miraDry vs Botox: What Are They and How Do They Work?

While sweating is a natural process that helps regulate body temperature, excessive sweating can lead to embarrassment and discomfort. Underarm sweating, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis, can affect self-confidence and cause social anxiety. Fortunately, there are several solutions available to combat this problem, including MiraDry and Botox.

miraDry vs Botox: What Are They and How Do They Work?

miraDry is a FDA-cleared, proven and safe non-surgical treatment that addresses the ROOT cause of excessive sweat – by eliminating sweat glands. This is achieved using thermal energy to create heat in the area where bothersome sweat and odor glands reside. Once the sweat glands are destroyed, they are gone for good. In addition to its permanent reduction of underarm sweat, MiraDry also offers the added benefit of eliminating underarm odour and reducing underarm hair. This means that patients can enjoy a fresh and clean feeling in their underarms without the need for deodorants or antiperspirants. Furthermore, the treatment’s ability to target and destroy hair follicles can lead to long-term hair reduction in the treated area, providing an additional aesthetic benefit for patients.

All of this is possible within ONE session.

Botox, on the other hand, is a neurotoxin that temporarily blocks the nerve signals responsible for sweating, stopping the sweat glands from producing too much sweat. Re-treatment is typically needed in four to six months, as the nerves regenerate. It is also FDA approved for underarm sweating treatment.

miraDry vs Botox – Advantages and Disadvantages of miraDry and Botox

miraDry has several advantages over Botox.

First, it is a non-invasive treatment that does not require any injections or incisions. This means that there is no risk of scarring or infection, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the treatment.

Second, miraDry is a permanent solution that destroys the sweat glands, whereas Botox only provides temporary relief and needs to be repeated every 3-6 months.

Third, miraDry is a more cost-effective solution over time as it only requires a one-time treatment. Fourth, humans have three different types of sweat glands which are eccrine, apocrine, and apoeccrine. Apocrine glands in the skin are scent glands, and their secretions usually have an odor. miraDry targets and eliminates both apocrine and eccrine glands, resulting in a reduction of sweat and odour. As a result, patients experience the dual benefits of feeling more comfortable and confident with significantly less underarm sweating and odour.

On the other hand, Botox is a temporary solution that needs to be repeated every few months. **  This can be inconvenient and costly over time. Second, Botox is a treatment that requires injections, which can be uncomfortable for some patients. Third, Botox can have some side effects, including pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. Lastly, it’s worth noting that Botox primarily targets the eccrine glands, meaning that it may not be as effective in addressing underarm odour as miraDry. This is because apocrine glands, which are primarily responsible for producing body odour, are not directly affected by Botox injections. As a result, some patients may continue to experience underarm odour despite the reduction in sweating provided by Botox.

miraDry vs Botox – Safety Issues

Both miraDry and Botox have been FDA approved and are generally considered safe treatments for underarm sweating.

Why should one consider one procedure over another?

According to Dr Ho, it is advisable to go for a permanent solution like miraDry. It is a well tolerable procedure and it is proven to work in as little as one session. So it is a good one-time investment for the peace of mind of a lifetime. “ It greatly enhances the patient’s confidence when he/she can live confidently and freely without ever worrying about embarrassing underarm sweat,” Dr Ho said.

“However, it’s important to note that Botox may be a more affordable option for patients seeking a temporary solution to excessive underarm sweating. While it may not provide the same long-term benefits as miraDry, Botox injections can still be an effective treatment for reducing sweating in the underarm area. As the saying goes, ‘something is better than nothing,’ and Botox may be a suitable option for those who may not be able to afford miraDry or prefer a temporary solution,”he added.

miraDry vs Botox

While miraDry is specifically designed to address excessive underarm sweating and odour, Botox injections can also be used in reducing sweat production in other areas of the body, such as the palms and soles of the feet. Again this is a temporary solution as Botox may only provide temporary relief and may not be as effective in the long term as other treatments. For patients who do not find relief with miraDry or Botox, or for those with severe cases of hyperhidrosis, an Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) may be effective. This surgical procedure involves clamping or cutting the sympathetic nerves that control sweating in the affected area. This is generally reserved for extreme cases that have not responded to other non-surgical treatments. If you are experiencing excessive sweating, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your treatment options.

** According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, underarm Botox injections can reduce underarm sweating by 82–87%. The effects can typically last 4–12 months, or up to 14 months in some cases. People who receive underarm Botox injections tend to see results 2–4 days after treatment.

 

Make an appointment with the miraDry expert now: +0123537960