Living with hyperhidrosis—excessive sweating that disrupts daily life—can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally draining. Often affecting the hands, armpits, and feet, this condition can make even the simplest of tasks like shaking hands or wearing certain fabrics a source of anxiety.
If you’ve tried conventional treatments but the condition persists, you may be recommended hyperhidrosis in Singapore as a potential solution. Learn more about the procedure on this page: https://www.icts.com.sg/all-you-need-to-know-about-hyperhidrosis-surgery/.
In today’s piece, we will explain what hyperhidrosis surgery involves, its effectiveness, costs, and alternative treatments before considering surgery. Let’s begin!
Do You Need Surgery for Hyperhidrosis?
Surgery can be an option for treating hyperhidrosis. However as earlier mentioned, it’s generally recommended only after trying other less invasive treatments.
Hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which regulates sweating. While some cases are mild and manageable with at-home remedies, others may require tailored treatment plans.
Non-surgical treatments often provide significant relief for mild to moderate hyperhidrosis. These include astringents, talc, starch, or even oral medications like sedatives and beta blockers, which can help control sweating.
Topical antiperspirants like Drysol, a prescription-strength formula may also help. If you’re seeking more targeted treatments, you may be recommended botulinum toxin injections.
Commonly referred to as Botox, these injections temporarily block nerve signals to the sweat glands to reduce sweating for up to six months. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be repeated as needed.
Another non-surgical option is iontophoresis. This treatment uses a weak electrical current to disrupt sweat gland activity.
You will be required to immerse your hands or feet in water during this painless procedure, which can reduce sweating with regular sessions. And if you experience severe sweating that doesn’t respond to these methods, surgery may be your best option.
A common surgical option is video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy (VATS). This procedure interrupts the nerve pathways responsible for excessive sweating in specific areas to control the condition.
So, Can Surgery Fix Hyperhidrosis?
Yes, surgery can permanently fix hyperhidrosis in cases where other treatments have failed. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for this condition.
ETS is minimally invasive and involves cutting or clamping the sympathetic nerves responsible for sweating. The procedure begins with the surgeon making small incisions under the arm to access the chest cavity.
A camera, or endoscope, is inserted through one incision to provide a clear view of the nerves, which are then cut, clamped, or cauterized. The results of ETS are often immediate and dramatic.
Many patients wake up from surgery with noticeably dry hands or armpits. This immediate improvement makes ETS a popular choice for individuals with severe palmar (hand) or axillary (armpit) hyperhidrosis.
Recovery from ETS is relatively quick. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a week, although full recovery may take several weeks.
Common side effects during recovery include mild chest pain and temporary numbness in the treated area. Another surgical option is video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), which involves two small incisions in the armpit. Like ETS, VATS targets the sympathetic nerves but uses slightly different techniques to achieve similar results.
How Successful Is Hyperhidrosis Surgery?
Hyperhidrosis surgery, particularly ETS, boasts an impressive success rate, especially for hand sweating. Studies consistently report success rates exceeding 98% for palmar hyperhidrosis.
This means that nearly all patients experience significant relief from excessive sweating in their hands after the procedure. However, the effectiveness of ETS varies depending on the area being treated.
While it’s highly effective for hands, the success rate for axillary (armpit) or plantar (foot) hyperhidrosis may be slightly lower. That said if you’re targeting these areas, you will need to have realistic expectations and discuss alternatives with a specialist.
If you’re wondering about safety, the most common side effect of hyperhidrosis surgery is compensatory sweating. This occurs when the body begins sweating excessively in other areas, such as the back or thighs, to compensate for the reduction in sweating at the treated site.
While compensatory sweating is often mild and manageable, some patients find it bothersome. Patient selection is another critical factor in the success of hyperhidrosis surgery in Singapore.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for the procedure. Before the procedure, ensure you have a thorough consultation with a specialist to ensure that the potential benefits outweigh the risks for you.
How Much Does Hyperhidrosis Surgery Cost in Singapore?
In Singapore, hyperhidrosis surgery, also known as a sympathectomy, typically costs between SGD 10,000 and SGD 12,000. This price range generally covers the surgical procedure itself and related hospital fees.
However, additional costs may apply depending on the clinic and surgeon. The cost of surgery can vary based on several factors.
Key among these factors includes the severity of the condition and the area being treated. For example, palmar hyperhidrosis may require less extensive procedure than plantar or axillary hyperhidrosis, which could influence the overall price.
It’s also worth considering alternative treatments for hyperhidrosis, which are significantly less expensive. Botulinum toxin injections, for instance, cost around SGD 1,000 to SGD 2,000 per session and provide temporary relief.
Iontophoresis treatments are another option and tend to be more affordable than surgery, though they require ongoing sessions for sustained results. While surgery is a larger financial commitment, its permanent results may justify the cost if you’re struggling with severe hyperhidrosis.
As a general rule, be sure to consult with your provider to understand the full financial implications before committing to the treatment. It may also help to explore insurance coverage options, if available.
In Closing
Hyperhidrosis surgery is a proven and effective solution for severe, life-disrupting sweating. Procedures like ETS and VATS boast high success rates, particularly for hand sweating.
However, we must mention that they too come with potential side effects like compensatory sweating for example. That said, the decision to undergo hyperhidrosis surgery in Singapore should not be taken lightly. Choose a specialist who will thoroughly assess your condition, and only recommend the best treatment for you.
