Yes – by a procedure known as “endoscopic thoracic sympathetic block” (ESB). In fact, ESB has been used to successfully treat excessive facial sweating, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and blushing.

First performed in the 1950s this surgery involves cutting the hyperactive nerves that control sweating and blushing at the second and third thoracic level. Sensory nerve cell bodies are collected in ganglion that exit the spinal cord at different levels along the spine.  Those that exit at T2 and T3 are involved in excessive facial sweating and are also implicated in excessive blushing.

 Previously the procedure was quite invasive but new techniques limit the amount of cutting. One study reported on in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology by Drott et al, sent questionnaires to 1314 patients who had undergone the procedure for excessive blushing after a mean of 29 months. Only 831 patients responded to the questionnaires but those who responded reported a significant reduction in blushing. As with hyperhidrosis, the most common side effect of the surgery is compensatory sweating on the trunk and legs.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from excessive blushing or sweating, consult your medical provider for more information on treatment options.