Overview | Treatment options | Ideal candidates and benefits | Risks and results | Self-care for the future
A common medical condition, hyperhidrosis for underarms refers to excessive sweating. As per Stanford Healthcare, this can be due to anything from menopause and pregnancy to diabetes, anxiety, and an overactive thyroid.
Hyperhidrosis can cause a lot of embarrassing situations in your social and business interactions in the form of sweat stains and body odor. However, let me reassure that this condition can easily be treated thanks to breakthroughs in 21st century biotechnology.
So, are you ready to live your life sweat-free and full of confidence? Let me help deepen your understanding of this topic by answering some frequently asked questions on hyperhidrosis for underarms and its treatments.
What are the two main treatments for underarm hyperhidrosis?
There are two popular treatment options for hyperhidrosis of the underarms. These are:
- miraDry – miraDry, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for excessive underarm sweating, has been successfully performed around the globe since 2011. It is a non-invasive, hour-long treatment that utilizes electromagnetic energy that targets sweat glands to destroy them. With local anesthesia, this treatment can be repeated twice or thrice for maximum effect.
The procedure begins with measuring and marking the treatment area. Next, a local numbing anesthetic will be given to the patient. After this, the doctor uses the hand-held miraDry device to heat up and destroy the sweat glands. After an hour the treatment is complete. You may feel some discomfort but it is nothing to worry about. - Botox – You probably would never expect Botox to be used to treat hyperhidrosis for underarms. However, this nerve toxin used to temporarily paralyze muscles has also been FDA-approved for managing underarm sweating. Injections are placed with a very fine needle into roughly 25 to 30 spots of the armpit to give relief from sweating. This roughly works out to around 12 to14 injections per armpit, as per Harvard Health Publishing.
After applying a topical anesthetic, the dermatologist will inject a form of Botox into the underarms, post which there may be a little discomfort or pain. The injections will temporarily block the chemicals and nerves in the body that stimulate the sweat glands. As per the American Academy of Dermatology, the patient may see expected results in as little as four to five days post the procedure.
Who are the ideal candidates for these treatments?
I only advise miraDry and Botox for patients who fail get relief from sweating with prescription antiperspirants. If you are troubled with excessive underarm sweating, sweat when it is not hot, and constantly have to re-apply perfumes or change your sweat-stained clothes, you can seek a consultation with a certified dermatologist who can recommend one of these treatments based on your case.
Let me caution you that the US FDA has not approved miraDry for treating excessive sweating on other body parts.
What are the benefits of these treatments?
There are many advantages to using miraDry and Botox for excessive sweating. The ones that I would like to focus on are:
- Long-lasting solution to excessive armpit sweating
- No downtime or scarring
- Reduced body odor
- Reduced chances of sweat/armpit stains
- Enhanced underarm skin health due to reduced sweating
- Less reliance on antiperspirants
What are the risks and results to expect?
According to several studies, there is a drastic reduction in armpit sweating by almost 86% seen after the miraDry treatment. Since the sweat glands do not regenerate after being destroyed, the results are long-lasting. Many of my patients also see a reduction in underarm hair growth and underarm odor. There might be localized swelling and soreness. One risk of miraDry to note is possible nerve damage.
Risks from Botox include tiredness, headache, and problems swallowing and speaking. Everyone’s body reacts differently to Botox, so results will vary from patient to patient. Results from a single Botox treatment translates to anywhere between nine months to one year of sweat-free armpits. The needle used is small, so the pain is tolerable.
Again, I want to emphasize that results always vary between patients. Your dermatologist will let you know what you can expect.
How many sessions will be required?
For miraDry, I recommend two sessions spaced three months apart for optimal results.
When it comes to Botox treatment, not more than one session may be required for relief from sweating for up to 14 months. You may opt for additional follow-up sessions if you require and if your doctor deems fit.
How is miraDry different from other treatments?
miraDry is a unique non-invasive treatment for hyperhidrosis for underarms. While other treatment options, like Botox injections, only temporarily provide relief, miraDry offers a permanent solution. It also does not come with the inherent risks that would normally accompany a surgical procedure. The treated glands do not regenerate.
Is there any self-care required in the future?
After the miraDry or Botox procedure, I recommend wearing only loose tops to prevent skin irritation and avoiding strenuous activity for a few days. Moreover, avoid applying deodorant or antiperspirant for the first two weeks. Use petroleum jelly if you wish to soothe the skin. Do not apply pressure or massage the treated area. Temporary sensitivity or bruising will resolve itself in about a week’s time. Do contact your dermatologist if you face persistent redness, swelling, or bruising in the treated area.
Do you need your underarm sweat glands?
Many of my patients ask me this, and I like to reassure them with some facts. Your body has more than 4 million sweat glands. Roughly 2% of them are situated in your armpits. So, if you eliminate this negligible percentage, there will be no negative effect on your body’s ability to lower its temperature and cool itself.
Closing thoughts
Many patients have personally told me how miraDry and Botox treatments have helped them gain confidence in their personal and professional lives. Thanks to miraDry and Botox treatments, you too can treat hyperhidrosis for underarms effectively. Consult with an experienced and certified dermatologist to free yourself from excessive underarm sweat today!
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf10/K103014.pdf
- Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-to-do-about-excessive-sweating
- American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hyperhidrosis-treatment
- Stanford Healthcare: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/excessive-sweating/causes.html
Dr. Batul Patel is a celebrity dermatologist and the medical director of The Bombay Skin Clinic an award winning clinic located in South Mumbai & Bandra. She is a passionate and dedicated dermatologist with expertise in all fields of dermatology, trichology and aesthetic dermatology. She has been practicing for more than a decade. Her range of expertise include emsculpt NEO, coolsculpting, fillers, acne treatment, lasers, skin rejuvenation, hair loss, hair transplant, PRP & pigmentation treatments.
