Lasers For Hyperhidrosis in Melbourne

At Chelsea Cosmetics in Melbourne, laser-based treatment may be used to help manage excessive underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis). This method uses focused laser energy beneath the skin to target specific areas that contribute to sweat production.

In some cases, other non-surgical treatments may also be discussed. These options can vary based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences.

Before proceeding with any treatment, a consultation is provided to discuss suitability, what the treatment may involve, and any recovery considerations. This helps ensure patients receive information that supports informed and realistic decisions.

Hyperhidrosis typically affects the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, or the face. Other areas include the inguinal folds or the scalp. Although these are the most common places where excessive sweating occurs, hyperhidrosis can affect sweat glands anywhere in the body.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary.

Most individuals who have hyperhidrosis inherit it. The inherited form of this condition is referred to as primary hyperhidrosis.

Although rare, there are times when a medical condition or medication causes an individual’s sweat glands to overproduce perspiration. When this happens, the individual has secondary hyperhidrosis.

The symptoms of this condition include excessive, visible perspiration occurring in the same location for a period longer than six months.

Primary hyperhidrosis is an inherited condition, which means it is genetic. Therefore, if one blood relative has hyperhidrosis, other blood-related family members are at risk for developing the condition. Although other areas of the body can be affected, primary hyperhidrosis usually affects the underarms.

For the patient to be diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis, he or she must also experience at least two of the following:

• The patient’s onset of hyperhidrosis must occur before he or she turns 25.
• The excessive sweating has to occur at least once every seven days.
• Profuse sweating impairs his or her ability to complete daily activities
• The patient’s excessive perspiration must be bilateral and symmetrical.
• This excessive perspiration does not occur while he or she is sleeping.

An individual with secondary hyperhidrosis:

• Does not have a blood relative with hyperhidrosis
• Experiences flu-like symptoms (e.g., fatigue, headache)
• May have a condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism, chronic pulmonary disease) or be taking a medication (insulin, niacin, Viagra) that causes secondary hyperhidrosis.
• Sweats excessively during sleep
• Develops hyperhidrosis after the age of 25
• May be pregnant
• Has generalised sweating all over his or her body
• May be reaching the age of menopause

If a medical professional suspects that a patient has secondary hyperhidrosis, laboratory tests may be ordered. These tests should help determine the reason an individual is sweating profusely.

Yes, if an individual becomes nervous or feels stressed, the symptoms of his or her condition may intensify.

This treatment involves an approach that may help manage excessive sweating in certain areas, such as the underarms, hands, or feet. The effects are temporary and may last for several months, depending on the individual. If needed, further sessions can be scheduled at a later time.

For patients seeking a longer-term option, interstitial laser treatment (SweatLipo), with or without suction curettage, may also be discussed as part of the consultation process.

There are other treatment options for hyperhidrosis. Comparing some of these additional treatment options to SweatLipo and anti-sweating treatment provides patients with valuable information as they consider seeking hyperhidrosis treatment.

miraDry®

miraDry® uses microwave technology to target sweat glands in the underarm area. The handheld device delivers electromagnetic energy that produces heat, a process known as thermolysis, which breaks down the glands. While doing this, the device also cools and protects the surface of the skin. Some patients with excessive underarm sweating may require two or three sessions spaced several months apart. The results from this treatment are considered long-lasting. As with any treatment, individual outcomes may vary.

miraDry® vs SweatLipo

miraDry® uses thermal energy to target and deactivate sweat glands in the underarm area. In comparison, SweatLipo involves the use of laser technology—such as SlimLipo—combined with a suction technique to remove some sweat glands from the same region.

Qbrexza™ Towelettes

Qbrexza™ is available in the form of single-use towelettes that are applied to the underarm area to help manage excessive sweating. This product needs to be used daily. Some individuals may experience skin irritation, such as a rash, especially with ongoing use.

Qbrexa™ vs SweatLipo and Anti-Sweating Treatment for Axillary Hyperhidrosis

SweatLipo involves using a laser and suction to remove some of the sweat glands in the underarm area. Additional sessions may be needed depending on the individual’s concerns and how the body responds. Anti-sweating treatments may also provide lasting results and are not required daily, unlike Qbrexza™, which must be used regularly. Cost, convenience, and treatment goals may all play a role in deciding which approach is suitable.

Oral Anticholinergic Medications vs SweatLipo and Anti-Sweating Treatment

Oral anticholinergic medications may be used to manage symptoms of primary hyperhidrosis. However, they can affect sweat glands throughout the entire body—not just in the areas with excessive sweating. This means that sweat glands in other areas may also become less active, which might not be ideal for individuals who work in warm environments or spend time outdoors.

Since these medications affect the body’s natural cooling process, users need to monitor for signs of overheating. This can include symptoms such as pale skin, nausea, dizziness, weakness, muscle cramps, and headaches. These treatments are also ongoing and may need to be taken regularly over time.

SweatLipo, which may be combined with suction curettage, focuses only on the sweat glands in the underarm area. This local approach means other parts of the body remain unaffected, and natural temperature control is maintained. Anti-sweating treatments also focus on specific areas and do not require daily use.

Treatments for excessive sweating of the hands and feet include sympathetic denervation (endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy [ETS]) and iontophoresis.

Sympathetic Denervation

Sympathetic denervation is a surgical procedure that targets the nerves linked to excessive sweating. In this method, a medical professional locates the affected nerves and then clips, cuts, or removes them. This approach is more invasive and typically considered only when other options have not helped.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis uses a mild electrical current to affect the sweat glands in specific areas, such as the hands or feet. The current is passed through water or a special pad placed on the skin. This process may help reduce sweating by interrupting the signals between the nerves and sweat glands for a short period.

The type of treatment an individual receives depends on the location of the hyperhidrosis as well as its severity.

Recommended Treatment Protocol to Address Primary Hyperhidrosis in the Underarms

Mild Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Use a Qbrexa™ towelette on the underarms once a day.
If Qbrexa™ is ineffective, the individual should consider anti-sweating treatment.

Severe Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Use Qbrexa™ or an anti-sweating treatment.
If Qbrexa™ and anti-sweating treatment are ineffective separately, consider combining these treatments.

Treatment Options for All Severities of Axillary Hyperhidrosis

If previous treatments fail, an oral anticholinergic may be an option.

Should the oral anticholinergic medication fail, electromagnetic energy treatments (e.g., miraDry®) or a SweatLipo treatment are recommended.

The last treatment options for hyperhidrosis include local surgery and ETS. During local surgery for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, the patient’s sweat glands are removed.

Local anaesthesia is used during the procedure, and in some cases, IV sedation may also be offered. The underarm area is cleaned and prepared before treatment begins.

A small opening is made near the front edge of the underarm fold. A fluid containing numbing and blood vessel-constricting agents is applied. This solution helps reduce bleeding and causes the area to firm slightly, making it easier to focus on sweat glands.

The area with the most hair follicles is often targeted, as it typically has the highest number of sweat glands. A fine, specialised tube is then gently placed under the skin through the small opening. This tool is designed to reach just beneath the surface, where most of the sweat glands are located. After this step, the laser phase of the treatment may begin.

Protective eyewear is worn throughout the laser portion of the procedure. A narrow handpiece is placed through the same entry point, delivering energy to the area with the help of a fibre that directs it sideways for better coverage.

In some cases, laser energy may be used on its own without the earlier steps. This depends on the patient’s needs and the level of sweating being addressed.

Recovery after SweatLipo, or a combination of SweatLipo with suction curettage, can differ between patients. Some may return to their regular activities within a few days, while others may need a little more time, depending on how their body responds. Swelling, bruising, or discomfort in the treated area may occur temporarily as part of the recovery process.

Sweat glands that are removed during this procedure do not grow back. Because of this, changes in sweating levels in the treated area may last over time, though individual experiences can vary.

In general, sweating in the underarm area may be reduced by around 50% to 80%. However, results differ from person to person and depend on factors such as how many glands were addressed during the procedure and how the body responds to treatment.

A consultation is recommended to discuss whether this approach is suitable and to understand what to expect based on individual needs.

SweatLipo may be considered by patients who experience ongoing underarm sweating that occurs even without physical activity. This option may be discussed when other non-surgical approaches are not effective or suitable. A consultation is recommended to review symptoms, medical history, and whether this treatment may be appropriate.

Risks associated with laser treatment include:

• A reaction to the local anaesthesia
• A negative reaction to the medication
• Burns from the laser.
• Unsatisfactory results
• An infection in the treatment area
• Temporary bruising, inflammation, numbness, skin stiffness, and tenderness in the treatment areas

The cost of SweatLipo, with or without suction curettage, varies based on several factors. These include the geographic location of the clinic, the practitioner's experience and qualifications, and the specific needs and conditions of the patient. Additionally, the complexity of the procedure and any associated fees for anaesthesia or follow-up care can influence the overall cost.

Patients must contact their insurance company to find out if their health insurance will cover a portion of their SweatLipo or combination SweatLipo suction curettage treatment.

To know more about hyperhidrosis treatments, make an appointment with one of our practitioners at Chelsea Cosmetics. Our office phone number is +61 3 8822 3472, and our Melbourne office is located at 2/114 James St, Templestowe, VIC 3106, Australia.

To find out if health insurance will cover a portion of their SweatLipo or combination SweatLipo suction curettage treatment, patients need to contact their insurance company.