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Understanding Your Options for Managing Excessive Underarm Sweating
Excessive underarm sweating, medically known as axillary hyperhidrosis, can be a distressing and often embarrassing condition, affecting both social interactions and self-esteem. Fortunately, advancements in medical treatments offer several effective solutions for those struggling with this issue. In London, the Centre for Surgery stands at the forefront of these innovative treatments, providing expert care and state-of-the-art options.
RELATED: What is Axillary Hyperhidrosis?
Deodorants and antiperspirants are the most common solutions for excessive armpit sweating. Deodorants are not effective for excessive sweating of the palms or soles. Even the strongest deodorants and antiperspirants are often ineffective for excessive sweating. Deodorants and antiperspirants are only short-acting and would need many applications throughout the day to control excessive sweating adequately.
Severe underarm sweating is a medical condition involving overactive sweat glands. While sweating regulates your body’s temperature, excessive sweating far exceeds the body’s need for cooling.
Patients with excessive sweating:
- Change clothes frequently
- Put absorbent material under clothing
- Avoid certain types of fabrics and styles of clothes
Centre for Surgery in London are one of the few centres to specialise in both non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical methods to treat hyperhidrosis of the armpits. The use of neuromodulator injections to treat hyperhidrosis is one of the most commonly used methods as it is non-surgical. Neuromodulators, also known as anti-wrinkle injections, are most commonly used to treat facial lines and wrinkles. Neuromodulators act on the nerves supplying the sweat glands to reduce sweat gland production. Neuromodulator injections can result in up to six months of being symptom-free, and about 50-100 units of neurotoxin are required for each armpit area. Excessive armpit treatment usually requires 2-3 sessions of neuromodulator per year.
RELATED: Excessive Underarm Sweating – FAQs
Anti-Sweat Injections: A Popular Choice
Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be treated effectively with armpit injections. The injections have been used to completely reduce or resolve excessive sweating.
Many patients have tried prescription antiperspirants without success, and for those patients, injections are a viable treatment. Local anaesthetic numbing cream is first applied to both armpits. The injection is injected into the affected areas in a grid-like pattern and works by blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don’t receive chemical signals, the severe sweating stops. Sweat does continue to be produced in other areas of your body.
In addition to the armpit area, anti-wrinkle injections can be used to treat excessive sweating in the palms and soles of the feet as well. To determine if injections are right for your type of excessive sweating, schedule a consultation with one of our expert practitioners.
Morpheus8: The Power of Radiofrequency
Excessive underarm sweating, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis, can be a troubling and often embarrassing condition for many individuals. It involves an overproduction of sweat in the underarm area, which can impact daily life and social interactions. However, advancements in cosmetic treatments have introduced innovative solutions, one of which is the Morpheus8.
Morpheus8 is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to target various skin concerns, including excessive sweating. This treatment is gaining popularity due to its dual-action approach. The microneedling process involves tiny needles creating micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing process, leading to skin rejuvenation. At the same time, the radiofrequency energy penetrates deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and tightening the skin.
When it comes to managing excessive underarm sweating, Morpheus8’s approach is quite unique. The treatment targets the sweat glands directly. The heat from the radiofrequency energy is effective in reducing the activity of these glands, subsequently decreasing the amount of sweat produced. This can offer a long-term solution for those struggling with axillary hyperhidrosis.
One of the major advantages of Morpheus8 is its non-surgical nature. The treatment does not require extensive downtime or a long recovery period, making it a convenient option for individuals with busy lifestyles. It is also known for its safety and effectiveness, with many patients experiencing significant improvements in their condition.
Laser Hyperhidrosis Treatment: Advanced Precision
Patients increasingly desire a safe and effective procedure with a favourable risk profile and low complication rates and that keep them the shortest possible time away from daily activities. Laser hyperhidrosis treatment combined with surgical treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis aims to eliminate the most significant possible number of sweat glands in the armpit region while preserving, as much as possible, the normal aesthetic appearance of the armpit and mobility of the arm.
Axillary suction curettage is a minimally invasive surgical option for the highly effective treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. The sweat glands are permanently destroyed in this procedure before being removed with a specially designed surgical curette. It is often not possible to remove 100% of the sweat glands. However, the amount of sweat glands surgically removed is often enough to ensure a significant and permanent reduction in sweat production. This procedure is most commonly performed under a local anaesthetic as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will be admitted and discharged on the same day. The procedure is very well tolerated, with little to no pain or discomfort during and after the procedure. There is no requirement for general anaesthetic, but as with all procedures at Centre for Surgery, the choice of tablet oral sedation or even TIVA general anaesthesia is available if you feel very anxious about being fully awake during the procedure.
The first step involves injecting the area with a solution containing a local anaesthetic and a vasoconstrictor. This minimises the risk of feeling any pain and discomfort, as well as any risk of bleeding. This procedure involves locating where the sweat glands are. Next, a small incision and power-assisted suction curettage are undertaken to disrupt and remove sweat glands permanently. This method avoids any damage to the connective tissue framework and blood vessels. A small curette-shaped cannula is then used to remove the undersurface of the sweat glands. Finally, the remaining layer of fat is equalised with cannula probes to minimise any unevenness. This allows you to have a smooth appearance without any lumps or rippling skin that can occur with traditional liposuction methods. Suction curettage is a much safer technique when compared with laser-assisted methods, which carry an additional risk of causing localised skin burns.
This method is gentler and more effective than traditional older techniques carried out under general anaesthetic. The scar burden is minimal, and the recovery period is quick. You will only have to undergo one treatment, as the glands have been physically removed and will not grow back after treatment.
Recovery after Underarm Sweating Treatment
The recovery period will vary depending on which option you choose to undertake. Neuromodulator injections will have no downtime. In some rare cases, you may notice some bruising or swelling at the injection site, but this will fade with time.
If you undergo Morpheus8 microneedling, you may notice an area of localised redness that will persist for a couple of days, but again, no downtime is usual.
With suction-curettage treatment, you may notice some swelling, numbness, or tenderness, which will last around one week. Depending on your surgeon’s surgical postoperative instructions, you can usually return to most activities within two weeks.
What is axillary hyperhidrosis?
Excessive underarm sweating also known as axillary hyperhidrosis is a relatively common problem affecting men and women of all ages. The condition is characterised by the excessive production of sweat that is more than what the body requires to maintain internal body temperatures.
Typically affected areas of excessive sweating include:
– Underarms or armpits
– Palms of the hand
– Soles of the feet
Excessive sweating can affect several other areas, including the upper part of the face, the groin region, below the breasts in the inferior breast fold, and the scalp.
Hyperhidrosis is not known to be a dangerous condition, but it can be very distressing for sufferers of the condition. It is associated with an increased risk of developing other conditions of the skin, such as skin infections, which include both bacterial and fungal types, and an increased risk of developing warts or verrucas.
Sufferers can be affected in both their home and work environment and manifest in several ways, including:
– Moist sweaty hands, which makes people avoid handshakes
– Visibly stained clothing
– Manual tasks that require dry hands are difficult
– Localised skin irritation due to excessive sweating production
– Increased risk of developing bacterial or fungal skin infections
Is hyperhidrosis hereditary?
There is no strong link between hereditary factors and the development of excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a very common condition that affects up to 5% of the UK population.
Is hyperhidrosis a dangerous condition?
Hyperhidrosis is not known to be a condition which is linked to anything more sinister.
There is also no scientific evidence to demonstrate a strong link between the development of dehydration and those who suffer from excessive sweating.
However, excessive sweating can still have an enormous impact on self-confidence and can affect one’s normal daily activities, leading, in some cases, to psychological impact.
How can excessive sweating be prevented?
Patients with excessive sweating should consult with an expert dermatologist in the first instance for a full medical assessment. In addition to medical treatment, your dermatologist may recommend all of the below to help in symptom control;
– Avoid deodorant and use powerful antiperspirant.
– Wear mainly cotton and loose-fitting clothes
– Use protective sweat shields to avoid clothing becoming soiled
– Where 100% cotton socks for effective absorption of excessive
sweating and make sure to change socks up to 3 times a day
– regularly change your footwear and preferably wear leather shoes
– Avoid spicy food or alcohol, which are both known to increase hyperhidrosis
What treatments for excessive sweating are available at Centre for Surgery?
At Centre for Surgery, our dermatologists are experts in the full range of hyperhidrosis treatments, including non-surgical and surgical techniques.
– Muscle relaxant injections are very commonly used nonsurgical treatment for injection into the armpit. This is a powerful neurotoxin which functions by blocking nerve signals to the sweat glands. The result is a significant reduction in sweat production. This is a temporary treatment and continued reduction in excessive sweating must be maintained with regular injections of neuromodulator.
– Radio frequency microneedling, also known as Morpheus8, is a highly effective treatment for hyperhidrosis without the requirement for more invasive surgical treatment. With up to 3 treatments of Morpheus8, hyperhidrosis can be effectively treated often with permanent results.
Suction curettage is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for excessive armpit sweating, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis. It is easily and comfortably performed as an outpatient under local anaesthetic. Even very severe grades of hyperhidrosis can be effectively treated with permanent results.
Will hyperhidrosis go away on its own without treatment?
In a small number of cases, excessive sweating occasionally improves with time, but this is very rare. Most cases of hyperhidrosis either remain the same in symptom severity or may get worse over time.
How many treatments of RF microneedling are needed for hyperhidrosis treatment?
RF microneedling, also known as Morpheus8, is a highly effective non-surgical treatment using a combination of fractional microneedling combined with specially designed radio-frequency insulated microneedles for the treatment of all grades of hyperhidrosis.
Up to 3 treatments may be required, although in many cases, patients may notice complete resolution after only two treatments. Treatments should be carried out at four weekly intervals.
What results can be expected from treatment for excessive sweating?
With the full range of treatments for hyperhidrosis being offered at Centre for Surgery, patients can achieve excellent outcomes based on their goals for treatment and what level of downtime they are prepared to accept.
The use of muscle relaxant injections for excessive sweating results in a significant improvement in symptoms lasting between 6 and 12 months, following which further top-up treatment may be necessary to maintain the results.
Morpheus8 RF microneedling and surgical suction curettage are permanent treatments for primary axillary hyperhidrosis.
What are the Risks and potential complications of hyperhidrosis treatment?
Complications can potentially occur with any surgical procedure. Suction curettage for hyperhidrosis is no different. At consultation, your surgeon will always take time to discuss the risks and complications associated with hyperhidrosis treatment thoroughly. All risks will be outlined regardless of how rare they are. By choosing Centre for Surgery for your hyperhidrosis treatment, you can be confident in having highly experienced and expert dermatologists to perform your procedure.
Although the minimally invasive suction curettage technique has shown to have a low complication rate, a variety of mild to moderate side effects (mostly temporary) have been reported.
Possible complications of suction curettage for hyperhidrosis include:
Haematoma
Ecchymosis
Seromas
superficial erosions of the skin
Loss of local sensitivity
Skin necrosis
Infection
Reduction in the number of hairs
Fibrosis
Formation of subcutaneous adherences
Scars
Recurrence of hyperhidrosis (rare)
How do neuromodulator injections help reduce excessive sweating?
The injections work by blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don’t receive the chemical signals, sweat production stops.
Neurotoxin for the treatment of excessive sweating has been revolutionary. A single treatment can completely relieve excessive sweating symptoms for at least six months. The mechanism of action by which muscle relaxant injections eliminate sweating has been known for a number of years, but it is only over the last 20 years or so that its established use in the treatment of excessive sweating has become more accepted.
The treatment is very straightforward to carry out and takes no more than 20 to 40 minutes to perform, depending on the area treated, and the risk of complications is very minimal.
How does Morpheus8 reduce excessive sweating?
The specially coated needles penetrate deep into the layer of skin containing the sweat glands. Precise application of radiofrequency energy ablates the sweat glands
What are the benefits of suction curettage for primary axillary hyperhidrosis?
Suction curettage is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis and is easily carried out as an outpatient under local anaesthesia to relieve symptoms from excessive sweating permanently. The treatment targets the underlying sweat glands by physically disrupting them, followed by their removal using small suction curettes placed beneath the skin. There is very little, if any, scarring, with a very quick recovery time and minimal risk of complications when performed by one of our expert dermatologists or plastic surgeons.
Suction curettage is a one-and-done treatment with no requirement for further treatments, unlike injections of muscle relaxant injections or fractional RF microneedling, also known as Morpheus8.
Does excessive sweating treatment hurt?
All types of treatment for excessive sweating are very well tolerated, whether a topical local anaesthetic cream or an injection of local anaesthetic into the armpits. In most cases, painkillers are not necessary after the procedure.
For axillary suction-curettage, you may wish to combine the injection of local anaesthetic with mild oral tablets sedation to make you more relaxed for the procedure.
Is there any downtime after excessive sweating treatment?
Injections of neuromodulators or RF microneedling require no downtime, and patients can return to normal activities immediately.
Treatment with axillary suction curettage may require a day or two off work at most. Suction curettage is a minimally invasive procedure with very little in the way of post-operative discomfort.
Is hyperhidrosis treatment permanent?
The use of neurotoxin for hyperhidrosis treatment is not a permanent treatment option. Treatment must be repeated after 6 to 12 months to maintain the results.
Morpheus8 RF microneedling and suction curettage are permanent methods of treatment for hyperhidrosis.
What other treatments are there for hyperhidrosis?
Apart from non-invasive treatments for excessive sweating, such as the use of prescription strengths antiperspirants, there are several recognised in-clinic medical treatments.
– Iontophoresis is a treatment for excessive sweating that uses an electrical current to reduce or eliminate sweating. It is mainly used for excessive sweating, affecting the hands and feet, and is challenging to use in other areas. The major disadvantage of iontophoresis is that it requires several repeated treatments, and each treatment takes a long time to carry out. The results of iontophoresis for excessive sweating are variable and are not as effective as the treatments used at the Centre for Surgery.
– Another treatment for hyperhidrosis is the use of the Miradry device. This device is a relatively new technique for the treatment of excessive sweating in the armpit. The cost for this treatment is relatively high as the equipment itself is expensive to purchase, and there are still several doubts over the long-term effectiveness of this type of treatment. With Miradry, it is difficult to treat areas such as the palms of the hand or the soles of the feet, and there is a very real risk of causing thermal injury or even burns to the skin.
– For patients who suffer from very severe cases of excessive sweating, there is the option of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy or ETS. ETS is a highly invasive treatment which is carried out in a hospital under general anaesthesia by a vascular surgeon and carries significant risks and potential for complications which can be permanent.
Excessive Underarm Sweating Treatments at Centre for Surgery: Advanced Solutions and Patient Experiences
At Centre for Surgery, located in the heart of London, we specialise in offering state-of-the-art treatments for a range of cosmetic concerns, including the challenging issue of excessive underarm sweating. Our clinic is renowned for its expertise in delivering tailored solutions that cater to the unique needs of each patient. Our dedicated team of professionals employs the latest techniques and technologies to ensure optimal results and patient satisfaction.
Patient Testimonials
Testimonial 1: “After struggling with underarm sweating for years, I finally found relief at Centre for Surgery. The team was incredibly supportive, and the treatment has genuinely changed my life. I’m now more confident in my daily interactions.” – Emily R.
Testimonial 2: “The professionalism and care at Centre for Surgery were outstanding. They understood my concerns and provided a treatment that worked wonders for my underarm sweating.” – James P.
Testimonial 3: “Centre for Surgery exceeded my expectations. The treatment for my excessive underarm sweating was effective and the staff were exceptionally caring and skilled.” – Sarah L.
Book a Consultation
To explore your options for managing excessive underarm sweating, we welcome you to book a consultation with our experts. Contact us at:
- 📞 Phone: 0207 993 4849
- 📧 Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com
- 📍 Address: 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN
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