Brella SweatControl Patch for excessive underarm sweating

At a glance

Mechanism of action

The Brella patch contains a sodium-based alkali layer that generates a controlled exothermic reaction at the skin surface. The thermal effect penetrates to the dermal sweat gland layer, reducing gland function. The cooling and dosing of the patch is calibrated so the procedure is brief and the thermal injury is targeted.

FDA clearance and indication

Brella holds FDA 510(k) clearance for primary excessive underarm sweating. The clearance is based on substantial equivalence and a pivotal study program. The procedure is performed in-office and is repeated as the sweat-reduction effect wanes.

Treatment course

A Brella session is short — the patch is in contact with the underarm skin for approximately three to four minutes per side. Most patients are in and out of the office in under 30 minutes including preparation. The procedure can be repeated; the cadence varies by patient and target reduction level.

What to expect post-procedure

Common post-procedure findings: mild-to-moderate erythema, sometimes vesicle formation that resolves over days, transient tenderness. The skin reaction is typically less involved than miraDry's because Brella's energy delivery is briefer and at lower total dose. Strenuous arm activity is typically OK within a few days.

Outcomes and durability

Brella's clinical program reports gravimetric and HDSS reductions in the SAHARA pivotal trial. Because Brella's effect is less durable than miraDry's, repeat treatments may be needed to maintain reduction. The tradeoff is a shorter individual session against a shorter durability window.

Practical considerations

• • Next step: in-office patch application
• • Frequency: 3-4 minute sessions per axilla; repeat as needed
• • Cost class: per-session pricing varies; cumulative cost depends on session count
• • Supervision: trained clinician administration
• • Region: underarm ONLY (FDA clearance scope)

Side effects and reasons this may not be safe for you

• • Application-site erythema and tenderness (typical)
• • Vesicle or blister formation that resolves over days
• • Transient hyperpigmentation possible
• • No compensatory sweating
• • Less skin-trauma profile than miraDry

Compare this option

• Compare: botox vs brella →
• Compare: miradry vs brella →

Governed citations

Numbers and approved uses on this page link back to their sources governed in anna-pipeline. Each entry below is a packet bound to this treatment.

Frequently asked

How is Brella different from miraDry?

Both target underarm sweat glands for durable reduction, but the mechanisms and treatment burden differ. miraDry uses focused microwave energy over a 1-hour session, typically 1-2 sessions; Brella uses targeted alkali thermolysis in a 3-4 minute patch session repeated as needed. miraDry's effect is typically more durable per session; Brella's individual sessions are shorter and lower-burden. The /compare/miradry-vs-brella page details the tradeoffs.

Does Brella hurt?

The skin reaction during and immediately after application is described as a warming or burning sensation. Most patients tolerate the procedure with skin numbing alone; the brevity (3-4 minutes) limits the discomfort window. Post-procedure tenderness is mild.

Can Brella be used for hand or excessive foot sweating?

Brella is FDA-cleared for underarm use only. The skin anatomy and gland distribution on the hands and feet differ enough that the procedure as designed is not transferable. Hand and foot disease use iontophoresis, Botox, and other options.

Reading paths

• Check your severity with the HDSS calculator →
• Body regions →
• How claims are governed →

When this treatment is usually considered