Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) — armpit, palm, sole — responds well to botulinum injection. Korean technique is well-established with refined dosing protocols. Here's the practical guide for foreign patients considering hyperhidrosis treatment in Busan Seomyeon.
Botox effective for sweat reduction. 5–8 months hold. Significantly cheaper in Korea.
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is treatable with botulinum toxin injection. Common areas: armpits (most common, 50 units per side), palms (75–100 units per side), soles (75–100 units per side), forehead (less common, 25–50 units). Mechanism: botulinum blocks acetylcholine release at sweat glands, reducing sweat by 75–90% in treated areas. Effect emerges 3–7 days; peak 2 weeks; holds 5–8 months(longer than facial botox due to sweat gland regeneration pattern). Procedure: 30–45 min depending on area. Mild discomfort (pinprick sensations); palm/sole more sensitive than armpit. Korean technique: refined dosing with multiple injection points across treated area. Not suitable for facial or generalized sweating. Pricing at JRYN: armpit $320–$450 per session; palm/sole $450–$650 per side. Compare to US clinics charging $700–$1,200 per area. Foreign patient savings significant. 5–8 month hold means 1–2 sessions yearly typical for sustained effect.
Dr. Lee evaluates sweating severity (HDSS scale 1–4), affected areas, and triggers. Iodine-starch test to map exact sweat zones. Documents baseline severity. Sets realistic expectations (75–90% reduction, not total elimination).
Topical numbing 30 min before procedure for armpits. Stronger nerve blocks or ice for palms (more painful). Cleansing of treated area. Conservative dosing for first treatment to assess response.
Injection points spaced 1.5–2cm apart across mapped sweat zone. Armpit: 15–20 injection points. Palm: 25–30 injection points (more painful but tolerable). Sole: 25–30 injection points. 30G needle, multiple small injections.
Botox (Allergan): premium standard, ~$380/armpit. Xeomin (Merz): pure formulation, ~$350/armpit. Nabota / Innotox / Coretox (Korean brands): cost-effective, ~$320/armpit. All KFDA-approved with comparable hyperhidrosis efficacy.
Days 1–3: nothing visible (sweat glands still functioning). Days 4–7: gradual reduction emerges. Week 2: peak effect (75–90% sweat reduction). Months 3–6: gradual return as sweat glands regenerate. Month 5–8: ready for next session.
Most patients return every 5–8 months for repeat treatment. Some find 6-month rhythm ideal (twice yearly). Cumulative effect possible in some patients (each cycle slightly easier or longer-lasting). Few patients need ongoing treatment after 5–10 cycles as sweat patterns shift.
50 units per side. Procedure 30 min. Numbing sufficient for tolerable comfort. 5–8 month hold. Most popular hyperhidrosis treatment. Most cost-effective option.
75–100 units per side. Procedure 45 min. More painful than armpit; nerve blocks may be needed. 5–7 month hold. Effective but commitment to multiple sessions for skin types prone to recurrence.
75–100 units per side. Procedure 45 min. Sensitive area; thorough numbing important. 5–7 month hold. Less common than palm or armpit.
25–50 units. Procedure 20 min. Less common indication. 5–7 month hold. Risk of unintended forehead expression effects requires careful injection technique.
Common combination: hyperhidrosis treatment + facial botox same visit. JRYN handles combination at single appointment. Overall pricing efficient with combination discount.
Generalized sweating (full body) — botulinum impractical. Sweating from underlying medical condition (hyperthyroidism, diabetes) — treat condition first. Compensatory sweating after sympathectomy — surgical history changes protocol.
Premium global standard. Strongest clinical data for hyperhidrosis. ~$380/armpit at JRYN. Most foreign patients' default for brand certainty.
Pure formulation. Clinically equivalent for hyperhidrosis. ~$350/armpit. Suitable for repeat patients with antibody concerns.
Korean brand by Daewoong. KFDA + FDA approved. ~$320/armpit. Cost-effective alternative with comparable clinical efficacy.
Medytox brands. Liquid format (Innotox) or pure formulation (Coretox). ~$320–$340/armpit. Korean alternatives at lower cost.
Mild redness or pinpoint bruising at injection sites. Tylenol for any tenderness (no aspirin/ibuprofen for 24h to reduce bruise risk). Avoid touching/massaging treated area. Mild swelling possible (especially palms).
No vigorous exercise for 24 hours. No alcohol for 24 hours. No saunas or hot tubs for 48 hours. Standard botulinum aftercare. Effect emerges progressively day 4–7.
Peak effect at week 2. Sustained reduction through week 8 typically. Document baseline vs treated period for personal record. Some patients find effect more consistent than expected; others patchy initially (touch-up at week 6 if needed).
Effect fades gradually. Many patients schedule repeat at month 5–6 to maintain effect without lapse. Some prefer to let effect fully wear off then restart; others maintain continuous effect. Both approaches work.
Dr. Lee Portrait
A medical decision should not feel rushed.
My job is to give you the 30 minutes you couldn't get at home
—
then deliver treatment that respects what made you fly here in the first place.
WhatsApp us your sweating severity (HDSS scale), affected areas, and any prior treatment history. Within 24h we recommend brand, dose, total pricing, and trip timing. Single-visit treatment, 5–8 month relief.
Individual results may vary. Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a licensed medical professional before any procedure. Prices are estimates and may change. JRYN Dermatology is licensed under the Korean Medical Service Act.
Contact number : +82-10-3951-7576
Address:
4F, Samjeong Tower, 672 Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan, Korea