Operation of excessive perspiration in the armpits

What can you do if antiperspirants do not help? Contact your plastic surgeon.

Perspiration is a completely natural and physiological phenomenon. It is one of the most important mechanisms for thermoregulation. Excessive perspiration is however undesirable, especially from a social point of view. This is to say that a bad smell and sweaty rings under the armpits are not the height of style nowadays.

Who is a suitable candidate for the operation?

Anybody who suffers from excessive perspiration and who is not satisfied by temporary solutions (e.g. antiperspirants or application of botulotoxin) or merely camouflaging the condition (perspiration pads etc.) On the contrary, the procedure cannot be used in the case of excessive perspiration of the hands or feet. Purulent inflammations of the glands in the armpits, so-called hidrosadenitis, are also contraindications.

How does consultation take place?

The overall state of health and any possible contraindications to the procedure are ascertained in terms of consultation. After examination of the local finding, it is determined whether the condition is suitable for surgical resolution. The principle of the operation is in fact special liposuction, in terms of which the subcutaneous tissue just under the dermis where the sweat glands are located is sucked out from a three-millimetre incision by means of a specially modified cannula. The procedure is most frequently performed on an out-patient basis under local anaesthesia and does not last longer than one hour. A decrease in sweat production by sixty to eighty percent can be expected from the operation. During consultation, it is always necessary to inform the doctor of all medicines which the patient uses. This especially relates to medicines which affect coagulation.

Pre-operative examination

With a view to the fact that in the vast majority of cases this concerns an out-patient procedure under local anaesthesia, pre-operative examination is not necessary.

Post-operative care

Post-operative care is usually minimal. Too much physical activity is not recommended in the period immediately after the operation. A compression bandage is applied to the armpit for the first few days. Stitches are removed after one week. The operation takes effect within two months. In most cases this effect is permanent.

Complications

Complications are rare with this type of operation. The creation of hematomas or damage to the structures embedded in the armpit come into consideration.