Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) Treatments in South Shore, Montreal
Hyperhidrosis treatment at Clinique Revive addresses excessive sweating that goes beyond normal physiologic response — typically affecting underarms (axillary), palms (palmar), soles (plantar), or the face/scalp. Primary hyperhidrosis is a common condition affecting roughly 1–3% of the population; secondary hyperhidrosis (caused by another medical condition or medication) is less common but important to identify.
The visit starts by separating these two and ruling out treatable underlying causes when warranted. Treatment is then matched to severity, area affected, and what has already been tried — there is a sequence of options, from simple to more involved.
Primary vs. secondary
If sweating is generalized, recent in onset, asymmetric, or accompanied by other symptoms, the clinician screens for secondary causes before treatment.
Stepped treatment approach
Topical aluminum chloride first; iontophoresis or oral medications next when appropriate; botulinum toxin for refractory cases.
Functional impact considered
Treatment intensity is matched to how much hyperhidrosis affects daily function — work, social life, sleep, mental health.
When to book a hyperhidrosis assessment
Book if excessive sweating significantly affects daily life, if over-the-counter antiperspirants are not enough, if you avoid clothing colours or social situations because of sweating, or if hyperhidrosis interferes with work tasks (e.g., grip on tools, paperwork that gets damp). Generalized sweating with weight change, fever, palpitations, or recent medication change is approached cautiously — these can indicate secondary causes that need medical workup first.
Patients with neuromuscular conditions, on certain medications, or with skin infection at the planned treatment site need individual consideration before botulinum toxin treatment.
Preparation for a hyperhidrosis visit
Note the affected areas, when the sweating started, whether it is constant or triggered (heat, stress, food, exercise), and whether it occurs at night. Bring a list of antiperspirants and treatments tried.
Bring a current medication list — some medications cause or worsen sweating. Note other symptoms (weight change, palpitations, fever, hot flashes).
For botulinum toxin treatment of underarms, do not shave the underarms within 24 hours of treatment, and do not apply antiperspirant on the day of treatment. Wear a sleeveless or easily removable top.
What to expect after hyperhidrosis treatment
For botulinum toxin: noticeable reduction in sweating within 2–7 days, full effect by 2 weeks, lasting 4–7 months for axillary hyperhidrosis (palmar effect is typically shorter). For oral medications: response and side-effect tolerance is reviewed at follow-up.
For iontophoresis: a series of sessions establishes effect, then maintenance. Re-treatment for botulinum toxin is scheduled before the effect fully wears off for the most consistent control.
The clinic provides documentation suitable for private insurance submission; coverage for medical hyperhidrosis treatments varies by plan.
- Symptom history
- trigger notes
- treatments already tried
- medication list
- insurance details
Physician trained in injectable treatments
30 minutes for assessment; 30–45 minutes for treatment session
South Shore, Montreal, Mercier, Candiac — and across the South Shore (Rive-Sud)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this stop sweating completely?
The goal is meaningful reduction, not zero sweating. Some baseline sweating is physiologic and important for thermoregulation.
Patients typically report 70–90% reduction in the treated area for botulinum toxin treatment.
Is botulinum toxin treatment for hyperhidrosis covered by insurance?
Many private insurance plans cover botulinum toxin for documented primary hyperhidrosis when other treatments have failed. Documentation requirements vary; the clinic helps with the paperwork.
RAMQ coverage is limited and indication-specific.
Does it hurt?
Underarm injections are well tolerated by most patients; topical anesthetic or ice is used to minimize discomfort. Palmar and plantar injections are more uncomfortable; nerve blocks or topical anesthesia options are discussed.
What if I want a permanent solution?
For severe refractory cases unresponsive to non-surgical options, surgical sympathectomy is sometimes considered. The clinic does not perform this procedure but explains what to expect and refers to surgical assessment when appropriate.
Surgical options have their own risks (compensatory sweating elsewhere); they are not first-line.