A randomised trial involving 320 adults compared botulinum toxin with placebo for underarm hyperhidrosis. At four weeks, 94% of treated patients achieved a reduction in sweating of at least 50%, compared with 36% of controls. At sixteen weeks, these proportions were 82% and 21%. Satisfaction was also greater in the treated group.
TREAT EXCESSIVE SWEATING IN MEN
Dernière mise à jour : 02 June 2026
Sweating is a natural mechanism essential for regulating body temperature : it allows the body to release heat. In some men, however, it becomes excessive, disproportionate and troublesome in daily life. This is known as hyperhidrosis.
Excessive sweating in men frequently affects the underarms. This form, known as primary axillary hyperhidrosis, can significantly impair quality of life : social embarrassment, discomfort with clothing, loss of self-confidence, anticipatory anxiety or professional difficulties.
When it is confined to the underarms, persistent and has no underlying medical cause, hyperhidrosis can be treated effectively with botulinum toxin injections. This medical treatment offers rapid, lasting results.
In Geneva, many men now seek a consultation to regain everyday comfort.
Session duration
Duration depends on surface area and number of points
Number of sessions
With toxin: 1 session, then maintenance as sweating returns
Time to results
With toxin: reduced sweating within 7 to 10 days
Usual after-effects
Possible injection-site pain and bruising
Duration of effects
With toxin: 3 to 10 months for underarms or hands
Price
CHF 600 for the first vial
Contents
- Why is excessive sweating particularly troublesome for men ?
- What are the signs of primary axillary hyperhidrosis ?
- Why choose botulinum toxin for axillary hyperhidrosis in men ?
- What happens during botulinum toxin treatment for the underarms
- What precautions should be taken after treatment ?
- When do the results become visible ?
- How long does the effect of botulinum toxin last?
- Are there side effects ?
- How much does treatment cost in Geneva ?
- Excessive sweating in men : key points to remember
- Frequently asked questions about treatment for excessive sweating in men
- Other areas to treat
Why is excessive sweating particularly troublesome for men ?
Excessive underarm sweating can be particularly distressing for men for several reasons.
- Effects on clothing : sweat marks on shirts, polo shirts, suit jackets or T-shirts. Visible underarm stains often cause considerable embarrassment.
- Professional difficulties : in occupations involving frequent meetings, presentations, client appointments or interactions, excessive sweating can undermine ease in relationships and self-confidence.
- Social impact : some men begin to avoid light-coloured clothing, fitted styles, social activities or prolonged outings for fear of visible sweating.
- Loss of self-confidence : constantly anticipating sweating can sometimes perpetuate a vicious circle : stress, increased sweating and renewed anxiety.
What is primary axillary
hyperhidrosis ?
Primary axillary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweat production in the underarms that is unrelated to heat, physical activity or an identified systemic disease.
The problem does not lie in the sweat glands themselves, but in excessive nerve stimulation. The nerves that activate the sweat glands send signals that are too strong or too frequent, leading to profuse sweating.
This condition can begin in adolescence or early adulthood. It often persists for several years and affects both active and more sedentary men.
Primary or secondary hyperhidrosis :
what are the differences ?
It is essential to distinguish primary hyperhidrosis from secondary sweating linked to another cause.
Primary hyperhidrosis is localised (often to the underarms, hands or feet), longstanding, symmetrical, more pronounced during the day, worsened by stress or emotion and without an identifiable medical cause.
Secondary hyperhidrosis may be linked to a thyroid disorder, certain infections, hormonal changes, medication, a metabolic disease or certain neurological conditions. In this case, treatment addresses the underlying cause.
What are the signs of primary
axillary hyperhidrosis ?
Several symptoms suggest axillary hyperhidrosis :
- Profuse sweating even at rest.
- Frequent sweat marks on clothing.
- Needing to change clothes several times a day.
- Standard deodorants proving ineffective.
- Discomfort despite good hygiene.
- Worsening in social or emotional situations.
- An impact on personal or professional life.
When these signs persist, a medical assessment is warranted.
Why are standard deodorants
not enough ?
Deodorant acts mainly on odour. It does not actually reduce sweat production.
Antiperspirants containing aluminium salts can help some patients, but may be insufficient for moderate to severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis.
When sweating becomes disabling, targeted medical treatment is often indicated.
How does botulinum toxin work
against excessive sweating ?
Botulinum toxin works by temporarily blocking nerve transmission between the nerves and the sweat glands.
Normally, a nerve signal stimulates the sweat gland, which produces sweat. After a local injection of botulinum toxin, this signal is temporarily interrupted. The gland then produces much less sweat.
The treatment acts only on the injected area, in this case the underarms. It does not block sweating elsewhere on the body or prevent overall temperature regulation.
Why choose botulinum toxin for axillary hyperhidrosis in
men ?
Botulinum toxin is now considered a reference treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis. This medical treatment combines high effectiveness with rapid results while significantly improving everyday comfort.
Through a targeted, controlled and reversible action, it reduces excessive sweating with little social disruption and allows a rapid return to usual activities.
For many men who have experienced this discomfort for several years, botulinum toxin offers a reliable, practical solution that brings a lasting improvement in quality of life.
Who can benefit from botulinum toxin injections ?
The treatment is particularly suitable for men experiencing :
- Significant underarm sweating.
- Genuine daily discomfort.
- A professional or social impact.
- Failure of standard antiperspirants.
- A desire for a non-surgical solution.
What happens during botulinum toxin
treatment for the underarms
During the preliminary consultation, Dr Romano confirms the diagnosis of primary axillary hyperhidrosis and rules out a secondary cause.
The doctor assesses how long the symptoms have been present, their severity, their impact on quality of life, treatments already tried and any contraindications to botulinum toxin injections.
During the session, very small quantities of botulinum toxin are injected superficially at several points across each underarm.
The session generally lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.
Usual activities can be resumed immediately.
What precautions should be taken after treatment ?
During the first 24 hours, patients are generally advised to :
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms.
- Avoid irritating the area by applying creams or deodorants.
- Avoid removing hair from the area.
Precise instructions are provided at the appointment.
When do the results become visible ?
The effects of botulinum toxin injections are not immediate. Sweating generally begins to decrease between the third and seventh day after treatment, while the optimal result usually develops within two weeks.
Patients then notice a clear improvement in everyday comfort : clothing stays drier, sweat marks diminish and then disappear, stress related to social situations decreases and there is greater freedom in choosing clothes.
How long does the effect of botulinum toxin last?
The duration of the effects varies between patients, but is generally between four and six months. In some men, the improvement may last longer. When performed regularly, maintenance sessions often help stabilise excessive sweating over time and provide prolonged control.
Are there side effects ?
The treatment is generally well tolerated when performed by an experienced doctor.
Possible side effects are usually mild and temporary : local redness, temporary tenderness, small bruises and slight transient irritation.
How much does treatment cost in Geneva ?
The price of treatment for excessive sweating in men depends on the amount of product required, which is related to the severity of the hyperhidrosis.
The price is 600 CHF for the 1st vial and 350 CHF for each additional vial.
A personalised quotation is provided during the initial consultation, following a clinical examination and definition of the appropriate treatment plan.
Excessive sweating in men : key points to remember
Primary axillary hyperhidrosis is a common cause of excessive sweating in men. It can have a significant impact on social, professional and personal life.
When it becomes troublesome, botulinum toxin injections provide a safe and effective treatment. They significantly reduce underarm sweating for several months; the procedure is quick and does not require social downtime.
For many men, this treatment restores comfort, freedom in clothing choices and everyday confidence.
WHAT THE STUDIES SAY
A multicentre trial involving 322 adults assessed botulinum toxin for axillary hyperhidrosis over one year. At four weeks, 75% of treated patients achieved a two-point improvement in the severity score, compared with 25% with placebo. Limitations in daily activities decreased and the median duration of action approached two hundred days in the treatment groups.
A meta-analysis of twelve studies involving 904 patients assesses botulinum toxin for axillary hyperhidrosis. It finds reduced sweating and improvements in severity and quality-of-life scores. These data support the value of medical care when underarm sweating becomes troublesome in everyday life.
Frequently asked questions about treatment for excessive sweating in
men
Why do some men sweat a lot, even without physical exertion ?
Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, is linked to overactivity of the sweat glands. In some men, it occurs even at rest, in stressful situations or without any particular cause. It mainly affects the underarms, hands, feet or face and can become troublesome in everyday life.
What is the most effective treatment for excessive underarm sweating in men ?
Botulinum toxin injections are one of the most effective medical solutions for excessive underarm sweating. They work by temporarily reducing the activity of the glands responsible for sweat production, significantly reducing sweating in the treated area.
Is treatment for excessive sweating in men painful ?
The injections are generally well tolerated. Treatment is quick and performed with fine needles. Mild tenderness may be felt during the session, but usual activities can be resumed immediately afterwards.
How long does the effect of treatment for excessive sweating last ?
Results develop gradually in the days following treatment. The reduction in sweating generally lasts several months, with the duration varying between patients. Another session can be performed when the effect begins to diminish.
Is blocking underarm sweating dangerous for the body ?
No, reducing excessive sweating in a specific area such as the underarms does not prevent the body from regulating its temperature. Other areas of the body naturally continue to perform their sweating function.
When should a man seek advice about excessive sweating ?
A consultation is recommended when sweating becomes difficult to control, requires frequent changes of clothing, causes visible sweat marks or leads to social or professional discomfort. A doctor can confirm hyperhidrosis and suggest suitable treatment.
