Hyperhidrosis Treatment Brisbane

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excess sweating, where the body produces more sweat than what is needed to regulate the body’s temperature. It may be caused by overactive sweat glands and can be genetic, but the causes can vary from patient to patient. Treatment can be performed to reduce excess sweating at Valley Plastic Surgery.

Accessible Consultation Process

Surgery in Accredited Medical Facility

A Patient Care Focused Approach

How does treatment for hyperhidrosis work?

Hyperhidrosis treatment works by targeting the body’s underlying mechanisms responsible for excess sweating.

Typically, in hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands become overactive and produce more sweat than what is necessary. Excessive sweating treatment works by inhibiting the nerve signals that cause the glands to produce sweat, reducing the amount of sweat produced.

Placed in the right areas, just below the skin, the treatment is localised and will aim to only target the sweat glands in the affected area. Treatment for excessive sweating can focus on the underarms, hands, feet or other affected areas.

While results can be long-lasting, the treatment works temporarily, which means that it needs to be repeated to maintain results in the longer run.

Who is suitable for the treatment?

There are a variety of factors that will need to be considered before deciding if you are suitable for the treatment.

Candidates who have been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, and experience excessive sweating that may interfere with their daily life, can be suitable. Particularly, those who haven’t seen results from other treatment options, such as using antiperspirants regularly or taking medications, may choose our treatment at Valley Plastic Surgery.

Since the treatment is localised, it is better suited for patients who experience localised sweating in certain areas, such as the hands, face or armpits. Sometimes, it may be worth carefully assessing the exact cause of your hyperhidrosis, as this can influence how your overall treatment plan may look. You may discuss some assessment options before proceeding with your treatment.

Candidates should be in overall good health without any significant underlying medical conditions that might complicate the treatment process. Certain neuromuscular disorders or other disorders, and medications that could interact with the treatment (such as muscle relaxants), will need to be thoroughly discussed before proceeding with treatment.

During a consultation, you’ll need to disclose any known allergies or hypersensitivities, as these can be contraindications to the treatment. Active skin infections, or conditions at the site where the treatment will be performed, can also be contraindications. Suitable candidates should not be pregnant or breastfeeding at the time of undergoing the procedure.

Realistic expectations and having a clear understanding of what the procedure involves will also be important. As with any treatment, realistic expectations are important, and candidates should understand the temporary nature of the results (as well as the need for future treatments to maintain results).

Every candidate will need to have a consultation before receiving treatment for excessive sweating. At Valley Plastic Surgery in Brisbane, dermatologist Dr Kate DeAmbrosis can consult with patients, assessing the condition of their skin and discussing a treatment plan.

What can I expect during my hyperhidrosis treatment?

When you arrive for your treatment, your skin will be thoroughly cleaned, and a numbing cream may be applied if you choose. This will ensure a sterile environment and support your comfort levels during the procedure.

Treatment for excessive sweating will minimally invasively target the sweat glands in the specific area. Some patients may choose to treat more than one area within one treatment.

The treated area will then begin to respond to the treatment within two to four days, showing results about one to two weeks after your treatment session. Results can then last for up to four to nine months, depending on each patient’s individual response to treatment, the particular area that was treated, and other personal factors.

Maintenance treatments are normally required after four to nine months, depending on how long the effects last. Following up for further treatment advice after your appointment can allow our team to make any adjustments to your treatment plan, or make any further personalised recommendations.

Excessive sweating treatment will be individualised, so you can discuss the steps of your treatment in more detail during your consultation beforehand. You are welcome to contact our team if you have any more questions in the meantime.

Will I need to follow aftercare steps?

After your excessive sweating treatment, you will need to follow some aftercare steps to help prevent complications and support the longevity of your results.

You’ll be provided with more information about aftercare during your consultation, specifically related to your personal needs and the details of your individual treatment.

Generally, you should avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated areas for at least 24 hours, as this can sometimes cause the treatment to affect surrounding areas. If you have treated areas on the face, you may need to avoid bending over too frequently, to help prevent excessive blood flow and swelling in the area.

You may be asked to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for one to two days, avoid consuming alcohol, and avoid excessive heat exposure. Some medications, like blood-thinning medications, may need to be paused for a certain period of time after your treatment.

Ice packs may help manage swelling in the treated area, but you should use them with caution. We generally recommend using ice packs intermittently, for about 15 minutes at a time. You may be able to take pain medication if needed.

Keeping the treated area clean and non-irritated will be important. You’ll need to clean the area/s with gentle soap and warm water, avoiding excessive scrubbing or harsh products. You will need to follow instructions on when to resume applying antiperspirants or your normal skincare routine.

You’ll need to avoid undergoing any other cosmetic or dermatological treatments in the treated area for at least two weeks, unless you have been advised that it is okay to do so.

After treatment, you should keep an eye on the treated area/s, ensuring that no concerning symptoms of possible complications are showing. We will explain these symptoms during your consultation, so that you will know what signs to look out for. Generally, you should keep an eye out for excessive redness, swelling, itching or significant irritation – however, mild swelling and redness can be normal to experience for a few days after treatment.

If you do have any concerns, please feel free to contact our team, or please seek immediate medical advice if needed.

Costs of hyperhidrosis treatment at Valley Plastic Surgery in Brisbane

Our team will need to calculate your treatment costs during your consultation.

The costs of treatment for excessive sweating can depend on the areas you are treating, the number of treatment areas and other personalised factors. This means that costs need to be calculated on an individual basis, as every treatment will need be highly personalised to meet each patient’s specific needs.

If you are recommended hyperhidrosis treatment by your doctor and are able to provide evidence that the treatment will be medically necessary, you may quality for partial Medicare cover.

In Australia, Medicare can cover partial treatment costs for eligible patients, typically those who are experiencing significant sweating that interferes with daily life. Each patient will need to meet strict criteria and follow the required application process.

To learn more about costs, receive a personalised quote and discuss your eligibility for Medicare, please contact our team to arrange your consultation.

Can any possible complications occur after treatment?

After hyperhidrosis treatment, you may minor pain, swelling, tenderness, or discomfort in the treatment area, but this should subside in a matter of hours or days. Small bruises may show in the treated area/s, typically fading within a week after treatment. Mild headaches, fatigue or flu-like symptoms can sometimes occur, but these should subside shortly after treatment.

Since the treatment targets nerve signals, it can sometimes cause temporary weakness in nearby muscles. For example, if the treatment is performed to address excessive sweating on the palms, there might be a slight reduction in hand strength.

Sometimes, the treatment can affect the muscles and nerves in the surrounding area, which can cause temporary weakness or noticeable drooping. This can usually be avoided by following aftercare instructions, particularly avoiding rubbing the treated area.

Infection may occur in the treated area, especially if the area is not kept clean and free from irritation. Signs of infection include increased redness, warmth, swelling, and pain, as well as possibly pus formation. You should seek medical advice and contact our team if you notice any of these symptoms.

Although quite rare, allergic reactions can sometimes occur, which Symptoms could include itching, rash, hives, swelling, or more severe reactions like difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is necessary if an allergic reaction is suspected. It will be essential to inform us of any known allergies, or medications you are taking, during your consultation.

To minimise and prevent complications from occurring after hyperhidrosis treatment, closely follow the instructions that our team will provide to care for the treated area.