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Patient Recovery Guide

Recovering from ETS surgery for hyperhidrosis
Your day-surgery recovery guide

You have had an Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) — a minimally invasive day surgery performed through two tiny incisions under each arm to divide the nerve chain responsible for excessive sweating. The procedure is covered by OHIP and most patients go home the same day. Instructions from Dr. Irshad’s team always take precedence.

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Preparing for your day surgery

2–4 weeks before surgery

  • Stop blood thinners as specifically directed by Dr. Irshad’s team. Do NOT stop without guidance.
  • Stop herbal supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic tablets).
  • Arrange a driver — this is day surgery, but you cannot drive yourself home after a general anesthetic.

The night before and day of surgery

  • Nothing to eat after midnight. Clear fluids until 2 hours before arrival.
  • Take only approved medications with a small sip of water.
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to put on over dressings. No jewelry, nail polish, or contact lenses.
  • Expect to go home the same day, within a few hours of surgery.

What to expect immediately after surgery

  • Sweating stops immediately — most patients notice the change in the recovery room.
  • You will have two small dressings under each arm (incisions are approx. 5–8 mm).
  • Mild chest soreness and discomfort with deep breaths is normal for 2–3 days.
  • You may feel slightly light-headed from the anesthetic — this resolves within hours.
  • You will be discharged once your oxygen levels are stable and pain is controlled.

Your recovery timeline

Enter your procedure date to highlight roughly where you are in your recovery. This is a general guide — your team’s instructions always come first.

  • Day 1–2

    • Rest at home; mild chest soreness is expected — take prescribed pain medication
    • Avoid reaching overhead or heavy lifting
    • Shower after 48 hours; keep dressings dry for the first 2 days
    • Normal diet — no restrictions
    • No driving for 48 hours after general anesthetic

  • Day 3–7

    • Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities
    • Incision dressings can be removed after 5–7 days
    • Light walking and gentle activity are encouraged

  • Week 2

    • Full return to normal activities including exercise
    • Incisions are small and typically heal with minimal scarring
    • Follow-up call or appointment with Dr. Irshad’s office

  • Long-term

    • Sweating in treated areas remains absent long-term
    • Discuss any concerns about compensatory sweating at follow-up

Understanding compensatory sweating

Some patients experience increased sweating in other areas of the body (back, abdomen, thighs) after ETS — this is called compensatory sweating. It is a known and expected effect of the procedure and was discussed with you before surgery.

In most patients it is mild and well-tolerated. In a minority, it can be more noticeable. It tends to be most prominent in the first few months and may improve over time. If you have concerns, please discuss them at your follow-up appointment.

Warning signs — when to seek care

Go to Emergency or call 911 if you experience:

  • Increasing chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F)
  • Redness, swelling, discharge, or separation of incision sites
  • Drooping eyelid, small pupil, or decreased sweating on one side of the face (rare — call clinic)
  • Persistent dizziness or feeling faint

Call our clinic at (905) 458-4520 if you have:

  • Any non-urgent concern about your recovery — call the clinic before going to the Emergency Department

Common questions about recovery

How long does recovery take after ETS surgery for hyperhidrosis?
ETS is a day surgery, so most patients go home the same day within a few hours. Mild chest soreness is normal for 2–3 days. Most people return to desk work and light daily activities within 3–7 days, and make a full return to normal activities including exercise by about week 2.
When can I drive after ETS surgery?
You should not drive for 48 hours after a general anesthetic. After that, you can drive once you are comfortable and no longer taking sedating pain medication.
Does the sweating stop immediately after ETS?
Yes. Sweating in the treated areas stops immediately — most patients notice the change while still in the recovery room, and it remains absent long-term.
What is compensatory sweating after ETS?
Some patients experience increased sweating in other areas of the body, such as the back, abdomen or thighs. In most patients it is mild and well-tolerated. It tends to be most prominent in the first few months and often settles with time; discuss any concerns at your follow-up.
When should I seek emergency care after ETS surgery?
Go to Emergency or call 911 for increasing chest pain or shortness of breath, a fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F), redness, swelling, discharge or separation of the incision sites, a drooping eyelid or decreased sweating on one side of the face, or persistent dizziness. For any non-urgent concern, call the clinic at (905) 458-4520 first.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Instructions given to you by Dr. Irshad’s team always take precedence. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately. Published in compliance with the CPSO Advertising Standards Policy.

Questions about your recovery?

Dr. Kashif Irshad — Division of Thoracic Surgery, William Osler Health System, Brampton Civic Hospital. Tel: (905) 458-4520 · Fax: (905) 458-4080 · thoracic@williamoslerhs.ca

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