How effective is hyperhidrosis surgery?

The procedure is highly effective in eliminating excessive sweating of the hands in over 98 percent of patients. In addition, the risk of complications is very low.

Does hyperhidrosis surgery hurt?

What to Expect During Hyperhidrosis Surgery. We perform the procedure while you are under general anesthesia, so your surgery is pain-free. During the procedure, we use a small endoscope and harmonic blade to remove a portion of the overactive nerve.

What is the best treatment of hyperhidrosis?

Drugs used to treat hyperhidrosis include:

• Prescription antiperspirant. Your doctor may prescribe an antiperspirant with aluminum chloride (Drysol, Xerac Ac).
• Prescription creams.
• Nerve-blocking medications.
• Antidepressants.
• Botulinum toxin injections.

Who performs ETS surgery?

Vascular surgeons at UCSF Medical Center have significant experience in the treatment of hyperhidrosis using ETS. We can perform ETS on both sides of the body during a single operation if needed. The operation requires general anesthesia, and two 5 millimeter incisions on each side.

What is EST surgery?

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is surgery to treat sweating that is much heavier than normal. This condition is called hyperhidrosis. Usually the surgery is used to treat sweating of the palms or face. The sympathetic nerves control sweating.

Is hyperhidrosis a mental disorder?

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can also happen as a symptom of social anxiety disorder. In fact, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, up to 32 percent of people with social anxiety experience hyperhidrosis.

Is ETS surgery painful?

Although ETS is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, you may feel some pain shortly after the surgery. Most people only feel pain by the incision sites and the nerves near the incisions. You may also feel some chest discomfort for the first one to three days after surgery.

What is the cost of ETS surgery?

The average cost of ETS is $8,000 to $10,000. The actual cost of ETS will vary by location, healthcare provider, and individual candidate needs.