Ready to Live a Sweat-Free Life?
Is Hyperhidrosis Controlling Your Life?
Hyperhidrosis is more than just excessive sweating; it is a medical condition that can cause significant anxiety and social withdrawal. Whether you suffer from dripping sweat from hands (Palmar Hyperhidrosis) or uncontrollable facial blushing (Erythrophobia), these conditions are often caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system.- Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Constantly sweaty palms that make shaking hands or handling paper difficult.
- Facial Blushing / Red Face Syndrome: Intense, uncontrollable redness in the face, often triggered by social interaction.
- Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Severe underarm sweating that stains clothes and causes discomfort.
- Plantar Hyperhidrosis: Plantar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable sweating of the feet, while Closed ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy) surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves interrupting specific nerve signals within the chest cavity to permanently stop overactive sweat responses.
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Dry Hands & Firm Handshakes
Stop hiding your hands. Shake hands with confidence and handle paperwork or touchscreens without any moisture issues.
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Control Over Blushing
Eliminate the fear of sudden facial redness. Express yourself freely in social and professional settings without holding back.
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Boosted Self-Confidence
Break the cycle of anxiety causing sweating, and sweating causing anxiety. Regain your social freedom and peace of mind.
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Permanent Solution
Unlike creams or Botox injections that require constant repetition, ETS surgery offers a lifelong cure for hyperhidrosis.
Palmar / Plantar
Axillary
Blushing
Compensatory (Reflex) Sweating After ETS
Compensatory sweating, also known as reflex sweating, is increased sweating in other parts of the body after ETS surgery. It most commonly affects the back, abdomen, chest, or thighs. This happens because the body redirects its natural cooling mechanism after the sweat nerves of the hands or face are interrupted.Important to know:
- In most patients, compensatory sweating is mild and tolerable
- It is usually triggered by heat, physical activity, stress, or spicy food
- In a small group of patients, sweating may be severe and affect daily comfort
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Most Common Side Effect After ETS
Compensatory (reflex) sweating is the most frequently discussed side effect following ETS surgery.
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Usually Mild and Manageable
In the majority of patients, sweating is mild and does not interfere with daily life.
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Affects Specific Body Areas
Most commonly occurs on the back, abdomen, chest, or thighs, especially in warm conditions.
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Severity Varies by Patient
While rare, some patients may experience severe symptoms requiring further evaluation.
Surgical Option for Severe Compensatory Sweating
MICNA (Microscopic Intercostal Nerve Anastomosis) is a microsurgical procedure developed for patients who experience severe compensatory sweating after ETS. The aim of MICNA is to restore balance in the nervous system by creating a new microscopic nerve connection between selected intercostal nerves. This may help reduce excessive sweating in areas such as the back and abdomen.Who may benefit from MICNA?
- Patients with severe compensatory sweating after ETS
- Symptoms that significantly affect quality of life
- Patients who do not improve with conservative measures
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Designed for Severe Compensatory Sweating
MICNA is considered for patients with significant sweating after ETS that affects quality of life.
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Microsurgical Nerve Reconstruction
Uses precise microscopic techniques to create alternative nerve pathways.
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Personalized Surgical Evaluation
Not every patient is a candidate; treatment is tailored after detailed assessment.
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Focus on Restoring Balance
Aims to reduce excessive sweating by supporting autonomic nervous system balance.
The Solution: Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) / Ramicectomy (ETR)
The most effective and permanent solution for these conditions is ETS Surgery (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy). Unlike temporary fixes like creams or Botox, this surgery targets the root cause. What is closed ETS Surgery? We utilize the closed ETS technique, which is a minimally invasive procedure performed through tiny incisions under the arm. This advanced method ensures:- Precision: Targeted intervention on the nerve nodes responsible for sweating and blushing.
- Minimal Scarring: The "Micro" approach leaves almost invisible marks.
- Fast Recovery: Most patients are discharged the next morning.
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Professor Level Expertise
Don't compromise on your health. Your surgery will be performed personally by Prof. Dr. Erkan Yıldırım, ensuring the highest standard of surgical care and safety.
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High Success Rate
We have a proven track record with high patient satisfaction. Our precise closed ETS technique offers over 98% success rate for palmar hyperhidrosis.
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Cost-Effective Excellence
Access world-class thoracic surgery at a fraction of the price compared to the UK, USA, or Europe, without compromising on quality or hygiene standards.
Prof. Erkan Yıldırım, MD, PhD, FETCS
Senior Thoracic & Lung Transplant Surgeon
With over three decades of clinical excellence, Prof. Dr. Erkan Yıldırım is a European-board certified (FETCS) Thoracic Surgeon specializing in advanced minimally invasive techniques and complex pulmonary procedures. His career is marked by international training and a commitment to delivering life-changing surgical outcomes.
Key Expertise & Specializations:
Hyperhidrosis Specialist: A leading expert in the Closed Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) technique for the permanent treatment of excessive sweating (hands, armpits, face, feet sweating and facial blushing).
Microsurgical intercostal nerve anastomosis for compensatory (reflex) sweating.
Advanced MIS (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Expert in Uniportal VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery) for lung cancer, oncological procedures, and emphysema.
Pectus Deformity Correction: Specialized in minimally invasive repairs for Pectus Excavatum and Carinatum (Nuss & Abramson procedures).
Lung Transplantation: Achieved a prestigious surgical fellowship at the Toronto Lung Transplant Program, one of the world’s leading centers, participating in over 89 transplant procedures.
COPD Ballon intervention for COPD GOLD 3&4 Diseases
Why Choose Prof. Dr. Erkan Yıldırım?
International Excellence: European Board of Thoracic Surgery (EBTCS) certified and trained in world-class institutions in Canada and Switzerland.
Innovation-Driven: A pioneer in Uniportal VATS and advanced thoracic oncological surgeries.
Patient-Centered Care: Offering high-safety protocols and affordable, gold-standard treatment plans for international patients in Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the most effective permanent treatment for hyperhidrosis?
The most effective and only permanent cure is Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). Unlike temporary fixes like Botox, creams, or iontophoresis which require constant repetition, ETS surgery targets the root cause—the overactive sympathetic nerves—offering a lifelong solution.
2What is Compensatory Sweating (Reflex Sweating) and how common is it after ETS?
Compensatory sweating is the body sweating in other areas (like the back or stomach) to cool down. While it is a common side effect, modern Micro ETS techniques used by Prof. Dr. Erkan Yıldırım significantly reduce its severity. Most patients find it mild and a manageable trade-off for dry hands.
3Can ETS surgery permanently cure facial blushing and erythrophobia?
Yes. ETS is considered the gold standard treatment for severe Facial Blushing (Erythrophobia). By interrupting the nerve signals that trigger rapid vessel dilation, the surgery prevents uncontrollable blushing, helping patients regain their social confidence instantly.
4What are the side effects and risks of Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)?
As a minimally invasive procedure, serious risks are rare. The most discussed side effect is compensatory sweating. Other risks like infection or bleeding are very low. Prof. Dr. Erkan Yıldırım will discuss all potential outcomes transparently during your consultation to ensure you are comfortable.
5How long is the recovery time after a "closed" ETS surgery?
Recovery is very fast. Most patients are discharged on the same day or the next morning. You can typically return to desk work, daily activities, and travel within 2-3 days, making it an ideal option for international patients.
6Is ETS surgery reversible if compensatory sweating occurs?
ETS is generally considered a permanent procedure. While methods using "clips" are technically reversible within a short window, nerve regeneration is not guaranteed. We advise patients to view this as a lifelong decision for a permanent cure.
7What is the difference between Sympathectomy and Ramisectomy?
Sympathectomy involves interrupting the main sympathetic nerve chain, while Ramisectomy targets only the connecting nerve branches (rami). Prof. Dr. Yıldırım selects the specific technique based on your anatomy and condition to maximize success while minimizing side effects.
8Does ETS surgery work for plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive foot sweating)?
ETS is primarily targeted at hands (palmar) and face. However, approximately 50-70% of patients experience a significant reduction in foot sweating after the surgery due to the overall relaxation of the sympathetic nervous system, although it is not the primary guarantee.
1What is the success rate of ETS surgery for sweaty palms (palmar hyperhidrosis)?
The success rate for Palmar Hyperhidrosis is exceptionally high, exceeding 98-99%. Almost all patients wake up from anesthesia with completely dry and warm hands immediately after the procedure.
2Is "Closed ETS" a minimally invasive procedure?
Yes, absolutely. It is a "keyhole" surgery performed through tiny incisions (less than 1 cm) in the armpit area. This results in minimal scarring, significantly less pain, and a much faster recovery compared to traditional open surgeries.
3How much does ETS surgery cost for international patients?
Medical costs in Turkey are significantly lower (often 50-70% less) than in the UK, USA, or EU due to currency exchange rates, without compromising quality. Contact us for a personalized quote.
4Can severe facial blushing be treated without medication?
Yes. While medications (like beta-blockers) can manage symptoms temporarily, they often come with side effects like fatigue. ETS surgery provides the only permanent, medication-free solution for severe, uncontrollable blushing by stopping the signal at the source.
5What triggers compensatory sweating after sympathetic nerve surgery?
It is the body's natural thermoregulation mechanism. Since the palms or face no longer sweat to release heat, the brain redirects this signal to other areas like the trunk or thighs. It is usually triggered by hot weather, humidity, or intense exercise.
6Will I experience Horner’s Syndrome after ETS surgery?
Horner’s Syndrome (droopy eyelid) is an extremely rare complication (<1%) with modern surgical techniques. By precisely identifying the nerve levels and utilizing the Micro ETS method, experienced surgeons like Prof. Dr. Yıldırım minimize this risk significantly.
7How to manage overactive sweat glands if Botox and iontophoresis fail?
If temporary treatments like Botox fail, become too painful, or are too costly to maintain, ETS surgery is the recommended medical next step. It ends the cycle of temporary treatments and provides a definitive, lifelong cure.
Academic Publications
Prof. Dr. Erkan Yıldırım
H-index:19 | i10-index:25
All nationally and internationally published articles and papers...
49
International Publications
63
National Publications
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Hisar Intercontinental Hospital
Saray Mah. Site Yolu Cad. No:734768 Ümraniye/İstanbul
info@profdrerkanyildirim.com