Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Many women and men are embarrassed by profuse sweating with no apparent cause, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. At Orange County Laser and Vein Rejuvenation Specialists, excessive sweating of the hands, face or axilla can now be treated with a minimally invasive outpatient procedure called transthoracic video-assisted endoscopic sympathectomy with clip application.

To learn more about the treatment of this uncomfortable condition, click here to request a consultation with one of our surgeons.

Background

Sweating is normal, but severe hyperhidrosis is a condition where people have excessive sweating of the hands, face or armpits for no apparent reason. This is not a case of being nervous. This is a physiologic condition that may be caused by an overactive sympathectic nervous system. Hyperhidrosis occurs in about one percent of the population and sometimes is hereditary.

Hyperhidrosis can be very embarrassing and debilitating. It usually begins in childhood. Moist hands cause sufferers to avoid social contacts, such as shaking hands. Teens may be embarrassed to date or participate in social activities. Writing a letter can be an impossible task because so much sweat runs from the hand to the paper. At our Orange County Surgery Center we offer several effective treatments for hyperhidrosis. Hear what patients are saying about the freedom and self confidence they enjoy after treatment from our doctors.

Medical Treatment

• Antiperspirants: Antiperspirants (Drisol) can be applied to the hands and armpits at night and then removed in the morning. These are usually tried first and may prove effective in mild cases.
• Tapwater Iontophoresis: Several times per week for several weeks the hands are placed in an electrolyte solution with low-level electrical current. This may be effective for mild cases.
• Medicines: Anticholinergic drugs (Atropine, Robinol) may reduce sweating, but they cause side effects such as dry mouth and difficulty with vision. BOTOX® has been used with moderate success, although the treatments are expensive and the results often are short lived.

Hyperhidrosis Surgery

Nerves from the sympathetic chain in the chest control abnormal sweating. Cutting, clipping, burning or removing this nerve almost always stops excessive sweating of the hands, face and armpits depending on where the nerve is interrupted. Current procedures utilize minimally invasive video techniques resulting in rapid recovery and minimal pain. Different techniques result in differing success rates, recurrence rates and complications. We use a harmonic scalpel to isolate the nerve and then apply titanium clips which can be removed in the future if needed. We have found this to be the most effective procedure with the lowest risk of side effects.

Minimally Invasive Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy

Dr. Richard Fischel is considered an international expert in the field of Thoracoscopic sympathectomy, and is an active member of the international society of sympathetic surgeons. He performs this hyperhidrosis treatment through two very small holes, smaller than a pencil, using video technology. Results are instantaneous and recovery is rapid. To date, we have achieved warm, dry hands in 100% of the patients.

Dr. Fischel personally performs an extensive history and physical on each potential patient and encourages patients to try all non surgical options prior to considering surgical treatment. All procedures are performed in a fully accredited hospital or outpatient surgery center with the best and most up to date equipment.

Risks and Complications

Even though this is a minimally invasive procedure all surgery has risk and potential complications. The most common side effect is the development of increased sweating in other parts of the body (compensatory hyperhidrosis). This may occur on the chest, back, or legs. Horner's Syndrome (droopy eyelid) may occur after the procedure. Fortunately, this has never occurred in our patients when the operation is performed for palmar hyperhidrosis.

For more information about treatments for hyperhidrosis, click here to request a consultation with one of our surgeons. Or you can call our office at 714-954-0270 to schedule an appointment.