miraDry vs Neurotoxin Injections for Sweating: Which Treatment Works Better?
Excessive underarm sweating can be frustrating, embarrassing, and surprisingly disruptive—ruined shirts, constant deodorant reapplication, and always thinking about sweat marks. The good news is that modern hyperhidrosis treatments are highly effective, and two of the most popular options we offer are miraDry and neurotoxin injections (Botox®-type treatments).
If you’re searching in Toronto or Richmond Hill for a real solution, you’ll quickly notice one big theme online: people want something that’s effective, safe, and predictable—and they want to know which option is “worth it.” Let’s break down miraDry vs neurotoxin injections in a clear, practical way.
First, it helps to understand what you’re treating. Underarm hyperhidrosis is usually caused by overactive sweat glands, not poor hygiene. Many people also struggle with underarm odor, which is largely driven by sweat interacting with bacteria on the skin—so reducing sweat often improves odor significantly too.
miraDry is a device-based treatment that uses thermal energy (microwave technology) to target and destroy sweat glands (and odor glands) in the underarm area. Once eliminated, those glands do not grow back, which is why miraDry is widely considered a long-lasting solution for many patients.
Most patients need one to two miraDry sessions, with two treatments (often spaced a few months apart) commonly recommended for the best reduction in sweat and odor. In some cases, a third session is considered when sweating is very severe or the patient wants maximal improvement.
Neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis (commonly known as Botox for sweating) work differently. Neurotoxin temporarily blocks the nerve signal that activates sweat glands, so sweat production drops significantly in the treated area. It’s a highly effective option, especially for people who want a quick, non-device solution.
The tradeoff is longevity. For underarms, the average duration of improvement is often around 6–8 months, and treatments are repeated as needed to maintain dryness. Many patients start noticing improvement within days, with full effect typically within about 2 weeks.
So, which is “better”? If your goal is the closest thing to a lasting reduction in underarm sweat and odor, miraDry is usually the standout. If your goal is flexibility (try it, see how your body responds, and maintain results with periodic visits), neurotoxin injections are an excellent choice—especially if your sweating fluctuates seasonally or you prefer a treatment that doesn’t involve energy-based technology.
Many patients also ask about comfort and downtime. Both treatments are performed in-clinic. miraDry typically involves local anesthetic and a treatment time that can be around an hour, and you may feel swelling, tenderness, or “fullness” in the underarm afterward for a short period. Neurotoxin injections are usually quicker and may cause temporary pinpoint swelling or bruising at injection sites.
One more practical factor: treatment area. miraDry is designed for underarms, while neurotoxin injections can be used for underarms and are also commonly used (often off-label) in areas like hands, feet, and certain facial regions—depending on patient needs and provider assessment.
At UC Clinic, the best results come from matching the treatment to your lifestyle and goals: how severe your sweating is, whether odor is a major concern, how quickly you want results, and whether you prefer a long-lasting reduction (miraDry) or a repeatable maintenance approach (neurotoxin injections). If you’re unsure, we can assess your pattern of sweating and recommend the most efficient plan—sometimes even a staged approach.
Ready to stop planning your day around sweat? Book a consultation at UC Clinic in the Toronto / Richmond Hill area, and we’ll help you choose the option that fits your body, schedule, and expectations—so you can stay confident, dry, and comfortable.
FAQs:
1) What is the difference between miraDry treatment and neurotoxin injections (Botox®) for hyperhidrosis?
miraDry reduces underarm sweat by targeting and destroying sweat and odor glands, with results designed to be long-lasting because the treated glands don’t grow back. Neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis reduce sweating by temporarily blocking the nerve signal that activates sweat glands, so results wear off over time and require repeat treatments.
2) How many sessions of miraDry are usually needed for excessive underarm sweating?
Many patients need 1–2 miraDry sessions, and two treatments spaced a few months apart are commonly recommended for optimal sweat and odor reduction. Occasionally, a third treatment is considered for very severe sweating or for patients seeking maximal reduction.
3) How long do results last after miraDry for underarm sweating?
Because miraDry targets and eliminates sweat glands, results are generally described as long-lasting, and sweat glands are not expected to grow back after treatment.
4) How long do results last after neurotoxin injections (Botox®) for underarm sweating?
For underarms, improvement commonly lasts several months, and guidance often cites an average duration around 6–8 months, with repeat treatments performed as needed to maintain dryness.
5) How quickly do neurotoxin injections (Botox®) for hyperhidrosis start working compared to miraDry?
With neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis, many people notice improvement within a few days, with full effect typically within about 2 weeks. miraDry can reduce sweating quickly as well, but the early recovery swelling can temporarily affect how the area feels before results “settle.”
6) What does miraDry feel like during and after treatment for hyperhidrosis?
During miraDry, the underarm is numbed, and patients typically feel pressure and warmth during treatment. Afterward, it’s common to experience temporary swelling, tenderness, and a “full” sensation in the underarm as the area heals.
7) What do neurotoxin injections (Botox®) for excessive sweating feel like during and after treatment?
Neurotoxin injections for sweating typically feel like quick pinches in the treatment area. Afterward, some patients experience mild soreness, small bumps at injection points, or temporary bruising—usually short-lived.
8) What is the downtime after miraDry compared with downtime after neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis?
After miraDry, many patients have swelling and tenderness for a short period and may prefer a few days of lighter activity depending on sensitivity. After neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis, downtime is typically minimal, and most patients return to normal routines quickly (with basic post-treatment instructions).
9) Is miraDry better than neurotoxin injections (Botox®) for underarm odor as well as sweat?
miraDry targets sweat and odor glands in the underarm, so it is commonly chosen by patients who want improvement in both sweating and odor in the same treatment plan.
10) Can miraDry treat sweating in the hands and feet, or is neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis better for those areas?
miraDry is primarily used for underarm sweating, while neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis are frequently used for smaller, targeted areas such as underarms and can also be used (often off-label) for hands, feet, and certain facial regions depending on assessment and goals.
11) What should I do before miraDry or before neurotoxin injections (Botox®) for sweating?
Before miraDry and neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis, avoid major irritation to the underarm skin and disclose relevant medical history and medications/supplements that may increase bruising (when medically appropriate). Your provider will also confirm whether your sweating pattern fits primary hyperhidrosis or suggests another cause that needs medical evaluation.
12) What should I do after miraDry or after neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis to protect results?
After miraDry, focus on comfort measures and follow your clinic’s instructions regarding activity, heat exposure, and skin care while swelling settles. After neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis, follow basic aftercare instructions and allow up to two weeks for full effect.