Excessive Sweating in the Armpit (Axillary Hyperhidrosis)
Some people suffer from excessive sweating. If this is confined to the armpit then this can be managed by a range of treatments. The first line treatment is to try powerful antiperspirants. There is also a technique called iontophoresis offered by some doctors. Injections of Botox™ can provide excellent results but need to be repeated 6 monthly. Surgery can provide a permanent solution.
Excessive armpit sweating sonsultation
discusses the extent of the excessive sweating and the conservative measures the patient has tried. If the patient wants a permanent reduction then the surgery is discussed.
Excessive armpit sweating surgery
can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. Two parallel cuts are made in the armpit. The skin of the armpit is dissected free of the underlying tissues. All hair follicles are then excised from the undersurface of the skin. The sweat glands are in the same place as the hair follicles so are removed with the surgery. The wounds are then stitched up and sutures are place through the skin to reattach the skin to the underlying tissues. All sutures used are dissolvable. With the hair follicles excised then hair growth afterwards is dramatically reduced. Firm dressings are then applied.
After Surgery
the patient is given adequate oral pain medication. The patient goes home the same day and is reviewed in 48 hours by Dr Mills. The dressings are removed and the patient can now shower normally. The patient should be able to return to work in 1 week, but needs to avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks.