Laser sweat treatment was available at The Whiteley Clinic for more than a decade. During this time, the procedure helped restore confidence for hundreds of patients living with the physical and emotional burden of excessive underarm sweating.

In later years, while laser sweat ablation remained a recognised long-term option, it was increasingly replaced by miraDry®, a non-invasive treatment offering permanent sweat reduction with greater convenience and minimal recovery time.

The Development of the Technique from Argentina to the UK

In 2008, Professor Mark Whiteley travelled to Buenos Aires to learn from Dr Blugerman, a plastic surgeon who had been perfecting a method called sub-dermal laser ablation (SDLA) for over a decade. Inspired by its remarkable success, Professor Whiteley therefore brought the idea back to Britain. On 5 March 2009, he subsequently performed the country’s very first laser sweat treatment at The Whiteley Clinic in Guildford.

The pioneering operation attracted immediate interest. The BBC featured it in a dedicated health report, which can still be read today on the BBC website.

How Laser Sweat Treatment Works

Laser Sweat Ablation (LSA) is, in fact, a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthetic.

Generally, it takes about an hour to complete.

• Two tiny incisions are made in the armpit.


• The dermis, identified as the middle layer of the skin, is meticulously separated from the fat beneath.


• The sweat glands are removed by suction.


• Finally, a fine laser fibre is passed down a patented Whiteley cannula to destroy any remaining glands and prevent regrowth.

Because the treatment notably directly targets and effectively removes sweat glands, it consequently provides a much more permanent solution than surface-level approaches.

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Patient Experiences Restoring Confidence

The very first patient, Richard Brydon, was in fact a restaurant manager. He vividly recalled how underarm sweating made him feel self-conscious while leaning over tables to serve guests. As a result, social events and even clothing choices became significantly difficult for him. Following laser sweat treatment, he reported a dramatic change in his life.

Another patient, Sophie, underwent the procedure in 2009. Sixteen years later, She therefore describes it as truly life-changing. She explained how she can now wear grey clothes with confidence, no longer needs multiple deodorants, and has, as a result, enjoyed freedom from the constant worry of visible sweat patches.

Such accounts illustrate the typical results observed at The Whiteley Clinic. The majority of patients indicate that their underarm sweating has diminished to virtually imperceptible levels following laser sweat treatment.

Why Choose Laser Sweat Treatment Instead of Botox?

For many years, Botox injections were, in fact, the standard option for underarm sweating. However, the results are, unfortunately, temporary. As a result, patients usually need repeat injections every six to twelve months, which can become both costly and inconvenient.

In contrast, laser sweat treatment, undeniably, offers a long-lasting solution. By removing and destroying the sweat glands, the improvement is usually permanent. Patients describe it as a one-time procedure that ends years of discomfort.

Read More: Stop under arm sweating with LSA

Benefits and Risks Explained

Like any medical procedure, LSA has both advantages and possible risks.

Benefits include:

• Permanent reduction of underarm sweating.


• The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic with no need for a hospital stay.


• Patients undergo a rapid recovery process, with most returning to their usual activities within just a few days.


• Improved self-confidence and quality of life.

Possible risks are:

• Mild bruising or swelling for a few days.


• Temporary numbness may occur in the treated area.


• Rarely, small patches of residual sweating if some glands remain.

The Whiteley Clinic has refined the technique through years of research to maximise results and minimise side effects.

From Laser Sweat Treatment to miraDry®, the Modern Solution for Underarm Sweating

For over a decade, Laser Sweat Treatment at The Whiteley Clinic offered hundreds of patients a life-changing solution for excessive underarm sweating, restoring confidence and freeing them from the physical and emotional burden of visible sweat. Over time, however, medical advancements have introduced miraDry®, a non-invasive and permanent alternative that eliminates sweat and odour glands with minimal discomfort and no surgery. Unlike laser sweat ablation, miraDry® often requires only one or two sessions to achieve lasting results, providing patients with immediate reduction in sweating and long-term freedom from worry. If you want to learn more about the miraDry® treatment and book a consultation, visit miraDry® Treatment page.