If you deal with excessive sweating that soaks shirts, stains clothing, or makes you feel self conscious in meetings, underarm Botox can be a real game changer. This treatment targets primary axillary hyperhidrosis, meaning severe underarm sweating that is not caused by heat or exercise alone.
Underarm Botox is both a medical and cosmetic treatment. Medically, it is used to treat hyperhidrosis and reduce sweat production. Cosmetically, it helps you feel more comfortable in your skin and more confident day to day.
In this guide, you will learn how underarm Botox works, how many Botox units are typically used, what the treatment cost looks like, what affects pricing, and whether it is covered by insurance. You will also get quick answers to the most asked questions about results, pain, timing, and workouts.
What Is Underarm Botox Used For?
Underarm Botox is used to treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating in the underarm area. Botox injections work by blocking nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands. When those nerves are temporarily “turned down,” the sweat glands produce less sweat.
This is an FDA-approved option for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, which matters if you are exploring insurance coverage or comparing it to antiperspirants and other approaches. People with hyperhidrosis often try prescription antiperspirants first, but if underarm sweat is still a problem, Botox for sweating is commonly recommended by a dermatologist.
If you are already familiar with cosmetic injectables, you might like reading fillers vs botox to understand how Botox differs from dermal fillers and why Botox is used for sweating rather than volume.
How Much Botox Is Used for Underarms?
Most providers use about 50 units per underarm, which equals 100 units total for both underarms. That is the standard amount of Botox for axillary hyperhidrosis, although doses of Botox may vary slightly depending on your anatomy, sweat pattern, and injector technique.
Compared to cosmetic Botox in areas of the face like forehead lines or crow’s feet, underarm Botox often requires many units. That is because the treatment area is bigger and the goal is to reduce the signals that make sweat glands produce sweat, not relax a small muscle group.
During the appointment, you receive Botox injections in a grid pattern across the underarm area. Each injection is small, and most patients describe the sensation as quick pinches rather than intense pain.
Clinics may use onabotulinumtoxina, also commonly called botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxin derived from botulinum. In controlled dosing, botulinum toxin is widely used for both cosmetic outcomes and medical conditions.
How Much Does Underarm Botox Cost?
So, how much is Botox for underarms in the United States? The overall cost typically comes down to unit pricing and how many units you need.
Here is the pricing breakdown most patients see:
- Units needed: 50 to 100 units total (commonly 100 units)
- Cost per unit (average Botox): $10 to $20 per unit
- Total cost of Botox injections: around $1,000 to $1,500 per treatment
- Duration: typically 4 to 6 months, sometimes longer
Some clinics charge per unit, while others offer a flat rate per treatment. If the clinic uses a flat rate, ask what amount of Botox is included and whether you might require more units of Botox for hyperhidrosis based on your baseline sweating.
You may also see Botox costs reduced through packages. For example, providers may offer Botox treatment bundles if you plan to repeat treatment on a predictable schedule.
If you want context on pricing and dosing for facial Botox, check out How Much Botox is Too Much Botox? since it covers how providers think about dosing and safety in different treatment areas.
What Affects the Cost of Underarm Botox?
The price of Botox is not just about the vial. The injector’s expertise, the clinic’s process, and what is included in your visit all influence treatment cost.
Here are the biggest cost drivers:
Clinic experience and reputation
A highly trained injector may charge more because technique matters for effectiveness and safety, especially when you want even coverage that reduces sweat without missing zones.
Geographic location
Treatment in the United States varies by city. In larger markets, the cost of Botox injections can trend higher due to operating costs.
What is included
Some clinics include consultation, follow ups, and quick touch ups if needed. Others charge separately. Always ask if your overall cost includes assessment, post care, and follow up guidance.
Personalized dosing and sweat pattern
If you have severe underarm sweating, you might need the standard 100 units, but occasionally dosing is adjusted. Some patients need fewer units, others need a bit more depending on how their underarm sweat presents.
Is It Covered by Insurance?
Underarm Botox is FDA-approved for axillary hyperhidrosis, and some insurance plans may cover partial or full cost if you have a medical diagnosis. Coverage varies by insurance provider, and most require documentation.
In many cases, you may need:
- A diagnosis of hyperhidrosis from a dermatologist
- Proof you tried antiperspirants or prescription antiperspirants and still sweat excessively
- Prior authorization and sometimes a referral
If you are paying out of pocket, ask the clinic for per unit rates versus flat pricing so you can compare. Either way, it is smart to get a clear estimate that includes your treatment area plan and the number of botox units expected.
Is Underarm Botox Worth the Cost?
For many patients, yes, because the quality-of-life upgrade is immediate and measurable. Underarm Botox can reduce embarrassing sweat marks, odor concerns, and constant wardrobe stress.
The value usually comes from:
- High satisfaction for people with hyperhidrosis
- Less clothing damage and fewer stains
- Less visible sweat in meetings, dates, and workouts
- Longer lasting results compared to topical options
It also helps in situations where sweat is not just a nuisance but a daily barrier. If you have tried using botox alternatives like strong antiperspirants without success, Botox to treat hyperhidrosis can feel like a more scalable solution.
For patients exploring Botox for different needs, Difference Between Men and Women for Botox is a helpful read on how dosing and goals may vary between patients, even when the product is the same.
How Long Does It Last and When to Repeat?
Underarm Botox results typically last 4 to 6 months, and some patients see benefits up to 9 months. Many people repeat treatment two times per year, but your schedule depends on how fast your sweating returns.
If you want a deep dive on longevity, check out how long does botox last. If you are planning your next visit, how soon can you repeat botox treatment helps set expectations on timing and what providers consider safe.
Over time, some patients find they can stretch out appointments because sweat production stays lower longer, especially once they establish a consistent routine.
Does Botox stop sweating completely?
Botox may reduce sweating dramatically, but it does not always stop sweating 100 percent. Many patients see a major drop in sweat, often enough to feel dry or close to dry most days. You still need normal sweat function for temperature regulation, and the goal is to control excessive sweating, not eliminate sweat entirely everywhere.
Your injector will map the treatment area to cover the sweat glands responsible for the worst armpit sweat. If you notice small patches that still produce sweat, a follow up visit can help adjust placement next time.
Is underarm Botox painful?
Most patients say it is very tolerable. Each injection feels like a quick pinch. Some clinics use a numbing cream or ice to reduce sensation. The underarm area can be sensitive, but the appointment is usually fast, and discomfort is short lived.
Common side effect can include mild tenderness, slight swelling, or small bumps at injection points. Side effects include temporary soreness or minor bruising. Serious side effects are rare when performed by a qualified injector, but you should always disclose medical history and medications.
How fast does it work?
Botox injections stop excessive sweating gradually. Many people notice changes within a few days, with peak results around 1 to 2 weeks. If you are getting Botox for sweating for the first time, set expectations that it is not instant like flipping a switch, but it ramps up quickly.
Can I work out after Botox?
Most providers recommend waiting about 24 hours before intense exercise. Light movement is usually fine, but heavy sweating, hot yoga, and steam rooms right away may increase irritation in the underarm area. If you have questions, speak with your doctor or injector and confirm their post care rules.
Next step if you are considering treatment
If you want to explore this locally, start with a consultation so your provider can confirm whether you have axillary hyperhidrosis, talk through dosing, and give a clear cost estimate for your Botox for hyperhidrosis in San Diego per unit or per treatment.
If you also want a broader view of facial Botox options and provider expertise, you can explore Botox in San Diego for additional context on treatment planning and what to expect from an experienced clinic.
