Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Overview

Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive sweating beyond what is needed for thermoregulation. It commonly affects the axillae (underarms), palms, soles, and scalp, causing significant daily discomfort. Multi-point Botox injection in the affected area blocks acetylcholine release at eccrine sweat glands, effectively reducing sweating. For axillary hyperhidrosis, miraDry uses microwave energy to permanently destroy sweat glands.

Mechanism

Botox blocks acetylcholine release at the sympathetic nerve endings innervating eccrine sweat glands, temporarily suppressing sweat production for 4-6 months. miraDry delivers microwave energy (5.8 GHz) targeted at the dermal-subcutaneous junction where sweat glands are concentrated, causing thermolysis and permanent gland destruction. Iontophoresis uses electrical current to temporarily block sweat duct function.

Effects

Significant reduction of excessive sweating, improved quality of daily life, reduced social anxiety related to sweating, odor reduction (axillary), and long-term sweat control.

Duration

Botox: 4-6 months per session; miraDry: permanent (1-2 sessions); iontophoresis: requires ongoing maintenance sessions

Recovery

Botox: no downtime, mild injection site tenderness. miraDry: swelling, tenderness, and numbness in underarms for 1-2 weeks; temporary altered sensation. Normal activities can resume in 1-2 days for most methods.

Side Effects

Botox: temporary muscle weakness if injected near palm muscles. miraDry: swelling, bruising, numbness, altered underarm sensation, and rarely nerve-related symptoms. Compensatory sweating (increased sweating elsewhere) possible with some treatments.

Price Range

Botox: 200,000-400,000 KRW per area; miraDry: 1,000,000-2,000,000 KRW per session

Target Audience

Those suffering from excessive sweating in daily life, those with axillary, palmar, or plantar hyperhidrosis, and those seeking long-term sweat reduction.

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