Removing sweat glands: Everything you need to know about sweat gland suction (suction curettage)
If deodorant and antiperspirant no longer help with excessive sweating, sweat gland suction can provide long-term relief. How does suction curettage work – and who is it suitable for?
Everyone sweats – it is a normal and important bodily function. However, for some people, sweat production is so excessive that it severely disrupts their daily lives. This so-called Hyperhidrosis It mainly affects the armpits, but can sometimes also affect the hands, feet or other parts of the body.
The consequences often place a considerable burden on those affected:
- Clearly visible sweat stains on clothing,
- unpleasant body odour,
- Restrictions in social and professional life,
- and, last but not least, significant psychological stress, which can even lead to reduced self-esteem.
Table of Contents
Important note
This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.
Conventional remedies such as deodorants or antiperspirants are usually not effective enough for severe hyperhidrosis. In such cases, a Sweat Gland Suction be an effective and lasting solution.
Sweat gland removal: Permanent surgical removal of sweat glands
Sweat gland suction, also known as suction curettage, is a minimally invasive procedure in which the majority of the sweat glands in the armpits are permanently removed. The method is considered particularly effective because, once removed, sweat glands do not grow back.
Advantages of sweat gland suction:
- Long-term reduction in underarm perspiration
- A noticeable improvement in quality of life
- Greater self-confidence in everyday life and at work
- Can be carried out on an outpatient basis, usually under local anaesthetic
- Very small puncture marks, so the scars are barely visible
Difference from Botox treatment
– Botulinum toxin (Botox): temporarily blocks sweat glands (for approx. 6–9 months)
– Sweat gland suction: permanent, as the sweat glands are removed
This makes sweat gland suction an attractive option for people who suffer from excessive underarm sweating and are looking for a long-term solution.
Hyperhidrosis and excessive sweating – when is sweat gland suction a suitable option?
Sweat gland removal is particularly suitable for people who suffer from severe, uncontrollable sweating (hyperhidrosis) – especially in the underarm area. Many sufferers have already tried numerous remedies such as deodorants, antiperspirants or Botox injections, but have not found a permanent solution.
Important:
Before each treatment, a Consultation with a specialist take place in order to identify the individual causes and determine the appropriate treatment.
Suitable for:
- People with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), particularly under the armpits
- Patients for whom other methods (e.g. antiperspirants, Botox) have not been sufficiently effective
- People experiencing significant psychological distress due to sweat patches, odour or a reduced quality of life
- Adults in good health who are looking for a long-term solution
Less suitable for:
- Patients with general skin conditions or acute infections in the treatment area
- People with certain blood-clotting disorders or other medical conditions
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (the procedure should be postponed)
- People who only suffer from occasional sweating and do not experience any long-term limitations
| Suitable for | Not suitable for |
|---|---|
| People with severe underarm hyperhidrosis | People with mild/normal sweating |
| When deodorants and antiperspirants don’t work | When conservative treatments are sufficiently effective |
| When Botox treatments do not offer a long-term solution | Pregnancy / Breastfeeding |
| When sweating causes psychological distress | Acute infections or skin conditions in the treatment area |
| Adults in good health | Patients with severe blood clotting disorders |
Sweat gland suction: the treatment steps in detail
A sweat gland suction procedure (suction curettage) is a relatively minor procedure, but one that requires precise preparation and must be carried out by an experienced practitioner. The entire procedure is usually carried out on an outpatient basis and takes around 1 hour.
Consultation and preparation
• Medical history & examination: The specialist will take a detailed medical history, assess the severity of the hyperhidrosis and advise on treatment options.
• Stopping certain medicines: Blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medicines may need to be stopped in good time.
• Marking the treatment area: The underarm areas are marked out precisely before the procedure.
Good to know
Before the operation, patients should avoid shaving, using deodorant or applying creams to their armpits in order to prevent skin irritation.
Anaesthesia
Sweat gland suction is usually carried out under local anaesthesia using a tumescent solution:
• The area to be treated is numbed.
• A special liquid loosens the tissue and makes it easier to remove the sweat glands.
• The patient remains awake throughout the procedure, and experiences very little pain.
The actual procedure
• Fine cannulas are inserted through small incisions in the skin (approx. 3–4 mm).
• The sweat glands are removed using a combination of suction and scraping (curettage).
• Important: Sweat glands do not regrow – the effect is permanent.
Duration and type of treatment
• Duration: approx. 60 minutes
• Type: outpatient; no hospital stay required
• After a short recovery period, patients can usually leave the surgery on the same day.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Consultation | Medical history, examination, patient information |
| Preparation | Labelling and, where necessary, dispensing of medication |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia using a tumescent solution |
| Intervention | Small skin incisions, suction & curettage |
| Duration | approx. 1 hour |
| Follow-up treatment | Short recovery period, discharge to continue treatment as an outpatient |
Aftercare and the healing process following sweat gland surgery
Following sweat gland suction (suction curettage), proper aftercare is crucial for achieving the best possible result. Patients can usually return to their normal daily routine after a short time – but should follow certain guidelines.
| Period | What patients can expect |
|---|---|
| 1–2 days after the operation | Wearing a bandage, taking it easy, fit for work again |
| 1 week | Swelling and bruising subside |
| 2 weeks | Sport and physical activity are gradually becoming possible again |
| 2–3 months | The skin calms down completely; small scars fade |
Immediately after the procedure
• The treated areas of the body are covered with a dressing or special compression garments.
• This stabilises the tissue, reduces bruising and aids healing.
• Slight swelling or bruising is normal and will subside over the next few days.
• Most patients are able to return to work and resume their social lives after just 1–2 days.
The first week
• It is important to take it easy: avoid physical exertion, sport or heavy lifting.
• Hygiene: The small cuts on the skin must be kept clean and dry.
• Aftercare: Apply any prescribed ointments or sterile plasters regularly.
Sport & physical exertion
• Take a break from sport: for at least 2 weeks, as sweat, pressure or friction can hinder healing.
• After that, the workload can be increased gradually.
Scars & skin texture
• The incisions are tiny (approx. 3–4 mm) and usually fade almost completely after a few months.
• Visible scars are very rare.
Risks and complications associated with surgical sweat gland suction
As with any medical procedure, sweat gland suction carries certain risks. The good news is that complications are very rare and can, in most cases, be avoided with the help of experienced specialists and careful aftercare.
Possible short-term side effects
The following reactions may occur after treatment – they are usually harmless and subside on their own:
- Swelling in the treated area
- Bruises that disappear within a few days to a few weeks
- Mild pain or a feeling of tightness, which can be effectively treated with standard painkillers
- Numbness or tingling, as small nerve fibres may be irritated (usually temporary)
Less common complications associated with sweat gland suction
In very rare cases, the following problems may occur:
- Infections in the area of skin incisions
- Wound-healing disorders or delayed scar healing
- Asymmetrical result or uneven reduction in sweat
- Persistent emotional disturbances (usually only temporary)
Important:
Once sweat glands have been removed, they do not grow back – which means that the results are usually permanent.
Minimising risks when using a sweat gland suction device – what you can do
- Please select one an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery.
- Follow the medical aftercare instructions consistently.
- Avoid Sport and strenuous activity during the first two weeks.
- Please note Hygiene in the treatment area, to prevent infections.
Sweat gland suction is regarded as a safe and effective treatment method with a very low risk of complications. By choosing a specialist doctor and ensuring careful aftercare, you can play an active part in minimising the risks.
Sweat Gland Removal: Treatment Costs and Financing
The cost of sweat gland removal varies depending on the clinic, the extent of the treatment and individual circumstances. In most cases, prices range from approx. €2,500 to €4,500.
What do the costs depend on?
- Extent of hyperhidrosis (e.g. underarms only, or other areas as well)
- Anaesthetic techniques (local anaesthesia or twilight sleep)
- Duration and complexity of the operation
- The experience and specialisation of the treating specialist
- Location of the clinic
Funding options for sweat gland suction
Many clinics offer payment by instalments or financing options, so that the cost of treatment can be paid off gradually. This makes sweat gland suction a financially manageable and predictable option for patients.
Coverage of the cost of sweat gland suction by health insurance
As a rule, sweat gland removal is a cosmetic and functional procedure, the cost of which must be borne by the patient. Health insurance will only cover the costs in rare exceptional cases, for example if:
- one medical necessity (e.g. severe hyperhidrosis causing significant psychological distress) is confirmed
- one specialist medical report or a psychological report is available
Greater financial security through insurance against follow-on costs
As well as the actual costs of the operation, it is important to bear in mind any potential follow-up costs. Although complications following sweat gland suction are rare, follow-up operations or additional treatments cannot be entirely ruled out. This is precisely where our specialist follow-up costs insurance comes in:
– Covers unexpected follow-up operations or complications
– Gives you peace of mind – even after the actual treatment
– Allows you to focus fully on your healing process and your new outlook on life
With the right cover, you can approach your sweat gland removal procedure not only with anticipation, but also with the utmost confidence and peace of mind.
Alternative treatments to sweat gland suction: Botox, miraDry and laser
Sweat gland suction is not always necessary straight away. There are various treatment options that can help with mild to moderate hyperhidrosis. These are generally less invasive, but are often only effective in the short term.
Botulinum toxin injections (muscle relaxant)
A very common method is the injection of botulinum toxin into the affected areas, e.g. under the armpits.
• Effect: The nerve signal to the sweat glands is blocked → significantly reduced sweat production
• Duration: approx. 6–9 months, after which the treatment must be repeated
• Advantages: outpatient treatment, no surgery required, quick results
• Disadvantages: not permanent; relatively high costs if repeated regularly
miraDry® treatment
In this method, the sweat glands are destroyed using targeted microwave pulses.
• Effect: permanent reduction in the number of sweat glands
• Treatment procedure: outpatient, local anaesthetic required
• Advantages: no traditional surgery, immediate results possible
• Disadvantages: not available everywhere, higher costs (often comparable to sweat gland suction)
Laser treatment
Laser therapy to reduce sweat glands is a modern approach in which targeted laser energy destroys the glands.
• Effect: long-term to permanent reduction in sweat production
• Advantages: minimally invasive, relatively quick recovery
• Disadvantages: less common; not every clinic offers this technique
Information box: Comparison of methods for reducing sweat glands
| Method | Durability | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botulinum toxin | 6–9 months | Quick, outpatient, effective | Repeats are necessary, but costly in the long run |
| miraDry® | Permanent | No surgery, immediate results | Limited availability, costs |
| Laser therapy | Long-term to permanent | Minimally invasive, quick recovery | Less common, specialised technology |
| Sweat Gland Suction | Permanent | A sustainable, one-off solution | Surgical procedure, surgical costs |
For many patients, botulinum toxin or miraDry® are good first steps. However, those looking for a permanent solution and who do not wish to undergo regular follow-up treatments usually opt for sweat gland suction.
Feel confident about your treatment – with follow-up costs cover from 4beauty
Although sweat gland removal is generally a low-risk procedure, unforeseen circumstances can arise with any medical treatment. In such cases, patients may incur follow-up costs and additional charges for further treatment, which they will have to pay out of their own pocket. Our follow-up costs insurance offers you the opportunity to take out comprehensive cover against such costs – in the event that follow-up treatment or additional procedures do become necessary.
- Plan with peace of mind: You can focus entirely on your treatment and the healing process.
- Financial security: Unexpected costs arising from follow-up operations or complications are covered.
- A clear conscience: You can go into your treatment feeling relaxed, without having to worry about any potential additional costs.
- Professional support: Our team is on hand to advise you and assist you with any queries you may have regarding insurance cover.
We would like to support you so that you can approach your treatment with confidence and enter the recovery phase with peace of mind. Let us advise you, with no obligation – click here for Contact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on sweat gland suction
The sweat glands that are removed do not grow back. The result is therefore permanent, and you will benefit from reduced sweat production in the long term.
The operation is carried out under local anaesthesia using a special tumescent solution. You will therefore feel no pain during the procedure. After the treatment, you may experience a slight feeling of tightness or some bruising, but these will subside quickly.
The puncture sites for the fine cannulas are very small. They usually heal so well that they leave hardly any visible scars.
No – there is no so-called ‘compensation effect’ with sweat gland removal. Your body does not compensate for the reduced sweat production in the armpits by increasing it in other areas.
Most patients are able to return to work and social life after just 1–2 days. However, you should avoid sport and physical exertion for about 2 weeks.
Costs start at around 2,500 euros and depend on individual factors. However, most practices usually offer payment by instalments and financing options. In cases where there are medical grounds, the possibility of the costs being covered by health insurance can also be considered.
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