The SideLaze – Precision Tx™ procedure
On average, the procedure itself takes about 1-2 hours, but there is some additional time before and after for preparation and for numbing the area. You can expect to be with us for about 2.5 hours total on the day of your procedure.
A PrecisionTx™ treatment involves the insertion of a very small cannula under the skin. Within the cannula is a SideLaze™ laser fiber which directs targeted and precise laser energy towards the sweat glands. The heat from the laser ablates the function of the sweat glands, resulting in dramatically reduced sweating.
The incision sites are very small and are hidden under the arms, so scarring is not a cause for concern.
This treatment is minimally invasive and usually only 1 session is required to achieve lasting results. Since the sweat glands are destroyed, the results are permanent. Little to no downtime is required. Most patients can return to work the next day.
How does the procedure work?
The procedure is done with local anesthesia (numbing). Through a small incision, a cannula is inserted under the skin and thermally controlled laser energy is delivered directly to the sweat glands to ablate (destroy) them.
How long does the procedure take?
On average, the procedure itself takes about 1-2 hours, but there is some additional time before and after for preparation, numbing the area, and a brief recovery period afterward. You can expect to be with us for about two hours total on the day of your procedure.
SideLaze – Precision Tx™ Benefits
Caplin, D. Clinical evaluation and quantitative analysis of axillary Hyperhidrosis treated with a unique targeted laser energy delivery method with 1 year follow up. ASLMS 2013 Poster, 15 patient study. Data on file.
6 months after a single Precision TX™ treatment quantitative calculations reported 78% sweat reduction in right axilla and 96% sweat reduction in the left axilla. After treatment, axillary perspiration could be controlled through a standard over the counter antiperspirant.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis, commonly known as severe underarm sweating, involves overactive sweat and odor glands. Sweat is your body’s temperature regulator. In severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis, sweating significantly exceeds the body’s normal requirements for cooling.
For those with this condition, it’s a daily struggle to cope with sweating—and most methods are temporary fixes:
- Change clothes frequently
- Put absorbent materials under clothing
- Avoid certain fabrics and styles of clothes
- Seek medical attention and treatment
- While people with severe underarm sweating may try different over the counter or prescription antiperspirants, these products often don’t work well enough for their sweating. Clothes can be a real issue, because the wrong choice can reveal your severe underarm sweating condition rather than hide it. Your wardrobe can be very limited, and you may have to purchase new clothing frequently.
When clinical strength antiperspirants don’t work well enough, a more aggressive treatment option such as PrecisionTx™ may be appropriate for you. For more information about severe underarm sweating, visit the International Hyperhidrosis Society Web site at www.SweatHelp.org.
Does your hyperhidrosis need treatment?
Here are some questions to ask yourself about the severity of your hyperhidrosis:
- How many times a day do you have to change clothes?
- Do you plan things around your excessive underarm sweating?
- Do you carry supplies (change of clothes, antiperspirant, towels, powders, etc) to help you manage the effects of your severe underarm sweating?
- Have you been treated with any prescription antiperspirants, powders, or deodorants designed to control severe underarm sweating?
- How many hours per day to you spend dealing with your severe underarm sweating?
- How often do you think about your excessive underarm sweating?
Doesn’t the Body Need These Sweat Glands?
The human body has about 4 million sweat glands. Hyperhidrosis is the result of over-active sweat glands. In the case of axillary hyperhidrosis, this produces overactive sweat glands in armpits. With only 2% of the millions of sweat glands located in the underarms, deactivating them will have little or no effect on the body’s ability to maintain an optimum temperature.
What are the results?
The results of this treatment are permanent, and patients can expect to feel more comfortable and confident about a week after their treatment. 6 months after a single Precision TX™ treatment quantitative calculations reported 78% sweat reduction in right axilla and 96% sweat reduction in the left axilla. After treatment, axillary perspiration could be controlled through a standard over the counter antiperspirant.
How long do the treatment results last?
Since the sweat glands are disabled, the results are long-lasting and generally permanent.
Does insurance cover PrecisionTx™ Sidelaze Hyperhidrosis treatment?
No. Insurance does not cover the cost of this laser treatment and usually does not cover the cost of other effective treatments aside from medications. We accept credit cards, cash and also CareCredit.
Will there be scarring?
The incision sites will be very small and are hidden in the skin folds of the underarms. With proper care, any scar should not be visible or be barely visible. Our medical providers will evaluate your skin type, tendency to keloid and pigment, and provide information on scar prevention. The tiny incision mark can be treated with a laser externally after you have fully healed if necessary.
Does Precision TX™ laser treatment for hyperhidrosis hurt?
There is little or no discomfort associated with the Precision TX™ treatment for excessive underarm sweating. Patients are treated with a local anesthetic to fully numb the areas that will be treated. Some swelling and tenderness may cause discomfort temporarily after the procedure, but this is usually minimal.
What are other hyperhidrosis treatment options?
- Neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) injections every 6-9 months
- Surgical removal of the sweat glands
- Radio frequency to damage the sweat glands
- MiraDry using heat to destroy the sweat glands
- Prescription anti persperants
- Medications to affect the amount of sweat