Sweat gland suction Frankfurt: Permanent solution for excessive sweating
Sweating is a completely normal and even vital function of our body and has the purpose of protecting our organism from overheating during physical exertion or heat. In hyperhidrosis, this function is impaired, which means that those affected not only sweat during sport or at high temperatures, but also sweat excessively and uncontrollably on their hands, feet and under their armpits at rest and in cool temperatures.
For those affected, the seemingly causeless and excessive sweating is a strong social and emotional burden. Visibly soaked clothing, the odor associated with sweating or suddenly sweaty palms can put them in situations that make them feel very uncomfortable and cause a strong sense of shame.
In the case of axillary hyperhidrosis (hyperhidrosis of the armpits) in particular, conventional measures such as deodorant usually provide no relief, meaning that suctioning the sweat glands in the armpit area is the only treatment that can reduce or completely stop the out-of-control sweat production. As a plastic and aesthetic surgeon, Dr. Nichlos regularly performs the procedure on the sweat glands and is considered an expert in the field. Make an appointment now for a no-obligation consultation by phone or using our form!
Reviewed by the author
Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and hand surgery with over 16 years of clinical experience. After working as a senior physician and head of a surgical department at Markus Hospital in Frankfurt, he founded his own practice in Frankfurt in 2025.
The content on this page has been personally reviewed by Dr. Nichlos. It is based on his many years of medical experience and is in line with current specialist standards.
Sweat gland suction:
At a glance
Financing
Table of contents
Introduction
What is sweat gland suction?
During sweat gland suction, most of the sweat glands responsible for excessive sweating in the armpit area (up to 98 percent) are permanently surgically removed. The procedure is similar in principle to liposuction.
A tumescent solution is injected into the area to be treated through small incisions in the skin. On the one hand, this has a local anaesthetic effect and reduces bleeding and, on the other hand, facilitates the subsequent removal of the sweat glands using fine cannulas. The minimally invasive procedure is low-risk and can be performed on an outpatient basis. A stay in hospital is not usually necessary.
For whom is sweat gland suction useful?
Sweat gland suction (also known as suction curettage) is useful for people who suffer from severe hyperhidrosis (abnormal sweating) under the armpits, which cannot be controlled by conventional means and therefore impairs their quality of life.
It is typical of the pathological overactivity of the sweat glands that those affected sweat profusely regardless of physical exertion such as sport or temperature. The outbreaks of sweating often occur in batches and are practically unpredictable, meaning that they can also occur suddenly on contact with other people and cause a sweaty forehead, wet hands or damp armpits. For many patients who visit our practice in Frankfurt, this creates a strong feeling of shame. In extreme cases, they even avoid contact with other people for fear of sweating. This is when a treatment such as sweat gland suction is urgently recommended.
Preparation
What happens before sweat gland suction?
Dr. Nichlos will first welcome you to our practice in Frankfurt for a detailed consultation. Here, the specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery will carry out a physical examination and ask you questions about the frequency and intensity of your problem. For example, he will ask you in which situations you sweat excessively (only with or without physical exertion).
After Dr. Nichlos has assessed your current situation, he will present you with the best treatment for you. In the case of predominantly axillary hyperhidrosis (sweating in the armpits), this is surgical sweat gland removal.
Dr. Nichlos will explain the suction procedure to you, inform you about possible risks and complications and give you advice on what to do before the operation (e.g. avoid alcohol and nicotine, stop taking blood-thinning medication).
Procedure
Sweat gland suction: How does the operation work?
On the day of the operation, you will come to the Berger Clinic in Frankfurt for treatment lasting around 45 to 90 minutes. Here, Dr. Nichlos uses modern surgical techniques to operate on you gently and safely using the latest technology in plastic and aesthetic medicine. Depending on your needs, the specialist will perform the procedure under local anaesthetic or in twilight sleep.
Once he has marked the area to be treated and the anaesthetic has taken effect, he injects a special solution into the tissue. This has a local pain-relieving effect and softens the area to facilitate the subsequent suction of the sweat glands.
After a short application time, Dr. Nichlos inserts very fine cannulas through small incisions in the skin to suction out the sweat glands located directly under the skin in the subcutaneous fatty tissue. As a rule, 95 to 98 percent of the sweat glands responsible for excessive sweating can be permanently removed with suction curettage, so that the sweating no longer occurs or the problem is significantly reduced and no longer restricts you in your everyday life.
Following the removal of the sweat glands, Dr. Nichlos will suture the small skin incisions and apply a compression bandage for the first 24 hours after the operation.
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Aftercare
What happens after sweat gland removal?
You can go home immediately after the sweat gland removal. It is best to have someone pick you up, as it is difficult to drive a vehicle with freshly treated armpits.
Swelling and slight bruising are limited in most patients and usually subside on their own within a few days. For mild pain, you can take painkillers that are freely available in pharmacies.
You should take it easy at home for the first 2-3 days and avoid any physical exertion if possible. After that you can go back to work. However, you should avoid sport, tanning beds and swimming pools for at least 1, preferably 2 weeks.
You will also need to wear a compression vest for the first 1 to 2 weeks after sweat gland removal to prevent swelling and accumulation of wound fluid. You will receive details on this from us following the procedure, as well as tips on massage. This can help to loosen hardening in the armpit area.
In order to monitor the healing progress, Dr. Nichlos will arrange follow-up appointments with you, which will take place at our practice in Frankfurt.
Risks
What are the possible risks and complications associated with sweat gland removal?
The risks associated with sweat gland removal are low with experienced surgeons like Dr. Nichlos, but cannot be completely ruled out. As with any surgical procedure, post-operative bleeding, wound healing disorders or infections are possible. After surgical removal of the sweat glands, it is not uncommon for slight redness, bruising or swelling to occur, which usually disappears on its own after a while. The same applies to numbness in the surgical area.
Alternative
Are there alternative treatments to sweat gland suction?
In addition to the permanent removal of sweat glands, hyperhidrosis can also be treated by injecting Botox, for example. By specifically blocking the transmission of nerve impulses, the active ingredient can significantly reduce both the amount and frequency of sweating. In contrast to suction, Botox treatment can also be used not only in the armpits, but also in other areas affected by hyperhidrosis, such as the hands or feet.
One disadvantage, however, is that Botox only reduces sweat production temporarily (usually for 3 to 6 months). After that, a new treatment is necessary. However, repeated treatments with botulinum toxin can gradually prolong the effect. Let Dr. med. Nichlos advise you now on which method (sweat gland suction or Botox injection) is better for you in order to get your symptoms under control in the long term.
Consultation appointment
Sweat gland removal in Frankfurt: Arrange a consultation now!
Edges of sweat under the armpits, heavy sweating on the hands or an unpleasant smell of sweat on the feet: hyperhidrosis is a problem for many sufferers. If you also suffer from this and are looking for a lasting solution, Dr. Nichlos is the right person to contact. Depending on the problem area, he uses various methods to rid you of excessive sweating. Call us now or use our online form to request an appointment for a consultation!
Practice location & directions – Frankfurt Westend
You can easily plan your route to our practice at Grüneburgweg 95, 60323 Frankfurt am Main using the integrated Google Maps map. If you are arriving by car, we recommend the Palmengarten parking garage in the immediate vicinity.
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Frequently asked questions
for sweat gland suction:
- For whom is sweat gland suction suitable?
The method is particularly suitable for people who suffer from excessive sweating in the armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis), which cannot be controlled by antiperspirants or other conservative methods.
- How does a sweat gland suction procedure work?
Dr. med. Nichlos uses fine cannulas to gently remove the sweat glands from the tissue. The affected areas are anaesthetized locally beforehand. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes around 45 to 90 minutes.
- Is sweat gland suction painful?
Thanks to the local anesthetic, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. The cannulas are very fine, which makes the procedure particularly gentle.
- How quickly does the effect set in?
The reduction in sweat production is usually noticeable immediately after the procedure. The full effect can be seen after a few days.
- Will visible scars remain?
The access points for the fine cannulas are minimal and are usually sutured with self-dissolving stitches. Visible scars are not usually left behind.
- How long do the results of the treatment last?
As the removed sweat glands do not grow back, the result is usually permanent. Follow-up treatment is rarely necessary.
- Can the remaining glands increase sweating again?
In rare cases, remaining glands may work more to compensate. However, the effect is minimal and does not lead back to the original sweat level.
- What does aftercare look like?
After the procedure, you will wear a special compression garment for approx. 1-2 weeks. Light exercise is possible, but sport should be temporarily avoided. Follow-up appointments are arranged on an individual basis.
- When can I go back to work or do sport?
As a rule, you will be fit for social life again the following day. Sport is possible again after 1-2 weeks, depending on the type.
- Are there any risks associated with sweat gland suction?
As with any procedure, there may be slight swelling, bruising or feelings of tension. Serious complications are extremely rare.
- Does health insurance cover the costs of the procedure?
Since Dr. med. Nichlos is not licensed by the statutory health insurance, it is not possible to bill the statutory health insurance. The costs for sweat gland suction must therefore be borne privately in all cases. Even if medically indicated, there is no reimbursement by statutory health insurance companies.
- How much does sweat gland suction cost?
The costs start from 2,000 euros, plus anesthesia, clinic and compression garments.