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Relief for Plantar Hyperhidrosis
A Lasting Solution For Sweaty Feet
Excessive foot sweating can significantly disrupt daily life — causing discomfort, odor, damaged shoes, limited footwear options, and even strain in personal relationships. For many, the impact goes far beyond inconvenience, affecting both self-confidence and overall quality of life. Fortunately, Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy (ELS) offers the only proven outpatient surgical solution for plantar hyperhidrosis, achieving a 99.2% success rate. Dr. Basseri has dedicated his career to treating patients with hyperhidrosis. He is the only surgeon in the United States that can perform the Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy (ELS) procedure.
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Results That Speak for Themselves
Surgery Success Rate
The only proven surgical treatment for excessive foot sweating (plantar hyperhidrosis) is the Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy. Our Center has been performing this procedure since 2008. This advanced outpatient procedure offers an exceptional 99.2% success rate, and is always performed one month apart from the ETS procedure — never at the same time.
Patient Stories
More Stories of Hope and Healing
Follow Dr. Basseri on Instagram and TikTok for educational content and real-life stories of hope and healing from palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis.
The Most Advanced Option for Lasting Relief
Dr. Basseri’s Expertise in Lumbar Sympathectomy (ELS)
Dr. Basseri is the only surgeon in the United States — and one of only a handful worldwide — who performs the Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy (ELS).
Having treated over 10,000 patients, we have found that approximately 5-10% of those who undergo Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) experience improvement in foot sweating. For patients who do not achieve relief through ETS, ELS remains the only proven surgical solution for plantar hyperhidrosis — with a 99.2% success rate.

About the Procedure
ELS is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The procedure requires just three small incisions: the largest measures approximately 1.5 cm, with the remaining incisions roughly half that size. A thin endoscope is guided through these incisions to complete the surgery with precision and minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.
For a comprehensive overview of the procedure, please visit our Hyperhidrosis
Surgery page.
What to Look For
Symptoms of Plantar Hyperhidrosis
Plantar hyperhidrosis presents with a distinct pattern of sweating, typically confined to the area from the ankles to the toes. This specific anatomical distribution is often overlooked, as physicians unfamiliar with hyperhidrosis may initially evaluate for other underlying causes.
In the vast majority of cases—over 99%—plantar hyperhidrosis is associated with palmar hyperhidrosis. Palmar hyperhidrosis is characteristically limited to the wrist down to the hands. When both hand and foot sweating are present, this strongly supports a diagnosis of primary focal hyperhidrosis.
As noted throughout this website, this condition is most often genetically influenced, meaning there is frequently a family history of similar symptoms.
The Hidden Triggers
What Causes Excessive Foot Sweating?
Who Should Consider Surgery
How Do I Know If This Surgical Procedure Is Right For Me?
Plantar hyperhidrosis is commonly associated with palmar hyperhidrosis. Signs may include the need to change socks multiple times per day, frequent shoe damage due to moisture, macerated skin, recurrent infections that can lead to odor, slipping when barefoot or wearing flip flops or other open-toed shoes, or disruptions to social interactions like going to the beach and walking in the sand.
We recommend consulting with a physician familiar with hyperhidrosis if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Relief Beyond ETS
For Former ETS Patients
The Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) offers relief from plantar hyperhidrosis (feet sweating) in only 5–10% of patients. Until 2008, no surgical option existed for those suffering from plantar hyperhidrosis. The Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy (ELS) is now the only proven surgical solution for this condition — and this is exciting news for anyone continuing to suffer from plantar hyperhidrosis.
Important Consideration
How Plantar Treatment May Affect Palmar Hyperhidrosis
For patients who have both plantar and palmar hyperhidrosis, there is an important distinction to note. If the ETS procedure is performed first, there is a 5–10% chance you may also experience relief in your feet. However, if the ELS surgery is performed first, you will not see relief in your hands.
Decades of Progress
99.2% Success Rate
Hyperhidrosis Testimonials:
Backed by Research
Doctor/Peer Reviewed Paper:
Dr. Basseri and Dr. Reisfeld have contributed significantly to the literature for the ELS procedure. In addition, the Center for Hyperhidrosis is conducting numerous research studies that will be published soon.
Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy for Focal Plantar Hyperhidrosis Using the Clamping Method – August 2010.
Patient FAQs
Answers to Common Questions About Sweaty Feet
Is it normal to have sweaty feet?
Foot sweating can be a normal bodily function under certain circumstances, such as intense physical activity. Excessive foot sweating (focal plantar hyperhidrosis) however, is defined as sweating that goes beyond the normal physiological needs of the body.
This condition is known in the medical community as hyperhidrosis. If a person experiences foot sweating under normal conditions — at rest, without stress or excitement, in a comfortable temperature, or during everyday social interactions — they may have hyperhidrosis. It is a genetically inherited condition that can cause both social and functional challenges in daily life. It is generally always paired with excessive sweating of the hands (focal palmar hyperhidrosis).
What if my insurance says they do not cover this particular procedure?
We work with most PPO insurance policies, and this procedure is considered medically necessary. Following your consultation with Dr. Basseri, our staff will verify your insurance benefits and walk you through the entire process. Our office team are experts in navigating a variety of plans. Should you not have insurance coverage, we will also be happy to walk you through self-pay options.
Does ELS affect pregnancy?
No, there is no connection between the Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy and the ability to become pregnant.
What to expect after the Lumbar Procedure?
Pain Some degree of lower back pain is to be expected following the procedure. Generally, it is not severe and is well managed with prescribed oral medications. While pain tolerance varies from person to person, most patients tolerate it well. Pain typically begins to subside within a few days after the operation.
Activity It is recommended that physical activity be kept to a minimum for the first few days, gradually increasing back to your normal daily routine. For strenuous activities such as jogging, basketball, or the gym, listen to your body and progress at your own pace. There are no rigid restrictions, and since no muscles are cut during this procedure, the healing process is generally fast.
Incisions All incisions are closed with absorbable sutures, which dissolve on their own — eliminating the need for a follow-up visit to have them removed. The incisions are covered with Steri-Strips, which should stay on for approximately a week.
Shower / Bath Showering is permitted the day after the procedure. Bathing is permitted two weeks after surgery. Steri-Strips may be removed one week after surgery.
Food Patients can resume a regular diet immediately following the ELS procedure. Due to the proximity of the procedure to the abdominal area, some patients may experience mild constipation which can be treated with over-the-counter laxatives.
Do you have any questions about foot sweating that were not answered here? Would you like to speak with Dr. Basseri to answer those questions? To learn more about what we can do for you, contact The Center for Hyperhidrosis by contacting our office.
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This decision can change your life, and we’re here to help. That’s why we offer a FREE consultation with Dr. Basseri.
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Location:
9033 Wilshire Blvd., #200, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
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“May 11, 2021, changed my life—truly more than I could’ve ever imagined. The best way to describe life since ETS surgery is intentional and joyful. I feel like I can finally be present in every single moment because my mind isn’t constantly focused on my hands sweating.”
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Bri F.