Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive sweating, which may affect the hands, feet, underarms or other areas of the body. If you are experiencing symptoms that interfere with daily activities, a consultation can help determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.

 

Risks and possible complications are set out further down this page and we ask that you read them before booking.​

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Who it may suit

People whose sweating is affecting work, study, exercise, clothing choices or day to day confidence, and who have not found antiperspirants and other first line measures helpful. Suitability is assessed at your consultation.

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What to expect

Your appointment begins with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history and any previous treatment. If treatment is appropriate, the area is mapped and cleansed and the treatment is carried out. Appointments usually take around 30 to 45 minutes.

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Preparation and downtime

Please arrive with the area clean and free of deodorant or moisturiser, and avoid shaving on the day. Mild redness or tenderness at the treated area is common and usually settles within a few days. Most people return to their usual activities straight away, avoiding strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.

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Risks and possible complications

All medical treatments carry some risk, and it is important you understand these before deciding to go ahead. Most after effects are mild and settle on their own. At the treated area you may notice redness, swelling, tenderness, small bruises or minor marks, which usually resolve within a few days, and some people experience a mild headache or a temporary flu like feeling. Less commonly, treatment can cause temporary weakness or altered movement in nearby muscles, uneven or incomplete results, or increased sweating in areas that were not treated. Infection and allergic reaction are uncommon but are possible whenever the skin is broken. Rarely, effects may extend beyond the treated area and cause symptoms such as drooping, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or generalised muscle weakness, which need prompt medical attention. Results are temporary, they vary from person to person, and a small number of people respond poorly or not at all. Treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, if you have certain nerve or muscle conditions, or if you are unwell on the day. Josie will go through the risks that apply to you, how they are managed and what to do if you are concerned afterwards, at your consultation and again before you give consent. You are welcome to ask questions at any stage, or to call the clinic on (02) 9331 7228.

 

Please note

Treatment for excessive sweating may involve a prescription medicine. Australian advertising rules mean prescription medicines cannot be named or described here, so your options are only discussed with you in person. An in-person consultation is required before any treatment. Results may vary from person to person. Potential risks, benefits and suitability are discussed with you before any treatment is provided.

Common questions

What counts as excessive sweating?

Sweating well beyond what's needed to regulate temperature, occurring without an obvious trigger, and interfering with daily life — ruined clothing, avoiding certain fabrics or situations, difficulty at work. The clinical term is hyperhidrosis. It commonly affects the underarms, palms, soles or scalp.

What happens at the assessment?

We talk through your pattern of sweating, how long it's been happening, what you've already tried and what else is going on medically. Some excessive sweating has an underlying cause that needs investigating rather than treating cosmetically, and that's part of what the assessment is for.

Which areas can be treated?

Underarms most commonly, and palms and soles in some cases. We'd discuss what's appropriate for your particular pattern.

Does it hurt, and is there downtime?

The underarms are generally well tolerated. Palms and soles are more sensitive and are managed differently. There's minimal downtime — avoid heavy exercise, heat and alcohol for the rest of the day.

How long before I notice a difference, and how long does it last?

There's a delay of several days to a couple of weeks before the effect is apparent, and it wears off gradually rather than stopping. Duration varies considerably between individuals, which is why I'd rather review you than quote you a number.

Can I get this subsidised?

There is a PBS pathway in Australia for severe primary underarm hyperhidrosis, and it's worth knowing about before you pay privately. Broadly, it requires that prescription-strength topical treatment has been tried and either failed or wasn't tolerated, and it must be administered by a dermatologist, neurologist or paediatrician — not in a cosmetic appointment. Criteria and eligibility change, so ask your GP about a referral and let them confirm the current requirements. If that route suits you better, I'd rather you took it.

Who isn't suitable?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding, certain neuromuscular conditions, active infection in the treatment area, and some medications. Sweating that's come on suddenly, is one-sided, or happens at night needs medical assessment before anything cosmetic is considered.