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Hyperhidrosis Surgery

Hyperhidrosis surgery: treatment for excessive sweating.

Hyperhidrosis surgery is one of several options for treating excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that may affect the entire body but is typically found in the palms, soles, groin, and or armpits. The condition often causes significant social distress. 

Patients may be prescribed oral, topical, or non-surgical treatments for hyperhidrosis. Surgery is sometimes required as well.

Thoracic surgeon James S. Allan, MD, is an expert in hyperhidrosis treatment. He holds joint appointments at Salem Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. North Shore patients of Dr. Allan may receive treatment close to home at his Salem campus office, or they may choose to see him in Boston. His Salem number is 978.745.1581.

Hyperhidrosis surgery  

Patients who come to Salem Hospital for hyperhidrosis surgery are treated by thoracic surgery specialists. Thoracic surgeons diagnose and treat a variety of cancers and benign disorders of the lungs, esophagus, chest wall, diaphragm, trachea and mediastinum.

Hyperhidrosis surgery may include removal or destruction of a sweat gland using a variety of methods.

Additional hyperhidrosis surgery options include a thoracoscopic sympathectomy, in which a portion of the sympathetic nerve in the thoracic region is destroyed.

Treatment to avoid hyperhidrosis surgery.

In addition to hyperhidrosis surgery, physicians at Salem Hospital offer a variety of approaches for treatment of hyperhidrosis. These include:

  • Botox injections to inhibit the release of a substance involved in transmitting nerve impulses, effectively blocking neural control of the sweat glands. This procedure has been approved by the FDA and is effective for 3 to 9 months.
  • Nighttime applications of aluminum chloride solution in a much higher concentration than is found in traditional antiperspirants.
Patients seeking a surgeon for hyperhidrosis surgery may request a referral from their primary care physician. They may also use Find a Doctor to search by specialty, such as back pain surgery, gastric sleeve procedure or spinal stenosis treatment.