Effect of quilting sutures on hematoma formation after liposuction with dermal curettage for treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Liposuction provides further reduction of axillary sweating and malodor when combined with dermal curettage with sharp rasping cannulas. This aggressive approach is associated with relatively higher rate of hematoma formation when compared to the conventional simple liposuction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of quilting sutures on the incidence of hematoma formation after liposuction-curettage for treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis (AH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trial randomized 59 male patients (118 axillae) undergoing liposuction-curettage for AH to quilting procedures (61 axillae) or control group (57 axillae) for intention-to-treat analysis. Outcome measures included the incidence of hematoma formation, operative time, degree of postoperative pain, and amount of analgesics consumption. RESULTS: Quilting sutures significantly reduced the incidence of axillary hematoma from 28.1% to 4.9%. Quilting was associated with the lengthening of operative time but did not affect the postoperative pain. CONCLUSION: Considering its efficacy in reducing postoperative hematoma, quilting is recommended in combination with aggressive liposuction-curettage procedure for treating AH and osmidrosis. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.