Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that goes beyond what is necessary for the body to regulate its temperature. This condition can occur unexpectedly, even in cooler weather or without any apparent trigger. Hyperhidrosis can affect various parts of the body, such as the palms, feet, armpits, groin, or buttock region, and it can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and confidence.

Individuals who can benefit from hyperhidrosis treatment may exhibit the following characteristics:

• Sweating persists despite the use of prescription antiperspirants

• Seeking non-surgical options to reduce excessive sweating

• Sweating has a significant impact on their lifestyle

• Experience sweating triggered by embarrassment or nervousness

• Constantly preoccupied with thoughts of sweating

• Concerned that others may notice their sweat marks

• Carry deodorant with them daily.

• Tend to avoid light-coloured clothing due to potential sweat marks

• Limit physical contact with others due to sweating concerns

• Choose specific materials for clothing to prevent sweat marks

• Make summer wardrobe choices based on their sweating condition

• Neuromodulator Injections (e.g., Botox or Dysport injections): These injections work by temporarily blocking the activation of sweat glands. They provide relief for up to 6 months, making them an effective option for individuals seeking a temporary solution to excessive sweating.

• MiraDry Treatment: This procedure is entirely non-invasive and involves delivering precisely controlled electromagnetic energy to the sweat glands located in the underarms. While one treatment can address typical sweating, two treatments, spaced three months apart, are recommended to eliminate excessive sweating. The effects are immediate and long-lasting.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox®)
Botox is FDA-approved for treating underarm hyperhidrosis and is also used off-label for palms, soles, and face. It works by blocking the nerves that trigger sweat glands. Results typically last 4 to 6 months.

Microwave Therapy (e.g., miraDry®)
A non-invasive treatment that uses microwave energy to permanently destroy sweat glands in the underarms. It's effective and provides long-term results after one or two sessions.

Surgical Treatment Options

1. Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)
A minimally invasive surgical procedure that interrupts the sympathetic nerves responsible for excessive sweating. It’s typically used for severe palmar hyperhidrosis but can have side effects like compensatory sweating.

2. Sweat Gland Removal or Curettage
Involves surgically removing or scraping out sweat glands from the underarms. This can be performed with excision, liposuction, or laser-assisted techniques, depending on the case.

• Neuromodulator Injections: In this procedure, a healthcare provider administers very low doses of a neuromodulator directly into the muscles in the areas affected by hyperhidrosis, typically beneath the skin’s surface. The duration of the treatment varies, usually taking between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area. To enhance patient comfort, a cold pack may be used to numb the area before the injection. Most patients report a painless and comfortable experience during the procedure.

• MiraDry Treatment: This non-invasive procedure uses controlled electromagnetic energy to selectively target and eliminate underarm sweat glands, including those located near hair follicles. These sweat glands are not essential for regulating the body’s normal temperature, which makes them a suitable target for elimination. MiraDry treatment is typically completed in about an hour after the application of local anesthesia.

After either treatment, you may experience mild redness, which usually subsides within an hour. In rare cases, some patients may experience minor bruising and swelling. Generally, most individuals can return to regular activities right after the procedure. It is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise or sleeping for four hours after receiving neuromodulator injections to optimize the results.

For neuromodulator injections, a significant reduction in sweating is typically noticeable within a week after treatment. In contrast, the effects of miraDry treatment are immediate, providing instant relief from excessive underarm sweating.

Neuromodulator injections can provide relief for up to 6 months, while miraDry treatment offers long-lasting results, typically eliminating excessive underarm sweating.

The cost of hyperhidrosis treatment in Canada can vary depending on factors such as the treatment chosen and the geographic location of the clinic. In Canada, the average cost of hyperhidrosis treatment ranges from approximately $1,000 to $3,000 per session.

While these treatments are generally safe, there can be mild side effects such as redness, bruising, and swelling, which typically subside shortly after the procedure. Risks and potential complications should be discussed with the healthcare provider before treatment.