Answer
Yes, Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, is treated surgically at Seton. In fact, both sweating of the underarms (axillary) and palms (palmar) have been treated with a high success rate. The condition of Hyperhidrosis occurs when the body's sympathetic nervous system does not function properly and produces more perspiration than necessary. This can cause social embarrassment as well as lead to the development of other skin conditions, including infections.
The outpatient surgical procedure called a sympathectomy, is minimally invasive, requiring only two, 1 cm incisions in the underarm area. After the patient is given a general anesthesia, the surgeon makes the small incisions, and uses a tiny camera to view inside the patient. The surgeon removes the segment of the sympathetic nerve that causes the sweating and closes the incision. The procedure itself takes about an hour and patients can resume normal activities within a few days. The sympathectomy may be a little procedure, but it is a real cure for those who suffer from excessive sweating.
Note: A recent Goodhealth.com story, Sweating Disorder Treatable With Surgery, provides more information.
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