Hyperhidrosis Surgery Program

Overview

The Hyperhidrosis Surgery Program within Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Thoracic Surgery Department provides surgical treatment for the management of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating. Sweating goes beyond what is needed for the normal regulation of body temperature. People with hyperhidrosis sweat a lot even if the environment is cool or when they are resting.

Our multidisciplinary team, led by thoracic surgeons who specialize in the surgical management of hyperhidrosis, provides personalized treatment plans to achieve the best outcomes. We offer the latest, minimally invasive surgical techniques to reduce recovery time and ensure a faster return to daily activities.

What We Treat

Palmar hyperhidrosis (hand sweating)

Palmar hyperhidrosis is the most common type of hyperhidrosis. It usually begins in childhood and becomes more severe in adulthood. Excessive hand sweating can impact both functional and social aspects of daily life.

Axillary hyperhidrosis (armpit sweating)

Armpit sweating is normal after puberty, but if sweating is excessive, it is classified as axillary hyperhidrosis. For some people, antiperspirant deodorant may offer relief, but for others, surgery may be recommended.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis of Hyperhidrosis

An accurate diagnosis is important to determine the severity of hyperhidrosis and the most appropriate treatment. Diagnosis will involve a review of your symptoms, medical history and a physical examination. Additional tests may be needed to rule out other conditions.

Surgical Treatment of Hyperhidrosis

If your hyperhidrosis is severe, and medical therapies have not been effective, then surgery may be recommended.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat both palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

Under general anesthesia, a surgeon makes tiny incisions under the arms. A small camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the incisions, and the sympathetic nerve chain, which is responsible for triggering sweat signals in the upper body, is either cut, clipped or burned.

ETS can provide immediate relief for many patients and is particularly effective for palmar hyperhidrosis.

If axillary hyperhidrosis is isolated, you may be offered localized sweat gland removal or destruction instead. This procedure involves surgeons removing or scraping away the sweat glands through a small incision in the armpit. Alternatively, microwave therapy may be offered. A thermal device is used which destroys the glands via microwave energy. This procedure does not require incisions to be made.

Hyperhidrosis Surgery Program

Overview

What We Treat

Patient Stories

Diagnosis & Treatment

Meet Our Team

Usman Ahmad, MD

Andres Obeso, MD

Shair Ahmed, MD

Yusuf Bayrak, MD