Effectiveness of botulinum toxin A injection for the treatment of secondary axillary bromhidrosis

Abstract

Surgical removal of apocrine glands is a valid treatment option for axillary bromhidrosis. However, malodor may recur after the operation. The value of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection in the treatment of secondary axillary bromhidrosis was investigated in the present study. From July of 2012 to May of 2016, 53 patients with secondary axillary bromhidrosis were enrolled in our clinic. Various BTX-A injection strategies were applied depending on different types of previous surgery. None of the patients reported adverse side effects after the procedure. The duration of efficacy ranged from 1 to 12 months, with the median value of 6 months. At the end of follow-up, 48 patients ranked the satisfaction with BTX-A treatment as "very good" or "good". For patients with secondary axillary bromhidrosis following various surgical modalities, the BTX-A treatment strategy we propose can achieve a lengthy duration of efficacy with a low risk of side effects and should be considered a good and reliable option.