Humans (and most other land mammals) are gifted with sweat glands in and under the skin all over the body which allow us perspire or sweat to reduce our body temperature.
Sweating is part of the body’s thermoregulatory mechanism. Once we reach normal body temperature or if the weather cools down the sweat glands are automatically switched off and perspiration stops.
About 3% of the population however suffer from excessive sweating and they continue perspire regardless of the body or air temperature. The under arms (Axilla) are prone to this condition, as well as the palms and the soles of the feet. We call this condition Axillary Hyperhidrosis or Excessive Under Arm Sweating.
The cause is unknown but it may relate to an over activity of the Sympathetic Nervous System or more likely in the Axilla (Arm Pit) there may be many more sweat glands (known as Apocrine Glands) than is normal.
In the Axilla the ducts of sweat glands open to the skin surface via the hair follicles and this phenomenon is very easy to demonstrate using a starch and iodine test.
Axillary sweat contains carbohydrates and proteins which are easily decomposed by bacteria leaving an unpleasant smell.
For sufferers of Axillary Hyperhidrosis topical antiperspirants are not adequate to reduce excessive sweating and these people develop large and visible wet patches on their shirts just after a few hours which is very inconvenient.
Hamilton House offers a surgical solution for those suffering from axillary hyperhidrosis—a condition affecting approximately 3% of the population who experience persistent, excessive underarm sweating regardless of temperature or activity level.
You will need a referral from your GP.
Candidates will have an in depth consultation with Dr Richard Hamilton where he will take a comprehensive approach to assess your problem to see if surgery may help He will carefully examine the axilla (arm pit region) to see the distribution of sweat activity. If not immediately obvious he may perform a starch iodine test which creates a visible map of the sweat gland overactivity.
Dr Hamilton will discuss with you the non surgical and the surgical options, the expected outcomes as well as the risks and complications of surgery.
He will also discuss the costs of treatment. A second follow up consultation will be offered to provide an opportunity to ask additional questions. At this point your surgery date will be scheduled and payment arrangements may be made.
You will receive specific instructions regarding after care.
Dr Hamilton will review you the day after surgery for dressing removal and a wound check. We advise keeping the wound dry for 2-3 days and then you can shower and then use Johnson’s Baby Shampoo to keep the area clean.
There will be some minor pain when the local anaesthetic wears and oral paracetamol or panadeine 15 are very effective. Dr Hamilton will prescribe antibiotics for 2 days to prevent infection.
Avoid anti inflammatory medications such as Brufen and Nurofen as they may precipitate bleeding.
There will be bruising and swelling evident and possibly some numbness of the inner upper arm which will resolve in a few days. Do not apply any anti perspirants or other topical creams, powders or sprays.
Like all procedures surgery for excess under arm sweating (Axillary Hyperhidrosis) caries potential risks and complications including:
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Incomplete Correction
Dr Hamilton will discuss these risks with you thoroughly during the consultation process to ensure you are fully informed before proceeding with surgery.
Correction of Excessive Underarm Sweating or Axillary Hyperhidrosis is a relatively straight forward and highly effective procedure, particularly when performed by a skilled surgeon with extensive experience. Your surgeon Dr Richard Hamilton has more than 20 year experience in plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
The surgery to eliminate or reduce excessive under arm sweating is transformative in patients’ quality of life with a very high level of satisfaction.
Contact Dr Richard Hamilton for a Consultation
If you are suffering from distressing excessive under arm sweating, it is recommended you first obtain a referral from your GP. To schedule a consultation please contact Dr Richard Hamilton’s friendly staff on 08 8272 6666
Please note that the information about procedures here is given as a general guide, and is not a substitute for an in depth, personal consultation with Dr. Hamilton. As with any surgery there are risks and complications to consider, all of which will be clearly communicated to you during your one on one consultation with Dr. Hamilton.
