Axillary suction curettage is a walk in walk out procedure that is performed in a doctors office. This procedure removes the sweat glands and only takes one hour to perform and you can go home straight away . It is commonly compared to liposuction procedures but it is different as no fat is taken away, only the sweat glands under the skin are removed. The doctor inserts a cannula under the skin and suction is applied to remove the sweat glands.

Suction currettage is considered a treatment just for armpit sweating. For most people, it results in a reduction in sweating by more then 80% and the treatment is a permanent solution compared to repeated BTX injections which have to be performed every 6-8 months.In other words suction currettage works out to be a lot more cost effective and convenient than repeated BTX injections. 

How Axillary Suction Curettage Works

Patients who experience excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis in the axillary region are often looking for a more permanent solution. This is a minimally invasive outpatient .The procedure is performed by curetting and vacuuming the sweat glands to reduce  excess underarm sweating. The procedure is designed to damage and remove as many sweat glands in the armpits as possible. This will result in the permanent reduction of excessive sweating.

How Axillary Suction Curettage Is Performed

Axillary suction curettage can only be performed by a experienced medical doctor. A tumescent anesthetic solution is injected into the skin, usually consisting of lignocaine, adrenaline and sodium chloride. Light sedation such as laughing gas can also be used. A small incision will be made into each axillae, and a cannula will be inserted to scrap and vacuum the sweat glands. The cannula is small, and this is used to scrape away the sweat glands from the underside of the skin. After the surgery, bandages will be applied and patients will receive antibiotics and instructions for care.You are advised not to drive after the procedure especially if light sedation is used.

What to Expect

There may be some mild discomfort, swelling or limited mobility at the incision sites for up to two weeks. Bandages should be changed daily, and antibiotics are usually scheduled for 5 days after the surgery. After 7 days, the wound is assessed. Dr Patel will discuss side effects such as bleeding or pain or you may get pins and needles in the arm for 2-3 weeks. Patients should limit their activity, especially sports and exercise, for at least one week.

After one month patients are evaluated for reduction in excess sweating. The evaluation can be repeated in 6 and 12 months time.The aim of this treatment is not to completely get rid of all sweating as some sweat glands that remain may still produce sweat and sometimes a second procedure might be needed after 6-12 months. However the sweat glands that are removed or damaged will remain so permanently and you can expect 80% reduction from your pre-treatment sweating.

Five Things About Sweat Gland Removal

While axillary suction curettage enjoys a high success rate, there are a number of potential risks that you should factor into your decision.

1. Minor Scarring

Axilliary suction curettage has fewer potential complications than ETS,nevertheless it may leave minor scar at the incision site.

2. Restricted Mobility

There is the potential for restricted mobility of the arm but this is very uncommon with newer tumenescent techniques.

3. Hematomas and Seromas

Hematomas are a  form of bruise resulting from a clogged concentration of blood cells, and seromas, a pocket of bodily fluid (plasma, mucus) under the skin, are risks of virtually any surgery. However, they are generally not serious and easy to treat if  they develop.

4. Permanant Wound Contracture

A wound contracture is when a wound heals in such a way to impede the normal function of the skin.Contracture is a normal part of the healing process, so this impeded function may start about 7 days after the surgery and last 5 to 15 days thereafter and can be avoided by doing regular arm stretching exercises.

5. Wound Infection

A potential risk of any surgery is wound infection, which is why your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics to take for a minimum of 7 days after the procedure.You can reduce your risk for infection by taking antibiotics as prescribed.

Remember the aim of this type of treatment is not to completely stop you sweating.It will be reduced by 70-80% and bring you into normal amount of sweating and on rare occasions the procedure may may need to be repeated after 6 months .

Excessive sweating is more than an annoyance; the sweating can cause not only embarrassment and social anxiety, but it can also impede your ability to function properly. Axilliary suction curettage is one of the most successful methods for stopping excessive sweating permanently in your armpits. However, you should consider the potential risks before you proceed.