Sweat Gland Removal: Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) — particularly of the armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis) — significantly affects quality of life. Several treatment options range from temporary (botulinum toxin) to permanent (surgical sweat gland removal or miraDry).

Treatment Options

Botulinum Toxin Injections (Temporary)

Multiple injections into the armpit skin block the nerve signals triggering sweat glands. Effective for 6–12 months. Non-surgical, repeatable. Used for axillary, palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. Cost: €400–€800 per treatment session.

miraDry (Permanent — Microwave Energy)

FDA-cleared non-surgical device that uses microwave energy to permanently destroy sweat and odour glands in the armpit. 1–2 sessions under local anaesthesia. 80–90% reduction in sweating. Side effects: temporary swelling, numbness, altered sensation. Cost: €1,500–€2,500 per session.

Surgical Sweat Gland Removal

Curettage: scraping out glands through small skin incisions under local anaesthesia. Permanent. Cost: €1,500–€3,000
Liposuction-assisted: small cannula disrupts and suctions sweat glands. Less invasive than curettage.

ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy)

Surgical interruption of sympathetic nerves. Used for severe palmar hyperhidrosis when other treatments fail. Risk of compensatory hyperhidrosis (sweating shifts to trunk/legs).