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What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition of abnormally excessive sweating. Some 15,000 patients visit hospitals for it each year, but the actual number of patients is estimated to be several times higher. In primary hyperhidrosis, which occurs without any underlying disease, the main cause is continuous stimulation of the sweat glands due to an abnormality of the sympathetic nervous system.
Hyperhidrosis is classified as localized or generalized according to the pattern of sweating. Localized hyperhidrosis is heavy sweating confined to part of the body, appearing mainly on the palms, soles, flexures of the arms and legs, armpits, groin and perineum. In generalized hyperhidrosis, stimulation may be transmitted from the temperature receptors of the skin, but it mostly appears when body temperature rises due to external factors such as a high ambient temperature, or due to illness.
Causes of hyperhidrosis
It is known to arise from an imbalance of the sympathetic nervous system, in which the eccrine sweat glands secrete excessive sweat, and 25% of patients have a family history. Hyperhidrosis can also occur with thyroid disease, diabetes, congestive heart failure or menopause, but in most cases no specific cause is found. Patients with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively from the armpits, palms and soles regardless of the surrounding temperature, and the symptoms may be triggered or aggravated by emotional stimuli such as tension or anxiety.
Hyperhidrosis treatment
Because the direction of treatment differs according to the symptoms, it is important to receive tailored care at a specialty hospital rather than relying on groundless folklore or home remedies. Depending on the symptoms, a wide range of options is used, from conservative treatment with medication, iontophoresis and Botox to surgical treatment. Not every patient needs surgery, but surgery is recommended when sweating is heavy enough to disrupt daily life regardless of the season, or when a particular area sweats excessively.
Candidates for hyperhidrosis surgery
- 1
- Those who sweat regardless of the season
- 2
- Those who sweat even while asleep at night
- 3
- Those who sweat enough to disrupt daily life
- 4
- People who sweat excessively in specific areas (face, hands, feet, armpits, groin)
Hyperhidrosis surgery (endoscopic sympathectomy) procedure
| Upper body (hands, armpits) hyperhidrosis | Lower body (Foot) Hyperhidrosis | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure name | Thoracic single-port endoscopic sympathectomy | Endoscopic Sympathectomy at L3 |
| Step 01. | Performed just below the armpit, above the first rib. | It proceeds toward the flank (along the underwear line). |
| Step 02. | Performed through an incision of less than 2cm using an 8mm endoscope. | |
| Step 03. | During surgery, precise specialist monitoring double-checks the position of the ganglion. Using an advanced thoracoscope and a state-of-the-art C-arm monitoring system reduces the extent of the incision and also minimizes tissue damage. | |
| Step 04 | The surgical approach changes depending on the hand. (Left-hand hyperhidrosis – left thoracic resection / Right hand hyperhidrosis - right thoracic incision) |
|
Endoscopic sympathectomy at St. Peter's Hospital vs. other hospitals
| Gangnam St. Peter's Hospital | Other hospitals |
|---|---|
| For the upper body (hands, armpits, etc.) the T4 thoracic sympathetic nerve, and for the lower body (legs, etc.) Hyperhidrosis treatment by blocking the third lumbar sympathetic nerve (L3), minimizing compensatory sweating |
Blocking the second sympathetic ganglion (T2) may cause compensatory hyperhidrosis |
| Precise treatment using two real-time monitors | Treatment performed with a single monitor |
| Double-checked with the C-arm to minimize side effects | - |
| Procedure takes about 20 minutes | Procedure time of about 1 hour |
| 2 days, 1 night stay (24H) | 3-day, 2-night admission |
Advantages of endoscopic sympathectomy
Surgery takes under 20 minutes, with fast recovery
The incision is small, so there is little pain or scarring
Especially effective compared with conservative treatment
of underarm sweat and odor The causative eccrine and apocrine glands
Microwaves are focused on the boundary between skin and fat
A treatment that destroys the sweat glands, with long-lasting results
It treats underarm sweat and odor while also providing hair removal.
What is hyperhidrosis / bromhidrosis laser treatment?
Colorless, odorless and tasteless; regulates body temperature and excretes waste
Concentrated in certain areas such as the armpits, releasing fatty acids and organic substances
A sweat gland midway in character between eccrine and apocrine glands
Candidates for hyperhidrosis / bromhidrosis laser treatment
- 1
- If you have been diagnosed with axillary hyperhidrosis
- 2
- If excessive underarm sweat stains your clothes
- 3
- If underarm odor is distressing
- 4
- Frequent use of antiperspirant products
- 5
- Worried about surgical scars or recurrence
Benefits of laser treatment
Post-treatment precautions
- Treatment results and duration may vary depending on individual symptoms.
- Temporary side effects may occur after treatment and vary with each individual's condition.
