Causes of Underarm Odor: Why It Can Be Worse Than Others, and How SIT Surgery Can Remove It

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Causes of Underarm Odor: Why It Can Be Worse Than Others, and How SIT Surgery Can Remove It

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 in treating bromhidrosis and hyperhidrosis is on staff.

Underarm odor can cause discomfort not only for the person concerned, but also for others, which is why many people feel stressed about it.

So, what causes underarm odor? And is there a way to improve it? Today, let’s look at the causes of underarm odor along with SIT surgery.

Kim Heon-gon Plastic Surgery Bromhidrosis Clinic (Bromhidrosis/Hyperhidrosis Treatment)
The know-how and expertise built up over many years of practice cannot be ignored by anyone. We promise responsible care so that patients can feel comfortable from the first consultation when they meet us to the very last follow-up visit.
Board-certified plastic surgeonGraduate of Seoul National University College of MedicineGraduate of Seoul National University Graduate SchoolFormer specialist at Samsung Medical Center (Samsung Seoul Hospital)Adjunct professor in plastic surgery at Samsung Medical CenterMember 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 Society of Facial Plastic Surgery
▶ 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

Underarm odor (bromhidrosis) refers to an unpleasant smell caused by abnormalities in the sweat glands in the underarm area. The main cause of this odor is a special type of sweat gland called the apocrine gland.

Apocrine glands are distributed in specific areas such as the underarms, nipples, navel, and genitals, and secrete sweat containing fatty acids and organic substances. When this sweat combines with bacteria, it breaks down and produces a foul odor.

This phenomenon mainly occurs after puberty because the secretion of apocrine glands increases under the influence of sex hormones.

People whose underarm odor is especially strong are more likely to have a high level of apocrine gland secretion or an environment where bacteria can easily multiply.

For example, this may happen if a person has a condition such as hyperhidrosis or obesity, or if they have a lot of underarm hair, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow. Stress and fatigue are also factors that can worsen underarm odor.

People with strong underarm odor tend to share a few common traits.

1. Genetic factors

Bromhidrosis is heavily influenced by genetics. If a parent or sibling has bromhidrosis, the likelihood that you may also develop it is higher.

2. Hormonal changes

In women, underarm odor may become stronger during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. In men, bromhidrosis can also occur or worsen during hormonal changes such as puberty or menopause.

3. Hyperhidrosis

If you have hyperhidrosis and sweat heavily under the arms, the sweat secreted by the apocrine glands is more likely to combine with bacteria and break down, making the underarm odor stronger.

4. Obesity

The more fat there is in the underarm area, the greater the secretion from the apocrine glands, and the easier it is for bacteria to multiply, which makes underarm odor worse.

5. Others

Underarm odor can also become worse if you have a lot of underarm hair or have conditions such as diabetes.

SIT surgery is one of the surgical methods used to remove the sweat glands that cause underarm odor. Unlike conventional surgical methods, it is performed through a small incision of about 3 mm, so it leaves almost no scar and has the advantage of a short recovery period.

Using specially designed instruments, the sweat glands are removed by destroying the glands themselves, which results in a low recurrence rate and long-lasting results.

• By removing the sweat glands that cause bromhidrosis, the odor can be eliminated at the source.

• Because the recovery period after surgery is short, you can return to daily life quickly.

• Since almost no scar remains, satisfaction is high from a cosmetic standpoint as well.

SIT surgery is a relatively simple procedure, but proper care and recovery are still needed after surgery.

1. Rest after surgery

It is best to rest for about a day after the procedure. Be careful not to irritate the surgical area, and avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in excessive activity.

2. Cold compresses and dressing

It is recommended to apply cold compresses for 2 to 3 days after surgery. Keep dressings on the surgical area, and change them daily.

3. Showering and bathing

Showering or bathing is possible starting 3 to 5 days after surgery. At this time, be careful not to rub or irritate the surgical area.

4. No alcohol or smoking

Alcohol and smoking interfere with wound healing after surgery, so it is best to avoid both for at least one week.

5. Exercise restrictions

In the early stages after surgery, it is best to limit exercise. Light walking or stretching is possible, but high-intensity exercise is best started 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.

6. Follow-up observation

You should visit the clinic regularly after surgery to monitor your progress. Sutures are removed about 2 weeks after surgery, and follow-up observation continues afterward to check the surgical results.

7. Preventing recurrence

To prevent recurrence, ongoing care is needed even after surgery. Wash and dry the underarms frequently, and wear clothing that allows good ventilation. Stress and overwork can also worsen bromhidrosis, so proper rest and exercise are recommended.

However, before surgery, it is important to consult with a specialist and choose the surgical method that is right for you. After surgery, it is also important to follow ongoing care instructions and precautions.

I hope this helps you quickly enjoy clean, comfortable days. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.

Thank you.

• The above 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 understand the pre- and post-care instructions

after sufficient consultation with the attending medical staff. -

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