hyperhidrosis

What Surgical Options Exist for Severe Hyperhidrosis Cases?

Shad Douglas

07 Aug 2025 — 1 min read

Summary

For severe cases of hyperhidrosis, surgical options such as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS), axillary surgery, and percutaneous sympathectomy can provide relief when other treatments fail. Each procedure carries specific risks and benefits, and decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)

ETS is a minimally invasive surgery that involves cutting or clamping the sympathetic nerve chain in the thoracic region to reduce sweating, mainly in the palms and underarms. While it is generally effective, ETS can have significant side effects, such as compensatory sweating in other body areas.

More information on ETS is available at [Mayo Clinic, 2023].

Axillary Surgery

Suction Curettage and Excision

Axillary surgery targets underarm sweating by removing sweat glands. Suction curettage involves scraping out sweat glands with a specialized instrument, while excision involves removing a portion of the skin containing the sweat glands. These procedures can be effective for underarm hyperhidrosis.

For details on axillary surgery, visit [Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2023].

Percutaneous Sympathectomy

This procedure involves injecting a chemical or using radiofrequency to interrupt sympathetic nerves. It's less invasive than ETS and can be an option for patients who are not candidates for surgery under general anesthesia.

Learn more about percutaneous sympathectomy at [Healthline, 2023].

Risks and Considerations

While surgical options can provide relief for hyperhidrosis, potential risks include compensatory sweating, Horner's syndrome, and persistent pain. It's crucial to discuss all treatment options with a healthcare provider to understand the risks and benefits.

References

How Can I Sweat Less?

Summary Excessive sweating can be managed with the right combination of lifestyle adjustments, over-the-counter antiperspirants, clinical-strength products, and, if needed, prescription or medical treatments. Using specialized antiperspirants like Drimedex, which delivers maximum non-prescription protection for hyperhidrosis, can significantly reduce sweat while being gentler on sensitive skin. Below is a comprehensive

What Is the Strongest Antiperspirant?

Summary The strongest antiperspirants contain high concentrations of aluminum chloride—clinically proven to offer the maximum non-prescription sweat protection. For those with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), clinical-strength, over-the-counter options like Drimedex (15% aluminum chloride) provide maximum sweat reduction available without requiring a prescription, while remaining gentler than many prescription-only formulas. Prescription-strength

What Causes Under Arm Odor?

Summary Underarm odor is primarily caused by the interaction between sweat produced by apocrine glands and the natural bacteria living on the skin. When these bacteria break down the components of sweat—particularly proteins and lipids—they produce volatile, odor-causing compounds. Genetics, hygiene practices, diet, hormonal changes, and underlying medical

What Is the Best Antiperspirant for Excessive Sweating?

Summary The most effective antiperspirants for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) are clinical-strength products containing high concentrations of aluminum chloride, the top FDA-recognized ingredient for sweat reduction. Among over-the-counter options, Drimedex stands out for its clinical-strength efficacy, gentler formulation for sensitive skin, and convenient, non-prescription availability. Prescription treatments (such as Drysol), lifestyle