“I wasn’t lazy—it was a ‘smell’ I didn’t even notice that ended my career in Japan.” Ms. Lin, 28, from Kaohsiung, is attractive and high-performing. She was well-regarded at a Japanese company in Taiwan and earned an overseas assignment in Japan. However, she faced a major setback when colleagues discreetly told her supervisor, “She has a strange odor that makes clients uncomfortable.” Though the feedback was tactful, it led to her return to Taiwan in disappointment.

Back home, she initially suspected stress or poor hygiene caused the odor and tried various deodorants and body sprays, but the invisible pressure persisted. Eventually, she visited Dr. Wu Wen-Hong at Kuang Tien General Hospital’s plastic surgery department. After a detailed consultation and examination, she was diagnosed with bromhidrosis caused by abnormal apocrine gland secretion—not just in the armpits, but also in intimate areas.
Diagnosis of bromhidrosis relies on medical history, odor assessment, and site observation. It involves physical examination and odor intensity evaluation to determine if the smell originates from apocrine glands. No blood tests or imaging are needed, but diagnosis must be made by an experienced specialist.
 

Dr. Wu explained that Ms. Lin had a rare case of “multi-site bromhidrosis,” and he arranged a “mini water-jet bromhidrosis surgery” targeting the armpits, perineum, and breast area. Though the procedure seems simple, it requires precise scraping of subcutaneous apocrine glands through tiny incisions, avoiding nerves and blood vessels while preserving adequate blood flow. Otherwise, skin necrosis or residual odor may occur. The perineum and areola areas are especially challenging due to tight space and dense vascular and nerve networks, requiring extreme caution to reduce infection and hematoma risks. Ms. Lin recovered well and regained confidence in social interactions.

According to Dr. Wu’s statistics from nearly 700 bromhidrosis surgeries:
•  88% involved the armpits
•  9% the perineum
•  3% the breast area
Interestingly, many women are unaware of abnormal odors in intimate areas—most are alerted by their partners. Clinically, many patients initially mistake the issue for vaginal infections and seek gynecological treatment, only to find no relief until referred to plastic surgery.

“Many people confuse sweat odor with bromhidrosis,” Dr. Wu explained. Sweat odor is caused by excessive secretion from eccrine glands, while bromhidrosis stems from apocrine glands secreting oily yellowish fluid. Bathing or perfume usually doesn’t help. If persistent odor is accompanied by stickiness or clothing stains, bromhidrosis should be considered and professional consultation sought early.

Though not a serious illness, bromhidrosis often causes psychological distress and social anxiety. With advances in medical technology and public awareness, more people are opting for surgery to reclaim their comfort. Dr. Wu encourages both men and women to seek help bravely if troubled by odor issues—don’t let scent become an invisible barrier in life.

Book a Plastic Surgery Consultation Now. Say Goodbye to Persistent Odor.