Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a problem that around 3% of the world's population suffer from, and can often be a very embarrassing condition for sufferers. Hyperhidrosis sufferers often feel restricted in their clothing choices as they are often reluctant to wear light coloured clothing which will make the problem more obvious, and it is recommended that sufferers stay away from synthetic fabrics which can exacerbate the problem, and instead opt for natural, breathable fibres such as cotton. Many sufferers suffer from excessive sweating on their face or in their hands, this can lead to an embarrassingly sweaty handshake, and can eventually result in the patient avoiding social occasions altogether. Some hyperhidrosis patients have also said that they avoid exercise as they find that their condition is just too embarrassing as they sweat so excessively after and during exercise.

Many hyperhidrosis patients find it difficult to ensure that their problem is taken seriously, and in previous years general practitioners have been at a bit of a loss in terms of how to treat sufferers. Surgery has been used in an attempt to treat hyperhidrosis in the past, however it was often found to be ineffective and in some cases made the problem worse. However, in recent years hyperhidrosis has been treated successfully with botox. Botox prevents the glands from producing sweat and therefore solves the embarrassing problem of excess sweating. However, while safe and effective, botox is not a permanent solution to the problem of excessive sweating and patients will have to have the treatment repeated every 6 months, which can become rather costly.

Patients have another alternative to using surgery or botox to treat hyperhidrosis, and that is to treat the condition using laser assisted liposuction. This way of treating hyperhidrosis has been available for around three years and has been extremely successful. Laser assisted liposuction treats hyperhidrosis by cutting the supply of blood to the sweat glands, causing the tissue to die. The procedure is carried out using a laser which is inserted through a 1mm incision, after the surgeon has used the laser to cut the blood supply to the glands he or she will use gentle suction to remove any local anaesthetic, as well as the damaged gland. Patients who have undergone this procedure report very little pain as the area is numbed with a local anaesthetic, though some do report a slight tugging or stinging feeling, though this is very bearable. Patients are discharged from the clinic on the same day and can resume sporting activities a week after the procedure. There will be some slight bruising and swelling following the procedure, though the bruising can be reduced by taking arnica tablets and the swelling will go down in a few days. Clearly, patients will have a tiny scar where the laser was inserted, though this will fade over time, though the majority of patients feel that this is a price they are willing to pay for a permanent solution to hyperhidrosis.