Will the armpits still sweat after surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis?

Under normal circumstances, patients may still experience sweating under the armpits after surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis primarily targets excessive hand sweating by interrupting specific segments of the thoracic sympathetic nerves to reduce sweat gland secretion. However, the sweat glands in the armpits are innervated by different nerves, and the procedure does not directly affect their function. Therefore, sweating in the armpits may remain unchanged after surgery.

Some patients may develop compensatory hyperhidrosis after surgery, meaning that as sweating in the palms decreases, sweating may increase in areas such as the armpits or back. This change is related to individual differences in neural regulation mechanisms and is usually mild, with gradual adaptation over time. If armpit sweating occurs without other accompanying symptoms, it is considered a normal physiological phenomenon.

After surgery, keep the incision site clean and dry, and avoid strenuous physical activity for two weeks. If sweating in the armpits is accompanied by redness, swelling, odor, or skin breakdown, this may indicate infection or other complications, and immediate medical evaluation is required. Regular follow-up visits allow timely assessment of recovery progress and adjustment of postoperative care plans.