Excessive sweating is a condition also known as hyperhidrosis. If you suffer from mild and occasionally sweaty armpits, there are several things you can do before seeking surgery to stop excessive sweating forever. However, if you suffer from bothersome and excessive perspiration that is unaffected by over-the-counter and home remedy treatments, pursuing a surgical option such as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) may be ideal for you.
Step 1
Make an appointment with a thorasic or cardiothoracic surgeon. You may need to visit your family doctor to get a referral. According to Dr. Javier Alonso of the South Texas Hyperhidrosis Clinic, during the first consultation the doctor will ask about your medical history and what you have tried in the past to stop excessive underarm sweating. He will consider such options as prescription antihistamines, prescription antiperspirants, beta blockers and liposuction before recommending ETS surgery.
Step 2
You'll schedule the ETS surgery several weeks in advance. During this time, take extra special care of yourself by eating a well-balanced diet, taking a good vitamin supplement every day, and getting plenty of rest. Reduce your stress as much as possible. Make arrangements to take time off work and, if you have children, to have someone else take care of them for a few days after the surgery.
Step 3
Arrive early for your appointment so you have time to ask questions and get comfortable before the actual procedure. ETS surgery is performed endoscopically through small incisions in your chest, and usually takes an hour to complete.
Step 4
Ask your doctor to walk you through the procedure. Usually both sides of the body are treated at the same time, but your doctor will perform ETS surgery in his own particular way. The nerves controlling the underarm sweating will be either clamped or severed, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. Afterward, you will spend two or three hours recovering from the general anesthesia and be allowed to go home the same day.
Step 5
Recuperate from the surgery properly. ETS is an outpatient surgery, but you must still take care of yourself afterward. Rest for at least two days, drink plenty of non-sugared, non-caffeinated fluids, and follow a healthy diet.
Tips and Warnings
- Tell your doctor about all medications and home remedies you have tried to stop armpit sweating.
- If you suffer from cardiorespiratory diseases of any kind, you will not be eligible for this surgery. ETS surgery is permanent. It affects the sweating mechanism of your entire body, not just the underarms. Talk to your doctor about all the risks and benefits before having ETS surgery performed. A side effect of ETS surgery can be sweating on other parts of the body.
