Treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis: Combination of the starch-iodine testwith the tumescent liposuction technique

OBJECTIVE. To evaluate and permanently improve axillary hyperhidrosis. BACKGROUND. Excessive sweating of the axillae is a common problem for which patients frequently seek dermatologic advice and therapy. Many treatments, including aluminum chloride, topical and systemic anticholinergic agents, tranquilizers, iontophoresis, direct surgical excision, botulinum toxin inj ection, and thoracic sympathectomy, have been employed to control this prob lem. All have drawbacks of one sort or another. METHODS. The starch-iodine technique for delineation of pre operative and p ostoperative axillary sweating is described in detail. A method of sweat gl and removal utilizing tumescent liposuction is discussed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION. The combination of the starch-iodine technique and tumescent liposuction is safe and effective for therapy of axillary hyperhi drosis.