No More B.O.: Infini & AGNES RF Treatment For Hyperhidrosis
Body odour is a relatively common problem in many people. Often, the odour is a result of abnormal, excessive sweating also known as hyperhidrosis, usually in the armpits. This can cause both hygiene and social issues in those suffering from this condition. At The Clifford Clinic, we utilise Infini and AGNES Radiofrequency (RF) treatment to manage armpit sweat and body odour. This is a non-surgical, low-downtime treatment that provides a long-term, possibly permanent treatment to hyperhidrosis and other related ailments.
What is hyperhidrosis and how does it affect someone?
Hyperhidrosis, as mentioned before, is a medical condition causing abnormal, excessive perspiration. It is generally divided into 2 broad categories:
1. Focal hyperhidrosis
Focal hyperhidrosis is the more common of the 2. In this case, the excessive perspiration is localised, usually in the axillary regions of the body such as the armpits, groin, palm and feet. This is caused by unregulated, excessive nerve impulses from the autonomic nervous system overstimulating the sweat glands, leading to localised uncontrolled perspiration. However, medical research has not yet determined the exact cause of focal hyperhidrosis, but it appears to have some hereditary component.
2. General hyperhidrosis
General hyperhidrosis is sometimes called secondary hyperhidrosis as it is often caused by other underlying conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus, menopause and thyroid problems. In this case, the perspiration usually occurs all over the body and is not localised to certain regions.
Hyperhidrosis affects both eccrine and apocrine sweat glands in our body. The eccrine glands are the common sweat glands which secrete the regular, salty perspiration. Apocrine glands on the other hand are found in areas with plenty of hair follicles and secrete a milky substance. These secretions, when broken down by bacteria, are what produces that distinct, unpleasant body odour.
Hyperhidrosis is a hygiene concern as the excess moisture from the perspiration promotes bacterial and fungal growth, which can lead to further complications like infections. It is also a social concern as conspicuous, unsightly sweat stains can often be seen on clothing. Furthermore, the bacterial or fungal activity can produce an unpleasant odour. These can impact one’s self-confidence.
Infini and AGNES RF treatment for hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a relatively common ailment and hence there are many treatments available on the market. These may include topical medications, Botox injections and also surgery. However, most non-surgical treatments are only short-term solutions, since patients either have to be on constant medication or repeat a treatment once every year or so. On the other hand, surgery may be a permanent solution, but not everyone is willing to go under the knife. Radiofrequency (RF) treatment, however, is an effective, long-term non-surgical solution to body odour caused by hyperhidrosis.
At The Clifford Clinic, we utilise Infini and AGNES RF to treat hyperhidrosis. Fundamentally, the 2 work on the same principles. Specialised micro-needles are used to deliver precise RF energy into the target area. The RF energy causes tissue to coagulate in the dermis, damaging sweat glands in the processes. Although the basic mechanism is similar, Infini and AGNES RF each have different advantages.
What are the advantages of Infini and AGNES RF treatment?
Firstly, the microneedles used in AGNES have different configurations such as the length, number and arrangement of the pins. When treating hyperhidrosis, the F3A microneedles are used, which have a penetration depth of 4.0mm. In general, human sweat glands are found in between 3.5mm to 5mm beneath the skin surface, with an average depth of 4.0mm. This makes the AGNES with F3A needles ideal for delivering RF energy to the glands.
On the other hand, Infini RF uses microneedles that have adjustable penetration depths and doctors can make multiple passes of the same regions if needed, using different penetration depths. Hence, Infini RF allows the most accurate 3D targeting of the sweat glands.
Also, Infini and AGNES deliver RF energy at different wavelengths, and hence may have varying degrees of effectiveness in different skin types. By combining Infini and AGNES RF, we can provide a more well-rounded treatment that is effective in most, if not all skin types. The 2 treatments complement each other well when performed together producing synergistic effects to maximise coverage when damaging the sweat glands.
The treatment also targets both eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, eliminating both the excess moisture and the unpleasant odour. In most, if not all cases, the damaged sweat glands do not regenerate, allowing the treatment to have long-lasting, permanent results.
A session of Infini and AGNES RF treatment will take about 15 to 20 minutes for both underarms ( about 10 mins for each target area).
FAQ
Am I suitable for this treatment?
Infini and AGNES RF treatment is suitable for most, if not all individuals who wish to reduce underarm sweating and body odour. Our doctors will further advise on this during your consultation session.
Is the treatment painful?
Topical anaesthesia (numbing cream) will be applied prior to the treatment hence there will be minimal pain and discomfort.
When can I see results? How long do they last?
The best results are usually seen after 3 to 4 sessions in 1 to 2 months, where perspiration can be reduced by up to 70%. Some patients do report having slight results after just a week.
The results of Infini and AGNES RF are long-lasting and possibly permanent as the damaged sweat glands do not regenerate.
Is there any downtime?
There may be some redness and swelling after the treatment, but these will usually subside within 2 days.
What do I need to take note of before/after the treatment?
You should generally avoid painkillers, alcohol, tobacco products or Vitamin E containing foods and supplements both before and after your procedure to reduce bruising and swelling.