The Center for Hyperhidrosis at Columbia
You don’t have to live with excessive sweating. At the Center for Hyperhidrosis at Columbia University Medical Center, our team of board-certified dermatologists and thoracic surgeons offers the full spectrum of proven treatments — from non-surgical options to minimally invasive surgery — so every patient can find real, lasting relief.
New York’s Leading Center for Hyperhidrosis Treatment
Hyperhidrosis — excessive sweating of the hands, feet, underarms, or face — affects millions of people, yet most go years without a proper diagnosis or effective treatment. Many don’t realize that highly effective solutions exist. At the Center for Hyperhidrosis, we’ve dedicated over three decades to changing that.
In cooperation with other centers where surgery for hyperhidrosis is performed, we continue to analyze surgical outcomes to further improve the results of surgery. Dr. Gorenstein not only performs surgery for hyperhidrosis, but is well recognized as a leader in the field of Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery, and is the director of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center
Founded at Columbia University Medical Center in the early 1990s, our center has treated thousands of patients from across the country and around the world. Our approach is multidisciplinary: every patient is evaluated by both board-certified dermatologists and a thoracic surgeon, so your treatment plan is built around your specific condition — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
We believe non-surgical options should always be explored first, and we offer the full range: prescription antiperspirants, oral medications, iontophoresis, Botox® injections, and miraDry®. For patients with severe palmar hyperhidrosis or facial blushing who haven’t found relief through other means, our minimally invasive ETS surgery delivers immediate, permanent results — with a patient satisfaction rate exceeding 98%.
Treatment Options for Every Patient
No two cases of hyperhidrosis are the same, which is why we offer the full spectrum of treatments at our NY Hyperhidrosis treatment center— starting with the least invasive and progressing based on your needs and response.
Below are some of the NYC hyperhidrosis treatment options available to patients:
ETS Surgery for Excessive
Hand Sweating
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) is the most effective long-term solution for severe palmar hyperhidrosis. Performed as a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, ETS works by interrupting the nerve signals that trigger excessive sweating in the hands. Results are immediate and permanent. Dr. Gorenstein has performed over 1,000 ETS procedures with a satisfaction rate exceeding 98%.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating far beyond what the body needs to regulate its temperature. It most commonly affects the hands, feet, underarms, and face — and it can make ordinary moments feel overwhelming. Shaking someone’s hand. Signing a document. Attending a meeting. Activities most people don’t think twice about can become a source of daily anxiety for those living with hyperhidrosis.
The condition affects approximately 1 to 3% of the population. Despite being common, the vast majority of people with hyperhidrosis never receive a proper diagnosis — and many don’t know that effective treatment exists. If excessive sweating is affecting your confidence, your relationships, or your ability to do your job, you are not alone — and you don’t have to keep managing it on your own.
What Causes Hyperhidrosis?
In primary hyperhidrosis — the most common form — the sympathetic nervous system triggers sweat glands excessively and without cause. The body sweats even when there is no need to cool down. Genetics play a significant role: up to 50% of patients have a family member with the same condition.
Secondary hyperhidrosis, by contrast, occurs as a result of an underlying medical condition — such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or menopause — or as a side effect of certain medications. Identifying which type you have is an essential first step, and one our team handles carefully before recommending any treatment.
