At Sweat Clinics Australia we specialise in injectable treatments for excessive sweating. We use anti-sweat injections with ultra-fine needles to block the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. This significantly reduces the production of sweat in the treated areas.
We treat the axillae (underarms), hands (palms), feet (soles) and forehead. We also treat other body areas with excessive sweating after discussion with our doctors.
Anti-sweat injections treat hyperhidrosis by blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate sweat glands in the affected area.
In hyperhidrosis these nerves are overactive and blocking them reduces their activity and in turn significantly reduces sweat production.
The medication used is most well known as an anti-wrinkle treatment. In anti-wrinkle treatment this medication blocks nerve signals and relaxes muscles to smooth facial lines. In anti-sweat treatment this medication blocks nerve signals that trigger sweating.
Anti-sweat injection treatment is considered highly effective for treating hyperhidrosis. Studies have shown it reduces sweating by about 85% in the treated areas.
Dryness typically last 4-6 months. Some people have results that last up to 12 months. After this time the treatment may need to be repeated to maintain the results.
Most patients notice a reduction in their sweating within a few days after their treatment. Full effects are seen within 1-2 weeks.
Anti-sweat injections are generally safe and very well tolerated.
There may be mild discomfort or bruising at the injection site which is temporary and will settle without intervention.
Temporary muscle weakness is also possible if the medication spreads beyond the injection site. This is more of a consideration in palmar and facial hyperhidrosis treatment.
Compensatory sweating (an increase in sweating in the non-treated areas as a result of reduction in sweating in treated areas) is thought to be very rare.
Allergic reactions are very rare.
For underarm treatments wear a singlet top with easy access to your underarms and consider shaving your armpits. While not essential, shaving makes the process easier and faster for your doctor.
Avoid aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, vitamin E, gingko biloba and St John’s Wort for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. This reduces the risk of minor bleeding or bruising.
Most patients report a discomfort from the underarm treatment procedure rather than pain. However, if you are worried about pain, consider the use of a topical anaesthetic cream (eg. Emla). This is purchased over the counter at a pharmacy and is applied at least 1 hour prior to the procedure.
Detailed instructions on using Emla Cream can be found on the Emla website (link).
You will arrive at our clinic and be greeted by one of our friendly team. Your details and paperwork will be checked.
You will be taken to our treatment room by your doctor or by our technician.
Your doctor will ask you about your sweating and confirm the treatment is appropriate. Your doctor will consider arranging further testing to exclude secondary causes of sweating if required.
Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and prepare the area being treated with antiseptic solution.
You will receive 15-20 anti-sweat injections in a grid pattern in your area of concern.
You can go home and resume normal activities immediately after your procedure. You may feel tender in the treated area for a day or so. Avoiding deodorant, vigorous exercise and hot baths for 2 days after the procedure is advised.
The treatment options for excessive sweating depends on where in the body the sweating occurs.
| Underarms | Hands | Feet | Face | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-sweat injections | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Topical antiperspirants | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Oral Medications | Usually used if needing to treat whole body | |||
| Miradry | Y | |||
| Iontophoresis | Y | Y | ||
| Surgery | Y | Y | ||
Clinical strength aluminium containing antiperspirants are the first line treatment for hyperhidrosis and should be trialled before consideration is given to any other treatments. They are affordable and usually well tolerated. They should be applied at night to clean, dry skin.
The antiperspirant plugs the sweat gland and should signal your body to stop producing so much sweat.
Some people cannot tolerate antiperspirants due to skin irritation or a burning sensation. Some people will find they provide inadequate control of their sweating.
If clinical strength aluminium containing antiperspirants cannot be tolerated or fail to provide good sweat control, alternative treatments such as anti-sweat injections at Sweat Clinics Australia can be considered.
Prescription medications such as anticholinergics can temporarily relieve sweating. These are usually considered when sweating involves the whole body.
The side effects can include dry mouth, dry eyes, blurry vision and cardiac affects. This significantly limits their use and they are not frequently prescribed.
Miradry is a non-invasive procedure that uses microwave technology to target and destroy sweat glands in the underarms. It is long lasting and performed under local anaesthesia.
Side effects may include swelling, numbness and bruising in the underarm area for several days after treatment.
Cost is a barrier to many people in accessing this treatment. The cost of Miradry treatment is variable but generally between $2500- $3500. Sometimes a second treatment is required which may cost a further $1500- $2500.
Iontophoresis can be used for excessive sweating of the hands or feet. It is non-invasive and performed at home using a medical device that sends a low voltage current through water while the hands or feet are immersed. The electric current passes through the skins surface and shuts down the treated sweat glands temporarily.
It is very time consuming. Most people need 6-10 treatments before the sweat glands are shut down. A treatment session typically takes 20-40 minutes and is performed 2 or 3 times a week initially. Once sweating is improved ongoing maintenance treatments are needed. It can sometimes result in dry, irritated skin and discomfort during the treatment.
Surgery is usually a last line option considered when other less invasive treatments have failed to provide relief from excessive sweating.
Surgical procedures include surgical removal of the sweat glands or thoracic sympathectomy.
Surgical removal of the sweat glands can be used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis. It can be performed under local anaesthetic. Risks include infection, pain, bruising, scarring and loss of feeling in the underarm.
Thoracic Sympathectomy involves cutting or clamping the sympathetic nerves in the thoracic region of the spine. It is usually used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis. This is a major surgical procedure requiring general anaesthetic. Serious side effects can occur including compensatory sweating, Horner’s syndrome (a rare complication affecting the eyes), pneumothorax (puncturing the lung) and infection.
Most people find their anti-sweat injection treatment lasts 4-6 months before they need to have it repeated. Some people can last up to 8 months or longer.
Most people will need treatments every 4 to 6 months (2 or 3 times per year).
Medicare will cover one treatment every 4 months.
Yes! At Sweat Clinics Australia we have supported many people with needle phobias through this procedure. Please let us know when you book your treatment, and we will allow extra time to support you.
You can consider using topical anaesthetic cream (eg. Emla) cream applied 1 hour prior to the procedure. This is most useful for underarms, hands and feet. You may also consider our other options for pain relief.
Detailed instructions on using Emla Cream can be found on the Emla wesite.
For most people the discomfort or pain from underarm anti-sweat injections is mild. The procedure is quick and the injections are superficial with an ultra-fine needle. If you are concerned about pain you can apply Emla cream 1 hour prior to the procedure.
Detailed instructions on using Emla Cream can be found on the Emla wesite.
The discomfort from anti-sweat injections to the hands and feet is more significant. We use a combination of multiple measure to minimise this pain.
Ice applied to the treatment area 30-60 minutes prior to your procedure helps reduce inflammation and numb the area. Topical anaesthetic cream (eg. Emla) applied to the treatment area 1 hour prior to the procedure also assists to numb the area. During the procedure you can opt to use the “green whistle” penthrox inhaler which is a short-term analgesic.
Your doctor will discuss pain relief with you during your consultation and plan for what suits you best. Your doctor will provide a script for pentrox if required.
Detailed instructions on using Emla Cream can be found on the Emla wesite.
Topical anaesthetic cream (eg. Emla) applied 1 hour prior to the procedure temporarily numbs the skin. It can be useful in treatments of underarms, hands and feet. It is applied directly to the skin surface. It takes about 20-60 minutes for the active ingredients to penetrate the skin, start numbing the nerves and have full effect.
Detailed instructions on using Emla Cream can be found on the Emla wesite.
Ice application before and after the procedure can minimise swelling and help numb the area. It is most useful in treatment of hands and feet.
The penthrox inhaler is a handheld inhaler used for short term pain relief. It is used during the procedure. It is most useful in treatment of hands and feet. You will need a script, your doctor will arrange this for you during your consultation.
Nerve blocks are occasionally used.
Yes. Topical anaesthetic cream (eg. Emla) can be used to reduce the discomfort from the procedure. It is most useful for underarms, hands and feet. This is purchased over the counter at a pharmacy and is applied at least 1 hour prior to the procedure.
Detailed instructions on using Emla Cream can be found on the Emla wesite.
Yes! The medication used in anti-sweat injections has been used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, across the world, for over 30 years.
This medication is most well known as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, but also used to treat conditions such as neuromuscular disorders, migraine and muscle spasm as well as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
No. Research has shown that anti-sweat treatment is safe and effective for hyperhidrosis and that repeated treatments consistently result in meaningful long lasting improvements in sweating, daily functioning and quality of life for hyperhidrosis sufferers.
Yes. Anti-sweat injections are highly effective for treating hyperhidrosis. Studies in axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) have shown a reduction in sweating of approximately 85%.
While sweating is an essential bodily function for temperature regulation, we only block a very small percentage of the body’s total sweat glands when we treat hyperhidrosis with anti-sweat injections. The armpits, for example, are home to less than 2% of the body’s sweat glands. Blocking the function of such a small proportion of sweat glands does not cause any issues.