Does upper arm lipo affect the armpit sweat glands?

Question

Hi, I would like to know if there is a possibility of damage armpit sweat glands after going through an upper arm lipo procedure? I realized that after my procedure, I don't perspire much at the armpit area, but other areas such as the neck, perspires more than before. Thank you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

with energy based liposuction sweat glands will improve and decrease sweating and smell.  long term morpheus + botox helps this as well.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Laser ablation is not part of upper arm lipo, so no damage should be done to the sweat glands.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

Upper arm liposuction typically focuses on reducing excess fat in the upper arms, but it doesn’t directly affect the sweat glands in the armpit. Sweat glands are located in the deeper layers of the skin, while liposuction primarily targets the fatty tissue beneath the skin. While it may not directly impact the sweat glands, there can be changes in the contour of the upper arm that might affect the way the skin and armpit area interact, potentially influencing sweating patterns or sensation. It’s important to discuss potential side effects and concerns with a skilled plastic surgeon before undergoing any procedure.

Nicole Sommer, MD · Answer

Is it possible that the armpit was liposuctioned as well? For excessive sweating, an aggressive liposuction procedure of that area can be performed to destroy the glands and decrease sweating. This would be one explanation for it. I would refer back to your surgeon to see if this was done.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

some people may perceive sweating as changing for a few months after liposuction of the armpit area. This can be from the sweat glands being damaged, stand or potentially the nerves that innervate them call the sympathetic nervous system having been slightly altered.  Energy causing devices can have some slight impact on this as well. Generally these are temporary. I don't have an explanation for your neck sweating. I do a lot of liposuction procedures and this is not something that comes up regularly.  I would venture to say that these things will settle down and get back to normal in 3 to 6 months.  Botox can be injected into the sweat glands in the armpit to reduce sweat production.  If liposuction consistently made people stop sweating it would be used as a sweat reducing procedure.  It's simply not effective enough to do that.  Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

Does upper arm lipo affect the armpit sweat glands?

Answers (5)