Comparison of microwave ablation, botulinum toxin injection, and liposuction-curettage in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Primary focal axillary hyperhidrosis is a disorder of excessive sweating that can strongly impact quality of life. Objective: The objective if this study was to compare microwave ablation (MA), botulinum toxin (BT) injection, and liposuction-curettage (LC) in the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis based on subjective and objective criteria. Methods: A systematic review of the literature published in French or English between 1 January 1991 and 1 February 2015 was completed using PubMed and Embase databases. Results: 16 of 775 articles were selected based on relevance and criteria of inclusion and exclusion. The three methods proved to be efficient and safe; however, MA and BT had better results when compared to LC in the short term. Both MA and LC showed longer lasting results when compared to BT. However, in the long term, MA was superior to LC. Conclusion: MA, LC, and BT injections are safe and efficient minimally invasive alternatives for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to further compare the efficacy of these techniques.

KEYWORDS:

• Botulinum toxin
• excessive sweating
• hyperhidrosis
• liposuction-curettage
• microwave

Declaration of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.