
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Treatment
What it is
Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating, beyond what’s needed for temperature regulation or exercise. It often affects the underarms, palms, feet, face or other localized areas. This treatment category offers targeted interventions to reduce sweat gland activity, improve comfort, and restore confidence.
How it works
- One of the most common methods is injectable neurotoxins (e.g., Botox) which block nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands. This reduces sweat production in treated areas.
- Other options include energy-based therapies that destroy or deactivate sweat glands (for example, microwave or RF treatments such as miraDry) for longer-term results.
- Before treatment, a comprehensive consultation evaluates the location, severity, lifestyle impact, and underlying causes (to rule out secondary hyperhidrosis due to medical conditions) .
What it treats & benefits
Treated areas usually include:
- Underarms (axillary) — most common focal area for treatment.
- Palms of hands and soles of feet — especially for those whose sweating interferes with daily tasks.
- Face/ forehead and other localized zones where sweating causes embarrassment or disruption.
Benefits:
- Significant reduction in sweat output, leading to fewer sweat stains, less odor, greater comfort.
- Minimal downtime in many treatments; you can often return to regular activities soon after.
- Improved confidence and quality of life (less need to change clothes, less anxiety about visible sweat) .
Treatment process & expectations
Consultation & assessment:
- Medical history, medication review, triggers and areas of excessive sweating are evaluated.
- Physical exam and possibly sweat-testing to determine severity and precise locations.
Treatment session:
- For injections: topical numbing applied, then multiple fine injections into the sweat-gland region (e.g., underarms) take ~20-30 minutes.
- For energy-based therapies: an applicator is placed for the larger area (e.g., underarm) and sessions may last 30-60 minutes depending on technology.
Results & duration:
- Injections often begin reducing sweat within a few days; full benefit seen in 1-2 weeks.
- Results may last 4-12+ months depending on treatment type, area, and individual variation.
- Energy-based treatments may offer longer relief or more permanent reduction of sweat in treated areas.
Aftercare:
- Avoid strenuous activity immediately after, follow provider’s skincare/antiperspirant recommendations.
- Use recommended deodorant/antiperspirant until full effect is reached.
- Follow-up visits for re-treatment or monitoring as needed.
Considerations & limitations
- Good candidate if: You have focal excessive sweating despite antiperspirants, it impacts daily life or clothing, and you seek minimally invasive intervention.
- May need alternative or adjunct if: Sweating is generalized (body-wide) or caused by underlying medical condition, or if you require surgical options.
- Risks: minor bruising/ swelling at injection site, possible muscle weakness if injections near palms/hands, cost may require repeated sessions.
- Expectation: Treatments reduce sweat but may not always completely eliminate it; lifestyle factors (temperature, activity, stress) still influence sweating.
