How it actually works
Botox for sweating is FDA-approved for primary axillary hyperhidrosis – excessive underarm sweating not caused by another condition. It works the same way it does anywhere else: it blocks the nerve signal, but here the target is the nerve signal to sweat glands rather than to a muscle.
The injections are placed across a mapped grid covering the underarm, so the effect is confined to that treated area. It does not reduce sweating in the rest of the body, and it does not affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature overall – other areas continue to sweat normally.
How many units, and what it costs
The standard dose is 50 units per side, 100 units total – this is the FDA-labeled protocol for axillary hyperhidrosis, not an estimate that varies much between patients the way facial dosing does.
| Area | Units | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| One underarm | 50 units | $675 |
| Both underarms | 100 units | $1,350 |
See current pricing to confirm rates, and how units work generally across treatment areas.
How long it lasts
Underarm Botox tends to last longer than facial treatment – typically 4 to 6 months, and some people see closer to 7 to 12 months. Sweat glands appear to take longer to regain full function than facial muscles do, which is part of why this area often goes further between treatments than a forehead or frown line treatment does.
Who this is for
This treatment is intended for primary hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating with no other medical cause. If sweating started suddenly, is accompanied by other symptoms, or came on alongside a new medication or health change, that is worth discussing with a physician first rather than treating it as a cosmetic concern. Secondary hyperhidrosis has an underlying cause that Botox will not address.
What treatment is actually like
The area is mapped out first, sometimes with a simple test that shows exactly where the sweat glands are most active. Injections are shallow and the discomfort is generally described as mild – the underarm has fewer nerve endings than areas like the lips. The appointment itself typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
General aftercare follows the same rules as any Botox treatment – see What Not to Do After Botox. Avoid deodorant application and exercise for the rest of the day specifically.
Is it covered by insurance?
Sometimes, for medically diagnosed primary hyperhidrosis, after other treatments like prescription antiperspirants have been tried without success. Coverage varies significantly by insurer and plan, and cosmetic-framed treatment is not typically covered. If this matters to you, it is worth a conversation with your insurance provider before booking, since coverage depends on medical documentation this practice would need to provide as part of a covered claim.
Questions people ask
How much does underarm Botox cost?
At $13.50 per unit and the standard 50-unit-per-side dose, both underarms together is approximately $1,350.
How many units of Botox for underarm sweating?
50 units per side is the FDA-labeled standard dose, 100 units total for both underarms.
How long does underarm Botox last?
Typically 4 to 6 months, sometimes longer – often longer than facial Botox, since sweat glands tend to regain function more slowly than facial muscles.
Does underarm Botox stop all sweating?
It stops sweating in the treated area only. The rest of the body continues to sweat and regulate temperature normally.
Is underarm Botox covered by insurance?
Sometimes, for medically diagnosed primary hyperhidrosis after other treatments have failed. Coverage varies by insurer – check with your provider before booking if this matters to you.
Does the injection hurt?
Discomfort is generally mild. The underarm has fewer nerve endings than more sensitive areas like the lips.
Ready to stop planning your day around sweating?
A nurse practitioner-led practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, priced transparently at $13.50 per unit.
