What causes Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is the condition of sweating excessively, which can cause embarrassment to you, the sufferer. Examples of it would be sweating excessively whilst merely sitting at your desk at work or constantly having clammy hands.

It’s different from sweating during exercise or physical activities, which regulates your body temperature. But you may be sweating excessively if you’re sweating when your body does not need to cool down.

Sweating is controlled by parts of the brain which send signals along nerves to the small sweat glands in the skin.

These nerves are part of the ‘autonomic nervous system’ which controls many unconscious body functions. Increased sweating is a normal response to a rise in body temperature, and to emotions like anxiety.

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Areas Commonly Affected

We regularly treat:

  • Underarms (axillary sweating).

  • Palms of hands (palmoplantar hyperhidrosis).

  • Soles of the feet.

  • Other areas such as face or hairline when applicable.

How Our Treatment Works

  • The procedure begins with a consultation with Dr. Natalia at our Dublin clinic to assess your sweating severity, medical history, and suitability for treatment.

  • A topical numbing cream is applied. Ice may also be used to reduce discomfort.

  • A naturally occurring protein (same as used in anti-wrinkle injections) is injected into the sweat glands beneath the skin. That protein blocks signals causing sweating.

  • Results begin within 24 hours, with full effect visible within a few days. Results tend to last 9-12 months, depending on individual factors.

Benefits of Choosing Refine Clinic Dublin

  • Long lasting results (9-12 months or more).

  • Reduced sweat in treated areas leads to fewer sweat marks and odor.

  • Minimally invasive treatment with little downtime.

  • Procedure is quick, usually around 30 minutes.

  • Medical oversight by Dr. Natalia Bratu ensures safe and tailored treatment.

Will I notice a change in body odour?

Anti-Wrinkle Injectables can successfully treat excessive sweating. This treatment can also reduce noticeable body odours caused by hyperhidrosis. When we sweat, our glands release certain odourless chemicals that come into contact with bacteria on our skin.

These bacteria are responsible for creating the odours we typically associate with “BO”.

When we sweat less, we emit fewer of these chemicals, so body odour is reduced.

Pre & Post Treatment Advice

  • You can take paracetamol prior to your treatment.
  • Do NOT take aspirin or products containing aspirin as this will thin the blood.

Underarm:

  • Don’t use deodorant, creams, lotions (other than those ,if any, agreed by Dr. Bratu) for at least 24 hours.
  • Try to avoid shaving, waxing, laser treatment for at least 48 hours (please let Dr. Bratu know if you intend to remove hair in the days following treatment).
  • Please don’t drink alcohol for at least 5 days.
  • Refrain from vigorous exercise (i.e. any exercise that makes you sweat) for 48-72 hours.
  • Wear loose fitting clothes to avoid irritation of the underarm.

Palms

  • Avoid applying creams, lotions (other than those, if any, agreed by Dr. Bratu) for at least 24 hours.
  • No manicures for at least 5 days and do not massage hands
  • Wash your hands with cool water and use a light soap, if necessary, for at least 24 hours.
  • No driving/cycling immediately after treatment as your hands may be quite sensitive. If your hands are still sore the next day driving/cycling may need to be avoided for your safety.
  • Be mindful of anaesthetic effects when washing hands, holding cups of tea/coffee straight after treatment – the water may be hot and you may not be able to feel the heat fully
  • Be aware of all the everyday activities that you use your hands for e.g. washing your hair. Plan ahead so that you don’t need to wash your hair the day of your procedure
  • Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 5 days

Soles

  • Don’t apply creams, lotions (other than those ,if any, agreed by Dr. Bratu) for at least 24 hours.
  • No pedicures for at least 5 days and do not massage feet.
  • Please don’t drink alcohol for at least 5 days.
  • Try to avoid vigorous exercise (i.e. any exercise that makes you sweat) for 48-72 hours.
  • Wear comfortable shoes – it is not advisable to wear new shoes or high heels post-treatment

Frequently Asked Questions about Hyperhidrosis Treatment

We are a doctor led clinic so Dr. Natalia Bratu will be your aesthetician. She will talk you through the process and will give you breaks through the procedure if you need to stop at any point. The treatment takes about 30 minutes.

A small number of people are not suitable for treatment due to, pre-existing medical conditions, lifestyle or current physical condition. At your consultation stage our doctor will be able to tell you if you are suitable for treatment.

In Refine Clinic, there is no pressure for our clients to go ahead with any treatment until they are ready, so there is no problem if you decide to take time to consider your treatment options and return to us another day.

Firstly, it is advisable to have a full health check to ensure it’s not a hormonal issue that is causing the excessive sweating. Also check that it’s not a dietary factor by filling out a food diary to identify times the sweating is worse – you may find a correlation with your excessive sweating and some food you eat. Did you know that, for example, adding ginger to meals/juices can cause you to sweat more than normal?

If it’s clearly none of the above then we can help by treating with a naturally occurring protein.

Before your first injection, Dr Natalia will apply anaesthetic cream to the treatment area. Ice may also help to numb the area. A naturally occuring protein (the same product used in anti-wrinkle injections) is injected, using a fine needle, into the sweat glands just under the skin that are responsible for the excessive sweating.

For some people this treatment can be painful as it is a sensation that they may have never experienced before. It’s not a regular occurence to receive injections into their underarm, palms or soles of feet.

Contact us for more information on Hyperhidrosis Treatment.

Appointments can be made via our Booking Page, email, or via phone. Please be advised that our secretary may need to ask some personal questions to help decide which appointment type is most suited to your needs.