🎯 1-Minute Walk from Ikebukuro Station｜Underarm Odor Treatment Specialist Clinic｜IC Clinic Ikebukuro
You don’t have to face underarm odor concerns alone — consult a specialist physician today! Conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station East Exit, we are here to propose the treatment approach that is right for you.
🏆 Five Reasons to Choose IC Clinic Ikebukuro
Just a 1-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station East Exit. Our convenient location makes it easy to visit on your way home from work or while running errands, and we have helped many patients with underarm odor treatment. Here is why so many people choose our clinic.
💡 Highlights
📌 Three treatment options suited to different severity levels
📌 Thorough consultations by a board-certified plastic surgeon
📌 Same-day treatment available upon request
📌 Fully private rooms for complete privacy
📌 Post-treatment follow-up system for peace of mind after your procedure
🔸 [Reason 1] Three treatment options suited to different severity levels
From botox injections, miraDry, and the excision method (insurance coverage may apply), we will propose the treatment approach that best fits your symptom severity and lifestyle.
🔸 [Reason 2] Thorough consultations by a board-certified plastic surgeon
A physician with extensive experience in underarm odor treatment will objectively assess the degree of odor. We welcome consultations even at the stage of “I’m not sure whether I have axillary osmidrosis.”
🔸 [Reason 3] Same-day treatment available
Following your consultation, if you wish, you may be able to receive a botox injection on the same day. We can accommodate last-minute scheduling needs as flexibly as possible.
🔸 [Reason 4] Fully private rooms for complete privacy
Because this is a sensitive concern, everything from your consultation to your treatment takes place in a fully private room. You can discuss your concerns without worrying about being overheard.
🔸 [Reason 5] Post-treatment follow-up system
If you notice any symptoms or have questions after your procedure, follow-up visits are available at no additional charge. We are here to support you even after your treatment is complete.
🔍 Not Sure If You Have Axillary Osmidrosis? | Self-Check and Physician Diagnosis
Even if you suspect you may have axillary osmidrosis, odor can be difficult to assess on your own. Use the self-check items below to first get a sense of your current situation.
🚨 [Four Signs That May Indicate Axillary Osmidrosis]
✅ Moist earwax (caramel-like or sticky in texture)
✅ Yellowing tends to occur around the underarm area of white shirts or underwear
✅ One or both parents have axillary osmidrosis
✅ When sweating, you notice a distinctive odor (often described as sulfur-like, spicy, or similar to onions)
If several of these items apply to you, there is a possibility of axillary osmidrosis. However, an accurate diagnosis is difficult through self-assessment alone, so if you are concerned, we recommend seeking an objective diagnosis from a physician.
At our clinic, we diagnose the presence and severity of axillary osmidrosis through a medical interview and a gauze test (a test in which gauze is placed in the underarm to assess odor). In some cases, the result is that a patient does not have axillary osmidrosis, so please do not hesitate to come in for a consultation rather than continuing to worry.
🦠 Why Does Axillary Osmidrosis Occur? Our Physicians Explain the Causes and Mechanisms
Axillary osmidrosis is caused by sweat secreted from the apocrine glands in the underarms. This sweat contains components such as fatty acids and ammonia, and when broken down by bacteria that naturally live on the skin, it produces the characteristic odor.
💡 [Three Contributing Factors in the Development of Axillary Osmidrosis]
🧬 ① Genetic Factors (the Most Significant Influence)
The number and size of apocrine glands are determined by genetics. If one parent has axillary osmidrosis, there is approximately a 50% chance of passing it on; if both parents have the condition, the likelihood rises to around 80%.
⚡ ② Changes in Hormonal Balance
During puberty, when sex hormone secretion becomes more active, the apocrine glands develop and enlarge, which is why axillary osmidrosis commonly first appears at this stage. This is also why, even in people who are born with a higher number of apocrine glands, symptoms typically do not appear until puberty.
🍔 ③ The Influence of Lifestyle Habits
Stress, lack of physical activity, and a diet high in fatty or heavily spiced foods can increase apocrine gland activity and intensify odor. However, addressing the root cause through lifestyle changes alone is generally difficult.
Axillary osmidrosis is estimated to affect approximately 10% of the Japanese population, and there are many cases where individuals are unaware they have the condition. If you are concerned about the impact on those around you, early action is advisable.
📋 Choosing the Right Treatment by Severity Level
The most appropriate treatment option for axillary osmidrosis varies depending on the severity of symptoms. At our clinic, we assess severity level using the criteria below and propose a suitable treatment accordingly.
📌 [Mild] Odor noticeable only when the nose is brought close to the area
→ ✨ Botox injections or antiperspirant products can be effective
📌 [Moderate] Odor detectable by others when in close proximity or in an enclosed space
→ ⚡ miraDry treatment is recommended
📌 [Severe] Odor clearly noticeable even from a distance
→ 🏥 The excision method (surgery) as a fundamental treatment is the first choice
Many people are unsure which level applies to them, but an objective assessment is possible through a physician’s diagnosis, so please feel free to come in for a consultation.
💊 Three Underarm Odor Treatments Available at Our Clinic | Comparing Features, Effects, and Costs
IC Clinic Ikebukuro offers three types of underarm odor treatment. Please compare the features of each and choose the approach that best suits your needs.
💉 Treatment Option ①: Botox Injections | A Convenient Treatment to Start With
🎯 Recommended for: Those who want to try something accessible first, those who want to temporarily reduce sweating, or those who only need management during summer
Botox injections involve injecting botulinum toxin into the underarm area to temporarily suppress the nerve activity responsible for sweat secretion. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and involves minimal downtime.
Effects typically last around 4 to 6 months and are not long-lasting, but this treatment is well suited to those who want to “try it first” or “reduce sweating only during summer.” Because the apocrine glands themselves are not removed, the effect on odor is limited; however, reducing the amount of sweat can help indirectly lessen odor.
⚡ Treatment Option ②: miraDry | Non-Surgical Treatment with Long-Lasting Results
🎯 Recommended for: Those who want to avoid scarring, those seeking long-lasting results, or those who want to keep downtime to a minimum
miraDry works by applying microwave energy to the skin surface to destroy the sweat glands using heat. No incision is required, so there is no scarring, and because the destroyed sweat glands do not regenerate, a single treatment session may provide long-lasting results.
The procedure takes approximately 60 minutes for both underarms. Local anesthesia is administered, so discomfort during the procedure is minimal. Some swelling and redness may occur after the treatment, but these typically settle within a few days to about one week. As patients can return to their daily routine the following day, this treatment is also popular among those who find it difficult to take time off work.
🏥 Treatment Option ③: Excision Method (Surgery) | Fundamental Treatment for Severe Axillary Osmidrosis
🎯 Recommended for: Those with severe axillary osmidrosis who wish to address the root cause, or those who prefer a treatment covered by insurance
The excision method involves making a small incision of several centimetres in the underarm skin so the physician can directly visualise and remove the apocrine glands. Because the glands are removed directly, this approach can provide a high degree of improvement.
When severe axillary osmidrosis is diagnosed, insurance coverage may apply, which is a significant benefit in terms of cost. However, the underarm area will need to be immobilised for approximately one week after surgery, and there is a possibility of scarring, so please consider your lifestyle and preferences when deciding whether this treatment is right for you.
❓ Before You Start Treatment | Answers to Common Questions and Concerns
Here we answer the questions we frequently receive from those considering underarm odor treatment for the first time.
❓ Q. I’m not sure whether I have axillary osmidrosis. Can I still come in for an examination?
💡 A. Of course. We receive many consultations from people who are at the stage of “I think I might have axillary osmidrosis.” A physician will provide an objective diagnosis, so if you are concerned, please come in for an appointment.
❓ Q. Is treatment painful?
💡 A. All of our treatments are performed under local anesthesia, so discomfort during the procedure is minimal. You may feel a brief sting from the anesthetic injection itself.
❓ Q. When can I return to my normal daily routine after treatment?
💡 A. After botox injections, you can resume your normal activities immediately; after miraDry, the following day. The excision method requires approximately one week of rest.
❓ Q. Can the condition recur?
💡 A. With miraDry and the excision method, the sweat glands themselves are destroyed or removed, so recurrence at the treated site is uncommon. Because the effect of botox is temporary, periodic treatments are required.
❓ Q. Can I have treatment without others noticing?
💡 A. Botox and miraDry leave no scarring, so there is no need to worry about others noticing. With the excision method, the incision is made along the natural crease of the underarm, so it tends to be in an inconspicuous position.
✨ Managing Underarm Odor Starting Today | Interim Measures While Awaiting Treatment
While waiting for treatment, or to help alleviate mild symptoms, the following self-care approaches can be helpful.
🚨 [Measures That Can Provide Prompt Relief]
💧 ① Wipe away sweat regularly
As soon as you perspire, wipe the area with a clean towel or body wipe. Removing sweat before it is broken down by bacteria on the skin can help reduce odor.
✨ ② Use antiperspirant deodorant products
Roll-on and cream types, among others, tend to be effective due to their close contact with the underarm. Products containing aluminum chloride are considered to have a strong antiperspirant effect.
🪒 ③ Remove underarm hair
Underarm hair can trap sweat and cause moisture build-up. Hair removal or depilation makes it easier to keep the area clean.
🍎 [Reviewing Your Lifestyle Habits]
Diets high in fatty foods or strong spices tend to intensify odor. In addition, developing a habit of regular physical activity so that the body sweats regularly can help prevent waste products from accumulating, which may contribute to reducing odor.
⚠️ Please Note!
These self-care measures are symptomatic approaches only and do not address the underlying cause of axillary osmidrosis. If you are concerned about your symptoms, we encourage you to consult a specialist physician as soon as possible.
👨⚕️ Clinical Trends at Our Clinic [Physician Comment]
From Dr. Kota Takakuwa (Attending Physician)
The majority of patients at our clinic are in their 20s and 30s, and consultations tend to increase by around 30% from spring through summer. We also see many patients who come in at the stage of “I’m not sure whether I have axillary osmidrosis.” An objective diagnosis allows us to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, so please feel free to reach out to us.
🚉 Getting Here from Ikebukuro Station | IC Clinic Ikebukuro
IC Clinic Ikebukuro is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station East Exit.
🚇 [Directions]
Exit through the East Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station and walk approximately 1 minute toward Meiji-dori Avenue. We are located on the ● floor of the building with a shop on the ground floor.
⏰ [Opening Hours]
Weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays: 10:00–19:00
※ Appointment required
We have created an environment where you can visit us on your way home from work or while running errands. Because underarm odor is a sensitive concern, convenience matters too. Our clinic features fully private rooms to protect your privacy, so please feel welcome to visit us.
📝 Start with a Free Consultation | Book Your Appointment Here
You don’t have to face underarm odor concerns alone — please consult a specialist. At our clinic, our free consultation covers everything from diagnosis to a detailed explanation of your treatment options.
✨ “I want to find out whether I really have axillary osmidrosis.”
✨ “I want to know which treatment is right for me.”
If these thoughts sound familiar, please feel free to book an appointment. Our experienced physicians will propose a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and wishes.
Online bookings are accepted 24 hours a day. Simply choose your preferred date and time to apply.
