Excessive perspiration or sweating can be an extremely embarrassing condition, and can affect self-confidence and social interactions. There are several treatments available at Spire Healthcare hospitals for excessive sweating (hyperhidosis), both surgical and non-surgical.
With Spire Healthcare you will see a consultant surgeon of your choice at a time that suits you. They will provide advice on the excessive sweating treatments available and will discuss the best options with you. You will be treated in a premium private hospital, not a clinic and can be assured of our commitment to healthcare standards and infection control.
Contact us at your local Spire hospital for more information about the treatments offered by our consultants.
Non-surgical injections for excessive sweating
A new non-surgical temporary solution for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) involves the injection of a variety of botulinum toxin (often referred to by the brand name ‘Botox®’). This anti-sweating medication is a natural purified protein, and works by preventing the signal to perspire from reaching the sweat glands.
Anti-sweating treatment by injection is administered through a very fine needle into the affected skin. Perspiration normally diminishes substantially within 48 hours and results can last from 6-12 months.
Surgical treatments for excessive sweating
Many patients suffer from excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) from the hands and arm pits. Although conservative (non-surgical) treatments can be effective, they often need to be repeated and without them the problem reoccurs.
The traditional surgical approach to stopping perspiration involves division of the sympathetic nerve chain. This requires a surgical wound above both collar bones and is technically fairly complex surgery.
The advent of keyhole surgery has allowed the development of an operation which can help stop excessive sweating using a specially adapted telescope and requires just a tiny (about 1cm) incision under the arm. The operation is known as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). Although a general anaesthetic is required, most patients are well enough to go home the same day and the operation is usually immediately effective.