Hyperhidrosis Liposuction Treatment Melbourne

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterised by excessive sweating due to overactive sweat glands. Individuals with this condition produce more perspiration than necessary for regulating body temperature, often experiencing profuse sweating even during periods of rest or inactivity.

Which areas of the body can hyperhidrosis affect?

Hyperhidrosis typically affects the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, or the face. Other areas include the inguinal folds or the scalp. Although these are the most common places where excessive sweating occurs, hyperhidrosis can affect sweat glands anywhere in the body.

What causes hyperhidrosis?

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary.

Most individuals who have hyperhidrosis inherit it. The inherited form of this condition is referred to as primary hyperhidrosis.

Although rare, there are times when a medical condition or medication causes an individual’s sweat glands to overproduce perspiration. When this happens, the individual has secondary hyperhidrosis.

Recognising the signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis

The symptoms of this condition include excessive, visible perspiration occurring in the same location for a period longer than six months.

Distinguishing between primary and secondary hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis is an inherited condition, which means it is genetic. Therefore, if one blood relative has hyperhidrosis, other blood-related family members are at risk for developing the condition. Although other areas of the body can be affected, primary hyperhidrosis usually affects the underarms.

For the patient to be diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis, he or she must also experience at least two of the following:

The patient’s onset of hyperhidrosis must occur before he or she turns 25.

The excessive sweating has to occur at least once every seven days.

Profuse sweating impairs his or her ability to complete daily activities

The patient’s excessive perspiration must be bilateral and symmetrical.

This excessive perspiration does not occur while he or she is sleeping.

An individual with secondary hyperhidrosis:

Experiences flu-like symptoms (e.g., fatigue, headache)

May have a condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism, chronic pulmonary disease) or be taking a medication (insulin, niacin, Viagra) that causes secondary hyperhidrosis.

May be reaching the age of menopause

If a medical professional suspects that a patient has secondary hyperhidrosis, laboratory tests may be ordered. These tests should help determine the reason an individual is sweating profusely.

Is there anything that exacerbates hyperhidrosis?

Yes, if an individual becomes nervous or feels stressed, the symptoms of his or her condition may intensify.

Anti-sweating treatment

This treatment involves an approach that may help manage excessive sweating in certain areas, such as the underarms, hands, or feet. The effects are temporary and may last for several months, depending on the individual. If needed, further sessions can be scheduled at a later time.

For patients seeking a longer-term option, interstitial laser treatment (SweatLipo), with or without suction curettage, may also be discussed as part of the consultation process.

A Comparison of the Treatment Options Available for Hyperhidrosis

There are other treatment options for hyperhidrosis. Comparing some of these additional treatment options to SweatLipo and anti-sweating treatment provides patients with valuable information as they consider seeking hyperhidrosis treatment.

miraDry®

miraDry® uses microwave technology to target sweat glands in the underarm area. The handheld device delivers electromagnetic energy that produces heat, a process known as thermolysis, which breaks down the glands. While doing this, the device also cools and protects the surface of the skin. Some patients with excessive underarm sweating may require two or three sessions spaced several months apart. The results from this treatment are considered long-lasting. As with any treatment, individual outcomes may vary.

miraDry® vs SweatLipo

miraDry® uses thermal energy to target and deactivate sweat glands in the underarm area. In comparison, SweatLipo involves the use of laser technology—such as SlimLipo—combined with a suction technique to remove some sweat glands from the same region.

Qbrexza™ towelettes

Qbrexza™ is available in the form of single-use towelettes that are applied to the underarm area to help manage excessive sweating. This product needs to be used daily. Some individuals may experience skin irritation, such as a rash, especially with ongoing use.

Qbrexa™ vs SweatLipo and Anti-Sweating Treatment for Axillary Hyperhidrosis

SweatLipo involves using a laser and suction to remove some of the sweat glands in the underarm area. Additional sessions may be needed depending on the individual’s concerns and how the body responds. Anti-sweating treatments may also provide lasting results and are not required daily, unlike Qbrexza™, which must be used regularly. Cost, convenience, and treatment goals may all play a role in deciding which approach is suitable.

Oral Anticholinergic Medications vs SweatLipo and Anti-Sweating Treatment

Oral anticholinergic medications may be used to manage symptoms of primary hyperhidrosis. However, they can affect sweat glands throughout the entire body—not just in the areas with excessive sweating. This means that sweat glands in other areas may also become less active, which might not be ideal for individuals who work in warm environments or spend time outdoors.

Since these medications affect the body’s natural cooling process, users need to monitor for signs of overheating. This can include symptoms such as pale skin, nausea, dizziness, weakness, muscle cramps, and headaches. These treatments are also ongoing and may need to be taken regularly over time.

SweatLipo, which may be combined with suction curettage, focuses only on the sweat glands in the underarm area. This local approach means other parts of the body remain unaffected, and natural temperature control is maintained. Anti-sweating treatments also focus on specific areas and do not require daily use.

Treatments to Address Excessive Sweating of the Hands and Feet

Treatments for excessive sweating of the hands and feet include sympathetic denervation (endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy [ETS]) and iontophoresis.

Sympathetic denervation

Sympathetic denervation is a surgical procedure that targets the nerves linked to excessive sweating. In this method, a medical professional locates the affected nerves and then clips, cuts, or removes them. This approach is more invasive and typically considered only when other options have not helped.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis uses a mild electrical current to affect the sweat glands in specific areas, such as the hands or feet. The current is passed through water or a special pad placed on the skin. This process may help reduce sweating by interrupting the signals between the nerves and sweat glands for a short period.

Mild axillary hyperhidrosis

Use a Qbrexa™ towelette on the underarms once a day.If Qbrexa™ is ineffective, the individual should consider anti-sweating treatment.

Severe axillary hyperhidrosis

Use Qbrexa™ or an anti-sweating treatment.If Qbrexa™ and anti-sweating treatment are ineffective separately, consider combining these treatments.

Treatment Options for All Severities of Axillary Hyperhidrosis

If previous treatments fail, an oral anticholinergic may be an option.

Should the oral anticholinergic medication fail, electromagnetic energy treatments (e.g., miraDry®) or a SweatLipo treatment are recommended.

The last treatment options for hyperhidrosis include local surgery and ETS. During local surgery for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, the patient’s sweat glands are removed.

Recovering after a SweatLipo treatment

Recovery after SweatLipo, or a combination of SweatLipo with suction curettage, can differ between patients. Some may return to their regular activities within a few days, while others may need a little more time, depending on how their body responds. Swelling, bruising, or discomfort in the treated area may occur temporarily as part of the recovery process.

Who might consider SweatLipo treatment?

SweatLipo may be considered by patients who experience ongoing underarm sweating that occurs even without physical activity. This option may be discussed when other non-surgical approaches are not effective or suitable. A consultation is recommended to review symptoms, medical history, and whether this treatment may be appropriate.