What to expect from microwave sweat gland treatment for hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis means sweating that is greater than the body needs for cooling. For underarm symptoms, the clinician identifies and marks the treatment zone, cleans the skin and provides local numbing. A device delivers microwave energy below the surface in a planned pattern. Pressure, warmth or brief pinching can be felt as each section is addressed.

Heat affects sweat glands in the selected zone. The underarm may then feel swollen, bruised, tender or numb. Results are not judged on the day of treatment: the skin needs time to settle, and the amount of sweating reduction differs among patients. The procedure does not treat sweating from hands, feet, face or other untreated sites.

Share your medical history, allergies, medicines, implanted devices and any active underarm rash or infection before the appointment. Follow instructions about shaving and products on the skin. Arrange clothing that leaves the arms comfortable and does not press tightly into the treated area.

Use the clinic's recommended cooling and hygiene plan. Avoid scratching, strong deodorants, hot environments and strenuous activity until your clinician says they are suitable. Keep follow-up arrangements so persistent sweating, delayed healing or unexpected sensation changes can be reviewed.

Ask the clinic to review worsening pain, spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus-like drainage, fever or swelling that continues to expand. Urgent assessment is needed for breathing trouble, extensive hives, severe facial swelling or a rapidly worsening reaction. Report ongoing numbness, weakness or a change that concerns you.

Ask whether your sweating pattern is suitable for a local underarm procedure, what alternatives are available, how follow-up will be arranged, and which activities or products should be paused. Ask what improvement can reasonably be assessed and what happens if symptoms remain troublesome.