Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a common disorder which produces a lot of unhappiness. An estimated 2-3% of westerners reported to suffer from excessive sweating of the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis) or of the palms and soles of the feet (palmoplantar hyperhidrosis). Underarm problems tend to start in late adolescence, while palm and sole sweating often begins earlier, around the age 13 (on the average). Untreated, these problems may continue throughout life.
Excessive sweating is embarrassing, it stains clothes, ruins romance, and complicates business and social interactions. Severe cases excess sweat can have serious practical consequences as well, making it hard for people who suffer from it to hold a pen, grip a car steering wheel, or shake hands.
What is the cause of hyperhidrosis? Although neurologic, metabolic, and other systemic diseases can sometimes cause excessive sweating, most cases occur in people who are otherwise healthy. Heat and emotions may trigger hyperhidrosis in some, but many who suffer from hyperhidrosis sweat nearly all the time, regardless of their mood or the weather.
Botox hyperhidrosis treatment (excessive sweating) - FAQS
What is Botox and how does it work?
Botox is a very pure preparation of a protein, Botulinum toxin type A. When small doses are injected into the skin, Botox blocks the actions of the nerves that supply the eccrine glands; this prevents the glands from producing sweat. Botox blocks the nerve endings but over about 6-8 months new nerve endings grow to replace them.
What happens during treatment?
Using a very fine needle, a small amount of a solution of Botox is injected into 10 to 15 places about 1.5 - 2 cm apart and spread evenly in each area. A course of botox excessive sweating treatment (hyperhidrosis) takes about a total of 30 minutes.
By blocking the release of acetylcholine, which activates the sweat glands, botox injections can relieve excessive sweating, a life-altering procedure for those suffering from the embarrassing ailment, and were approved for use under the arm in September 2001.
Does It Hurt?
Only minimally. Because the skin of the armpit is thin, Botox hyperhidrosis treatment there is barely felt. The needles used are extremely fine, and they themselves are not felt much but the Botox injection itself stings lightly.
How quickly does it work and how long will the effects last?
You should notice some change for the better within a week of your treatment. Different people have different responses to treatment. In a clinical trials, sweat production was reduced by more than 90% in two weeks with botox hyperhidrosis treatment.
Is Botulinum Toxin Safe?
Yes, to put it quite simply. We only use botulinum toxins licensed in the UK.
Is Botulinum Toxin Not Expensive?
No, not when you consider the cost of frequent changes of clothing, deodorants etc. The cost of embarrassment and social phobia is also high.
Guaranteed Results Against Perspiration
· Protection from excessive sweating
· Eliminate perspiration
· Control body sweat within a week
· Results last 6–12 months
The treatment is NOT suitable for people with :
· secondary hyperhidrosis due to underlying disease
· neuromuscular disease (e.g. myasthenia gravis)
· Pregnancy/ Lactation
· Intake of aminoglycoside antibiotics
· severe coagulopathies
Possible side effects :
· stinging and burning during injection
· small hematomas at injection sites
· infection at injection sites
The procedure takes about 30 minutes:
Firstly you need to be happy with all the information about botox itself – its side effects and risks. The axilla is a very forgiving place to inject and there are very few complications associated with this area. There are no cosmetic blunders that can occur here.
The physician will firstly observe the area to see where the sweating occurs. This is usually quite well linked to the hair-bearing areas. If there is any doubt, a iodine starch test can be performed which clearly stains the sweat producing areas.
It is a sensitive area and this part is, in truth, a little uncomfortable – but this procedure is so effective that it is usually well worth it.
The physician will draw a grid of 1cm squares over the sweaty areas and will place a small volume of botox in each square. On average this will mean about 20 tiny injections in each axilla (a total of 50 units each side) – and that’s it.
This will not abolish sweating completely, but you should notice a dramatic reduction. Many patients don’t even use deodorant at all.
The effect should last about 6 months, but many report that they only ever need the procedure once per year
