Hyperhidrosis, a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating, can have a severely negative impact on quality of life. The condition can be focal (affecting one or more areas of the body like the underarms, palms, feet, or face) or generalized, affecting the whole body. There are many non-surgical treatments for hyperhidrosis like medication and topical products, but some people with extreme cases of hyperhidrosis turn to surgery for relief. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of surgery, cost, alternatives, and more.
Your Guide to Hyperhidrosis Surgery Costs
Hyperhidrosis surgery costs: Explore ETS, alternatives, insurance tips, and more to find the best solution for managing excessive sweating effectively.
Dec 20, 2024
Written by
Abbi Havens
What Is Hyperhidrosis Surgery?
Hyperhidrosis surgery, specifically Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS), is a procedure that reduces excessive sweating by blocking specific nerve pathways that signal sweat glands. During this procedure, a surgeon makes small incisions in the chest to insert a camera and tools to cut or clamp the nerves responsible for triggering excessive sweating.
ETS is most commonly used to treat excessive sweating of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis) and underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis). While, ETS is effective, it’s typically recommended as a last resort after other treatments have failed to provide relief.
Other surgical options for hyperhidrosis
Although the most common, ETS isn’t the only surgery available to treat hyperhidrosis, one other includes:
Axillary Sweat Gland Removal: A procedure that targets underarm sweat glands through liposuction or excision.
Breaking Down the Cost of Hyperhidrosis Surgery
The cost of hyperhidrosis surgery can vary based on a number of factors like location, surgeon, and insurance coverage.
Average Cost in the U.S.
The cost of ETS surgery in the United States typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. This cost can vary greatly depending on geographic location, the reputation and experience of the surgeon, and the type of medical facility. For example, undergoing surgery at a specialized clinic in a major city may cost more than at a smaller regional hospital.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Surgical costs may go beyond the procedure itself, especially if you have to travel for surgery. So, be prepared for potential additional expenses, including:
Travel and accommodation expenses: If the surgery requires visiting a specialist in another city, you may need to purchase a plane or bus ticket and arrange for a hotel room until you’re able to travel again.
Missed work: Recovery may take a few weeks, resulting in lost wages.
Follow-up visits and aftercare: Additional care for any complications or side effects.
Factors That Could Affect Hyperhidrosis Surgery Costs
As mentioned, the cost of hyperhidrosis surgery can vary greatly from person-to-person, depending on your location and personal circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at some factors that may influence the cost of your surgery.
Type of Facility
Private clinics may charge more than hospitals due to their specialized services. For example, facilities like the Mayo Clinic or specialized hyperhidrosis centers may offer top-tier care at a premium price.
Surgeon’s Experience and Reputation
Highly experienced surgeons or surgeons who are renowned in the field of hyperhidrosis treatment may charge more for the expertise. That expertise, however, can reduce the likelihood of complications and improve outcomes.
Insurance Coverage
Your insurance coverage can significantly impact the cost of hyperhidrosis surgery, but coverage policies vary from person-to-person. Most insurers require proof that non-surgical treatment options have failed before approving coverage for ETS.
Severity of Hyperhidrosis
The complexity of the surgery may increase with the severity of the condition, potentially affecting both the procedure and recovery time.
Does Insurance Cover Hyperhidrosis Surgery?
A thorough understanding of insurance coverage can help you manage the cost of hyperhidrosis surgery.
Insurance Coverage Policies
Many insurance providers cover Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy if a patient’s hyperhidrosis severely impacts daily life and non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief. Reach out to your insurance provider for more information regarding their criteria for coverage, which may include documentation of failed treatments and evidence of the impact of hyperhidrosis on your daily life.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Even with insurance, you may have some out-of-pocket costs, including:
Co-pays: For consultations and hospital stays.
Deductibles: The amount of money you have to pay before your insurance provider starts paying for covered expenses.
Coverage Limits: Insurance may only cover a portion of the total cost.
Tips for Getting Insurance Approval
To improve your chances of coverage approval for hyperhidrosis surgery, follow these tips:
Obtain documentation from your healthcare provider: Insurance companies typically require a letter of medical necessity from your healthcare provider. This document should include your hyperhidrosis diagnosis, the severity of your condition, the impact on your daily life, and a comprehensive history of treatments you’ve already tried. The more detailed this documentation, the stronger your case will be. Be proactive in asking your provider to include all relevant details.
Keep detailed records of your symptoms and their impact: Document how hyperhidrosis affects your daily life, including any physical, emotional, or professional challenges. Maintain a log of symptoms, failed treatments, and how that has negatively impacted your life. Providing this detailed information to your insurer can strengthen your case by demonstrating the medical necessity of surgery.
Follow the Pre-Authorization Process Carefully: Most insurance providers require pre-authorization for surgeries like ETS. This involves submitting detailed paperwork from your healthcare provider, including a diagnosis, records of prior treatments, and an explanation of why surgery is necessary. Make sure to understand your insurer's specific requirements, as missing documents or incomplete forms can delay or jeopardize approval.
Alternatives to Hyperhidrosis Surgery
Surgery isn’t the only option for managing hyperhidrosis. In fact, it should only be considered as a last resort for severe cases. Non-surgical treatment options include:
Prescription Medications: Medications like glycopyrrolate can be taken orally or applied topically to reduce sweating.
Topical Treatments: Products like clinical strength and prescription antiperspirants can temporarily plug sweat glands to reduce sweating.
Botox Injections: Botox injections temporarily paralyze sweat glands, and effects last for 4-12 months.
Iontophoresis: This device uses electrical currents sent through water to reduce sweating in the hands and feet.
Costs of Alternative Treatments
Like surgery, non-surgical treatment options vary in cost depending on your location, insurance coverage, pharmacy, and more. However, you can expect non-surgical options to cost less than hyperhidrosis surgery. Depending on your provider and coverage, medication can range from fully covered to $100 per month. Botox injections may cost around $1,000-$1,500 per treatment per area, depending on how many units of botox are needed. An Iontophoresis device may cost $500-$1,000, in addition to maintenance costs.
When Surgery Becomes the Best Option
When you’ve exhausted all non-surgical treatment options and your symptoms continue to have a negative impact on your daily life, it may be time to talk to your healthcare provider about hyperhidrosis surgery.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7018128/
How Effective is ETS Surgery?
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) is widely recognized as the most effective treatment for specific types of hyperhidrosis, particularly for excessive sweating of the hands and underarms. Success rates are high, with 85–95% of patients experiencing significant reductions in sweating after the procedure. In a study of patients who received ETS for palmar hyperhidrosis, 91.7% were fully satisfied with the procedure. The remaining participants reported that they were partially satisfied (no one was unsatisfied with the results). While the results are often immediate and long-lasting, the effectiveness can vary depending on the area treated and individual patient factors. For many, ETS provides relief when other treatments have failed, making it a viable option for severe cases of hyperhidrosis.
Risks and Side Effects
All surgery comes with risks, and hyperhidrosis surgery is no exception. The most common side effect of ETS is compensatory sweating, where increased sweating occurs in other areas of the body, affecting up to 60% of patients. While some find this manageable, others report that the side effect is severe and disruptive. Additional risks include:
Nerve Damage: Damage to surrounding nerves during surgery, which may lead to pain or other complications.
Pneumothorax: A rare but serious risk of a collapsed lung caused by air leakage into the chest cavity.
Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision sites or internally.
Long-term Complications: Rare instances of lasting issues such as difficulty regulating body temperature.
After non-surgical treatment options have failed, a thorough discussion with a qualified healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits against the potential risks to determine if ETS is right for you.
Key Takeaways
Hyperhidrosis surgery, particularly ETS, can provide lasting relief for people with severe hyperhidrosis that’s unresponsive to other treatments. However, surgery comes with a significant cost, potential risks, and side effects. Explore available treatment options with SweatRx—with the help of a qualified healthcare provider, you can make the best decision for you.
References
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How much does the surgery for hyperhidrosis cost? treatment for sweaty hands (palmar) and feet - Pasadena, Arcadia, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles (LA) California. The Center for Hyperhidrosis. (2024b, July 18). https://www.sweaty-palms.com/surgery-cost
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Sunny. (2023, September 6). What is coinsurance: All you need to know. Livewell. https://livewell.com/finance/coinsurance/
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