명의100인 김헌곤성형외과 · January 30, 2025

* This post is an informational article intended to provide accurate information * Can Severe Underarm Odor Be Treated at the Root? Kim Heon-gon Plastic Surgery Bromhidrosis Clinic...

AI translation notice

This page is an English translation of a Korean Naver Blog archive entry. For exact wording and source context, verify against the Korean archive original and the original Naver post.

Clinic: 김헌곤성형외과의원

Original post date: January 30, 2025

Translated at: April 20, 2026 at 5:58 PM

Medical note: This translation does not guarantee medical accuracy or suitability for treatment decisions.

| * This post is an informational article intended to provide accurate information * |

Can Severe Underarm Odor Be Treated at the Root?

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 staff.

Bromhidrosis can cause major and minor inconveniences in daily life. Because of this, many people experience difficulties in interpersonal relationships and social life.

First of all, in the summer when you sweat a lot or after exercise, the odor can become stronger and cause stress. In places with many people or in enclosed spaces, you may become aware of others' attention because of the smell, which can lower your confidence.

It can also have psychological effects. You may worry that the odor caused by bromhidrosis will offend others, or you may feel discouraged and experience depression or anxiety.

In severe cases, it can even lead to mental health conditions such as avoidance of social contact or social phobia.

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Kim Heon-gon Plastic Surgery Bromhidrosis Clinic (Bromhidrosis/Hyperhidrosis Treatment)
The know-how and technical skill gained through many years of practice cannot be ignored by anyone.​From the first consultation when we first meet patients to the end of their final visit, we promise responsible care so they can remain comfortable throughout the process.
​Board-certified plastic surgeonGraduated from Seoul National University College of MedicineGraduated from Seoul National University Graduate SchoolFormer specialist at Samsung Medical Center (Samsung Seoul Hospital)Visiting professor in plastic surgery at Samsung Medical CenterMember of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonsMember of the Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryMember of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryMember 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▶ 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 produced due to abnormalities in the sweat glands in the underarm area. It is related to sweat glands called apocrine glands.

These sweat glands secrete fatty acids and organic substances together, and when bacteria on the skin surface break them down, an unpleasant odor is produced.

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<Main Causes of Bromhidrosis>

  1. Genetic factors

Bromhidrosis is known to be a condition that is strongly influenced by genetics. The likelihood of developing it increases if there is a family member with bromhidrosis.

  1. Hormonal changes

During puberty or pregnancy, hormonal changes can increase sweat gland activity in the underarm area, which can lead to bromhidrosis.

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  1. Bacterial infection

Bromhidrosis can worsen due to bacterial infection in the underarm area.

Conditions such as obesity or diabetes can also contribute to bromhidrosis. These diseases can increase sweat gland activity in the underarm area or promote the growth of bacteria on the skin surface.

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If bromhidrosis is suspected, you can check through self-diagnosis, but for careful diagnosis and treatment, it is best to seek help from a medical professional.

Below are some symptoms that may suggest bromhidrosis.

  • There is a family member with bromhidrosis.

  • You have been told by others that you smell.

  • When wearing a white shirt, your underarms have turned yellow by evening.

  • Earwax is moist and sticky.

  • If you place odorless tissue under both armpits and smell it after 5 minutes, an unpleasant odor is present.

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If one or more of the above symptoms apply, it is a good idea to see a specialist. If bromhidrosis is severe, treatment is recommended even if the above symptoms do not appear.

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Treatment methods for bromhidrosis range from conservative approaches to surgical methods. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the patient's situation.

  1. Conservative treatment

For temporary improvement, methods such as lifestyle changes like showering frequently, maintaining cleanliness, and wearing well-ventilated clothing, as well as applying topical antibiotics and removing hair through hair removal, can be tried.

However, these methods do not overcome the root cause of bromhidrosis, so the chance of recurrence is high.

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  1. Surgical treatment

This is the most fundamental treatment method, carried out by removing or destroying the sweat glands themselves.

Representative underarm odor removal procedures include excision, suction, and SIT surgery. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the patient's condition and preferences.

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Because the appropriate treatment method can vary depending on the patient's individual situation, it is important to seek advice from a specialist if bromhidrosis is suspected.

The underarm odor removal SIT surgery is one of the relatively recently developed surgical methods for treating bromhidrosis and uses a technical approach different from conventional excision or suction methods.

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Through a small incision, the sweat glands are removed using a specially designed syringe. This method can remove sweat glands while preventing damage to surrounding tissue, so it has the advantage of a short recovery period and almost no scarring.

<Features>

  1. Because the procedure is performed through a small incision, there is less bleeding and pain, and the recovery period is short.

  2. The recurrence rate is relatively low, and the surgical results are stable.

  3. Since the procedure is performed through a thin incision of about 3 mm in the underarm, the scar is hardly noticeable.

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The recovery process after surgery may vary from person to person, but generally it is as follows.

  1. On the day of surgery

Due to the administration of anesthetic, symptoms such as dizziness or nausea may occur, but they are temporary. You will go home with a bandage on the surgical site.

  1. 1–2 days after surgery

The surgical site may be swollen and painful, so it is advisable to take pain medication and rest. Be careful not to move your arm too much.

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  1. 3–5 days after surgery

Swelling at the surgical site subsides and pain is relieved. You may shower, but be careful not to let water touch the surgical site.

  1. 7 days after surgery

The stitches at the surgical site are removed. After that, you can shower freely, and activities such as exercise become possible.

After underarm odor removal SIT surgery, there are several precautions and care tips.

For a certain period after surgery, you should avoid irritation such as scratching or rubbing the surgical site. Such irritation can interfere with healing and cause inflammation.

Alcohol and smoking can interfere with recovery and cause inflammation at the surgical site, so it is advisable to refrain from them for a certain period after surgery.

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The surgical site should always be kept dry and clean. For this, it is good to wash frequently and change clothes often.

For a certain period after surgery, you should wear compression garments. Compression garments help recovery by securing the surgical area and promoting blood circulation.

It is important to visit the hospital regularly after surgery for checkups. This allows you to confirm the recovery status of the surgical site and take necessary measures.

If you follow these precautions and care tips well, you can expect faster recovery and good results after surgery.

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Underarm odor caused by bromhidrosis brings stress and concern to many people. However, with appropriate treatment such as underarm odor removal SIT surgery, not only can the odor be fundamentally removed, but it can also bring major changes to daily life and confidence.

Improved confidence is also one noticeable change. People who used to avoid contact with others or had low self-confidence due to bromhidrosis may, after treatment, become more active in social activities and develop their relationships.

Treatment for bromhidrosis is not simply about removing underarm odor; it can also play a major role in improving quality of life and restoring confidence.

If you feel discomfort in your daily life due to underarm odor, we recommend actively seeking treatment. We hope you overcome your concerns about underarm odor through SIT surgery and regain a confident daily life.

Thank you^^

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  • This post was written directly by our clinic as medical advertising for Kim Heon-gon Plastic Surgery Bromhidrosis Clinic,

in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service 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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