Treating Excessive Sweating: Cost and Financing of Sympathectomy

Excessive Sweating is a medical condition that is determined by a hyperactive sympathetic system. The sympathethic system is made up of the sympathetic ganglia, which can be removed or inhibited to reduce the amount of sweating. This procedure will work in reducing the amount of sweating in areas such as the head, face, armpits, feet and palms. The sympathectomy is an expensive procedure, so if you are considering it, you should find out the costs involved and be informed on possible financing options.

Factors Determining the Cost of Sympathectomy

You may often find that the lowest prices of sympathectomy you'll find are very different from the highest prices you'll find. There are a few factors that determine the cost of sympathectomy including:

  • Whether the procedure is performed using a video camera (endoscopic procedure) or the surgeon performs the traditional surgery
  • The area where the surgery is performed; some geographical areas have higher prices; the surgery may be performed abroad and may be less expensive
  • Whether the clinic is private (the surgery may be performed at a hospital or a private clinic)
  • The experience of the surgeon
  • The days of hospitalization required after the surgery (typically between 1 and 5 days are required, depending on different factors, whether there are complications, clinic policy or others)

Cost of Traditional Sympathectomy

The traditional sympathectomy surgery will be performed using a scalpel and may take between 60 to 90 minutes. It is not as precise as the endoscopic sympathectomy surgery, but it is less costly. The cost of a traditional sympathectomy is between $5,000 and $15,000. However, the traditional surgery is rarely performed.

Cost of Endoscopic Sympathectomy

The endoscopic sympathectomy surgery is performed by making a few small incisions in the rib area and introducing a tiny video camera that will allow the surgeon to monitor the surgery step by step. This is a more precise surgery and will cause smaller scars, but the costs will be higher than those involved in a traditional sympathectomy. The costs of endoscopic sympathectomy are between $10,000 and $20,000.

Insurance Coverage

A part of the costs of the sympathectomy surgery may be covered by your insurance plan. Contact your insurance provider for details. Even though sympathectomy is an elective surgery, it may be considered necessary if the sweating stops you from performing your job.

Financing Options

The sympathectomy procedure can be costly, so you should look for a few financing options. Typically, the clinic where the sympathectomy surgery is performed should offer you some financing options or give you a payment plan, so that you can pay for the surgery in several installments.

You may also get a loan from a bank or a medical lender. Get some quotes for interest rates and get a financing option that is suitable for your budget. You may pay the loan in 1 or several years.