Treatment for Excessive Sweating – Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating—also known as hyperhidrosis—can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and emotionally distressing. Whether it affects your underarms, hands, feet, or face, this condition can interfere with daily activities and self-confidence. At Suburban Surgical Care Specialists / Kane Center, our experienced team offers safe, effective treatments that target the underlying cause of excessive sweating. With minimally invasive and non-surgical options such as BOTOX®, miraDry®, and ETS-C treatment, patients can finally find long-lasting relief and enjoy a more comfortable, confident life.
- What Is Hyperhidrosis?
- Hyperhidrosis Causes
- Types of Hyperhidrosis
- Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options
- How Long Hyperhidrosis Treatment Lasts
What Is Hyperhidrosis?
It can be very uncomfortable, and even embarrassing, for people who suffer from excessive sweating in the hands, underarms, and other parts of the body. This condition, called hyperhidrosis, can even have an effect on one’s day-to-day life and self-esteem. The good news is, we offer minimally invasive treatments for hyperhidrosis that can successfully reduce excessive sweating in specific body areas.
We offer the innovative solution known as miraDry®, which sends electromagnetic energy to the target area to permanently eliminate sweat glands. In addition, Dr. Jonathan Wallace performs the ETS-C treatment, a new procedure that is offered by only a handful of surgeons in the Midwest.
What Are the Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?
The symptoms of hyperhidrosis go beyond occasional sweating. People with this condition may notice persistent, excessive perspiration that occurs even when they are not overheated, exercising, or under stress. Sweat may soak through clothing, drip from the hands or face, or cause discomfort in shoes or gloves. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Noticeable, constant sweating on the palms, soles, underarms, face, or scalp
- Damp or clammy hands and feet
- Clothing that becomes wet or stained quickly
- Skin irritation, rashes, or peeling due to constant moisture
- Increased body odor related to trapped sweat
- Anxiety or self-consciousness caused by visible sweating
While symptoms can vary from mild to severe, many individuals find that hyperhidrosis interferes with daily tasks and affects social, professional, or physical activities. If excessive sweating is impacting your quality of life, a consultation with our surgical team can help determine the most effective treatment plan for your needs.
What Causes Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis affects millions of Americans, often in areas such as the:
- Hands
- Underarms
- Face
- Feet
- Back
- Chest
Often beginning in childhood or adolescence, hyperhidrosis is caused by overstimulation of the sweat glands. This overactivity can occur even when the body doesn’t need cooling, such as in cool environments or while at rest. The excessive sweating results from miscommunication between the brain and the sweat glands, typically involving the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates automatic body functions like temperature control.
Are There Different Types of Hyperhidrosis?
Yes, there are two main types of hyperhidrosis, each with different causes and patterns:
- Primary (focal) hyperhidrosis, which is not linked to any underlying medical condition and usually affects specific areas such as the hands, feet, or underarms. It is believed to be hereditary and may run in families.
- Secondary (generalized) hyperhidrosis, which can be triggered by another medical issue or medication. Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, menopause, infections, and certain medications can cause the body to produce excess sweat more broadly.
Regardless of the cause, the condition can have a significant impact on daily life, making it difficult to shake hands, hold objects, wear certain clothes, or feel confident in social or professional situations. Fortunately, today’s advanced treatment options, such as BOTOX®, miraDry®, and ETS-C, can effectively manage symptoms and dramatically improve quality of life.
What Are My Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis?
Suburban Surgical Care Specialists / Kane Center offers several treatment options designed to control excessive sweating safely and effectively. Options include BOTOX® injections, miraDry®, and the advanced ETS-C treatment.
BOTOX® for Hyperhidrosis
BOTOX® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that temporarily blocks the chemical signals responsible for activating sweat glands. Small amounts of BOTOX® are injected into the affected areas, such as the underarms, hands, or feet, to significantly reduce perspiration for several months at a time. This non-surgical treatment is quick, requires no downtime, and can be repeated as needed for long-term management.
miraDry®
miraDry® is FDA-approved to permanently eliminate excessive sweating in the underarms. The non-invasive procedure works by sending electromagnetic heat to the target area, which then damages your sweat glands to prevent them from producing excess moisture. This procedure is considered safe and should not affect your body’s ability to cool itself.
The miraDry® procedure takes about one hour to complete, and patients may need one or multiple sessions to achieve optimal sweat reduction results.
ETS-C Treatment
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS-C) is one of the most advanced procedures available for hyperhidrosis. Utilizing very tiny incisions, our surgeon places a small titanium clamp over the nerve responsible for your symptoms. By clamping the sympathetic nerve, the excess amounts of sweat in a specific body area should stop.
This procedure is known for its consistent results and minimally invasive technique. ETS-C treatment is also reversible. The entire procedure typically takes only about 20 minutes and can be performed as an outpatient surgery. Most patients are able to return to work within two days, and more strenuous activities can usually be resumed after one week.
How Long Does Hyperhidrosis Treatment Last?
The longevity of results depends on the treatment method. BOTOX® typically lasts three to six months before follow-up injections are recommended. miraDry® provides long-lasting, often permanent results for underarm sweating, while ETS-C treatment can offer a permanent solution for more severe cases of hyperhidrosis.
Treatment for hyperhidrosis has helped patients from all over the U.S. stop excessive sweating and improve their self-esteem.
Schedule a Consultation for Hyperhidrosis Treatment
If you would like more information on our treatments for hyperhidrosis, or if you would like to schedule a consultation for BOTOX®, miraDry®, or ETS-C treatment, please contact Suburban Surgical Care Specialists / Kane Center today.