Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Korea: Stop Excessive Sweating - Prices 2025
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) can significantly impact quality of life, causing embarrassment and discomfort. Korea offers advanced solutions that can provide long-lasting relief. Here's your complete guide to hyperhidrosis treatment in Korea.
Understanding Hyperhidrosis
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating beyond what's needed for temperature regulation:
Types
| Type | Characteristics | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focal | Specific areas (underarms, palms, feet) | Overactive nerves |
| Secondary generalized | Whole body | Medical condition, medication |
Common Areas
- Underarms (axillary): Most common
- Palms (palmar): Affects daily activities
- Feet (plantar): Causes discomfort
- Face (craniofacial): Socially challenging
- Groin: Less discussed but common
Impact on Life
- Social anxiety
- Professional challenges
- Clothing restrictions
- Daily discomfort
- Relationship impacts
Why Treat Hyperhidrosis in Korea?
Korea offers comprehensive solutions:
- Advanced technology: Latest devices
- Multiple options: Various treatment approaches
- Experienced practitioners: High volume
- Competitive pricing: Excellent value
- Combination approach: Customized solutions
- Follow-up care: Maintenance plans
Treatment Options
1. Botox Injections
How it works: Blocks nerve signals that trigger sweat glands
Treatment areas:
- Underarms (most common)
- Palms
- Feet
- Face
- Scalp
Details:
- Multiple small injections
- Takes effect in 2-4 days
- Full effect at 2 weeks
- Temporary (4-12 months)
Prices:
| Area | Price Range (USD) | Price Range (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Underarms (both) | $310-$540 | ₩400,000-₩700,000 |
| Palms (both) | $385-$615 | ₩500,000-₩800,000 |
| Feet (both) | $385-$615 | ₩500,000-₩800,000 |
| Forehead | $230-$385 | ₩300,000-₩500,000 |
Duration: 4-12 months (underarms last longest)
2. miraDry
How it works: Microwave energy destroys sweat glands permanently
Treatment area: Underarms only
Details:
- Non-invasive
- Local anesthesia
- 60-90 minute procedure
- Permanent reduction
- Usually 1-2 sessions
Price: $1,155-$1,925 (₩1,500,000-₩2,500,000) per session
Results: 70-90% permanent sweat reduction
3. Iontophoresis
How it works: Electrical current temporarily blocks sweat glands
Treatment areas: Palms, feet
Details:
- Non-invasive
- Regular sessions needed
- Can purchase home device
Price:
- Clinic session: $40-$80 (₩50,000-₩100,000)
- Home device: $310-$770 (₩400,000-₩1,000,000)
Maintenance: 1-3x weekly initially, then maintenance
4. Prescription Antiperspirants
How it works: Aluminum chloride blocks sweat ducts
Details:
- Stronger than OTC products
- Applied at night
- Can cause irritation
- First-line treatment
Price: $15-$40 (₩20,000-₩50,000)
5. Oral Medications
Options:
- Anticholinergics (glycopyrrolate)
- Beta-blockers (for situational)
- Benzodiazepines (anxiety-related)
Details:
- Systemic effect
- Side effects possible
- Prescription required
Price: $30-$80/month (₩40,000-₩100,000)
6. Laser Treatment
How it works: Laser energy targets sweat glands
Details:
- Multiple sessions needed
- Less proven than miraDry
- Some clinics offer
Price: $385-$770 (₩500,000-₩1,000,000) per session
7. Surgery (Severe Cases)
ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy)
- Nerve surgery
- For severe palmar hyperhidrosis
- Permanent but risk of compensatory sweating
Local Excision
- Removes sweat glands surgically
- For underarm only
- Scarring possible
Price: $2,310-$4,620 (₩3,000,000-₩6,000,000)
Treatment Prices Summary (Korea 2025)
| Treatment | Price Range (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Botox (underarms) | $310-$540 | 4-12 months |
| Botox (palms/feet) | $385-$615 | 3-6 months |
| miraDry | $1,155-$1,925 | Permanent |
| Iontophoresis (session) | $40-$80 | Ongoing |
| Prescription topicals | $15-$40 | Ongoing |
| Surgery | $2,310-$4,620 | Permanent |
Treatment by Area
Underarms
Best options:
- miraDry (permanent, one-time)
- Botox (temporary, repeated)
- Prescription antiperspirant (first try)
Recommendation: miraDry if seeking permanent solution and budget allows
Palms
Best options:
- Botox (most effective)
- Iontophoresis (non-invasive maintenance)
- ETS surgery (severe cases only)
Note: Palm Botox is more painful than underarm
Feet
Best options:
- Botox
- Iontophoresis
- Prescription antiperspirant
Face/Scalp
Best options:
- Botox (careful placement)
- Oral medications
- Topical treatments
Results and Expectations
Botox Results
| Area | Onset | Peak Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underarms | 2-4 days | 2 weeks | 6-12 months |
| Palms | 2-4 days | 2 weeks | 3-6 months |
| Feet | 2-4 days | 2 weeks | 3-6 months |
Reduction: 80-90% decrease in sweating
miraDry Results
- Immediate: Some reduction
- Final: 2-3 months
- Average reduction: 82%
- Permanence: Destroyed glands don't regenerate
Realistic Expectations
| Goal | Achievability |
|---|---|
| Complete dryness | Difficult |
| Significant reduction | Very achievable |
| Normal sweating level | Achievable |
| Improved quality of life | Highly achievable |
The Treatment Experience
Botox Treatment (30-45 minutes)
- Assessment: Starch-iodine test to map sweating
- Numbing: Ice or topical anesthesia
- Injection: Multiple small injections
- Aftercare: Instructions provided
Pain:
- Underarms: 3-4/10
- Palms: 5-7/10 (more sensitive)
- Feet: 5-7/10
Downtime: None to minimal
miraDry Treatment (60-90 minutes)
- Marking: Treatment area mapped
- Numbing: Local anesthesia injections
- Treatment: Device applied to underarm
- Cooling: Post-treatment cooling
- Aftercare: Instructions, ice packs
Pain: 2-3/10 during (anesthetized) Downtime: 1-3 days (swelling, soreness)
Aftercare
Botox Aftercare
First 24 hours:
- Avoid touching/rubbing area
- No strenuous exercise
- Stay upright (if facial)
First week:
- Monitor for effect
- Report any concerns
miraDry Aftercare
First 24-48 hours:
- Ice packs regularly
- Over-the-counter pain relief
- Avoid strenuous activity
First week:
- Swelling normal
- Numbness may occur
- Avoid deodorant
First month:
- Gradual return to exercise
- Results developing
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates
- Excessive sweating affecting quality of life
- Failed antiperspirants
- Good overall health
- Realistic expectations
- Committed to treatment plan
Treatment Selection Guide
| If You Want... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Permanent solution (underarms) | miraDry |
| Non-permanent option | Botox |
| Avoid injections | Iontophoresis |
| Budget-friendly start | Prescription antiperspirant |
| Immediate results | Prescription topicals |
May Need Evaluation First
- Sudden onset sweating
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Other symptoms
Secondary hyperhidrosis may indicate underlying condition
Choosing a Clinic in Seoul
What to Look For
- Experience with hyperhidrosis: Specific expertise
- Multiple options: Range of treatments
- Proper assessment: Identifies type and severity
- Technology: miraDry certification if needed
- Follow-up: Maintenance planning
Questions to Ask
- What type of hyperhidrosis do I have?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- What results can I expect?
- How long will results last?
- What about maintenance?
FAQ
Q: Which treatment is best for underarm sweating? A: miraDry for permanent results; Botox if you prefer non-permanent or lower upfront cost.
Q: How long does Botox last for sweating? A: Underarms: 6-12 months. Palms/feet: 3-6 months. Varies by individual.
Q: Is miraDry painful? A: Local anesthesia is used, so the procedure is comfortable. Soreness after is manageable.
Q: Does miraDry also treat odor? A: Yes! miraDry also reduces odor-causing glands.
Q: Can I treat palm sweating without injections? A: Iontophoresis is an option, though Botox is more effective.
Q: Will I sweat more elsewhere after treatment (compensatory sweating)? A: Rare with Botox and miraDry. More common with surgery (ETS).
Q: How many Botox sessions will I need per year? A: Typically 1-2 sessions annually for underarms; more for palms/feet.
Q: Can hyperhidrosis come back after miraDry? A: Destroyed sweat glands don't regenerate. Some patients need a second session for optimal results.
Conclusion
Hyperhidrosis treatment in Korea offers comprehensive solutions for this challenging condition. Whether you prefer the permanence of miraDry or the flexibility of Botox, Korean clinics can help you achieve significant relief from excessive sweating.
Ready to stop excessive sweating? Book a consultation at a reputable Korean clinic and discover the right treatment plan for your hyperhidrosis.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about hyperhidrosis treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any treatment. Individual results may vary.
Last Updated: January 2025 Prices as of January 2025. Actual costs may vary by clinic and treatment area.
