What Treatments Are Available to Reduce Sweating?

People with excessive sweating and odor can struggle with embarrassment and frustration. You may find sweat soaks through your clothes, even if you wear antiperspirants. Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach offers treatment options if you need help with sweat control. With options for almost everyone, we can help you finally get relief and restore your confidence. 

What Causes Excessive Sweating? 

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) occurs for many reasons. Your body sweats naturally in response to many signals, including temperature, emotions, stress, or hormones. Sweat is like a fingerprint – Its composition is unique to everyone, and no two people sweat the same.⁠ Some people sweat more than others, and not everyone finds it bothersome. If you do, Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery offers several options that target your sweat glands and decrease the amount of sweat they release. 

What Treatments Are Available to Reduce Sweating?

We offer two types of treatments for excessive sweating. Only a consultation can determine which treatment is best for you. Our treatment options are proven safe and effective, are non-invasive, and require little to no downtime. 

Botox® & Dysport®

These injectable treatments target the nerves that signal excessive sweating. Botox® & Dysport® use botulinum toxin, which stops nerves from sending signals. We use these treatments for those who need help controlling sweat in areas including the palms of the hand, under the arms, forehead, groin, and other areas. These treatments stop the sweat glands from receiving signals to release sweat, keeping the treated areas dry. 

You will need repeated treatments to keep your sweat under control, although how often you need them will vary by individual. Almost everyone can have Botox®, making it a safe treatment option for a range of candidates. However, those with certain medical conditions may not be eligible for injectable sweat reduction. 

miraDry®

People looking for long-lasting results for underarm sweat and odor may benefit from miraDry®. This non-invasive treatment uses thermal energy to deactivate sweat glands. Since your body sweats in many areas, it can function normally without your underarm sweat glands. This treatment provides permanent long-lasting relief after one or two treatments. 

Those with underarm sweat issues often make good candidates for miraDry®. However, those with sweat elsewhere on their bodies make better candidates for injectables. Unlike Botox®, miraDry® results can last a lifetime and treat both sweat and odor. 

miraDry® has a lesser known added benefit: it deactivates hair follicles to decrease underarm hair growth. The device is “color blind” so it can target hair that is blonde or white as well. Most traditional laser hair removal treatments cannot do this (they can only effectively target darker hair color), so it is a unique benefit. miraDry® for hair removal is sometimes referred to as miraSmooth.    

Which Sweating Treatment is Right for Me?

When we assess your treatment needs, we consider many factors. For example, miraDry® is only approved to treat the underarms. Those with excessive sweat in other areas such as palm sweat, known as palmar hyperhidrosis, can benefit from Botox®. While many who struggle with underarm sweat and odor choose miraDry® for its permanent results, others with certain medical conditions may wish to maintain sweat reduction with regular Botox® treatments. 

Is There Any Downtime After Treatment to Reduce Sweating?

Treatments to reduce sweating have little to no downtime. Botox® and Dysport® often take less than half an hour to inject. You can return to your usual activities immediately. However, we may recommend limiting strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours. You may notice a few small spots of redness or bruising that fade within days. 

People often notice swelling and soreness after a miraDry® treatment. You can resume most activities, but will need to take special care of the treated area after miraDry®. You will apply an antibiotic ointment for several days. Avoid harsh products and any type of deodorant or antiperspirant during this time. If you still need these products after miraDry®, discard your old ones and open a new one. We will review aftercare instructions with you after your miraDry® treatment in Newport Beach so you know exactly what to do.  

What Results Will I See With Sweat Reduction Treatment?

If you have Botox® or Dysport®, you can expect to see results after about a week. Full results can take up to ten days to develop. You will notice a significant improvement in sweating and feel comfortable knowing you no longer have to worry about sweaty palms or excessive sweating in other areas. Results can last four to twelve months, depending on the individual. Your results may last longer if you have had several treatments already. The older you get, the less you will sweat as well – A result of sweat glands shrinking and becoming less sensitive over time.  

You will notice results immediately after your miraDry® treatment. 93% of treated people are no longer bothered by sweat a month after treatment. 80% also achieved relief from underarm odor caused by sweating. While some people may need a second miraDry® treatment to treat enough sweat glands, the final results will last a lifetime. You will no longer worry about sweat staining your clothes or embarrassing body odor.