When severe sweating gets in the way of daily activities and antiperspirants are not working, you may be a suitable candidate for Botulinum toxin treatment (BOTOX ®). The commonest areas to be affected are the underarms, scalp, forehead, hands, and feet.
about Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) & treatment
When this condition develops during childhood or after puberty, it is usually primary hyperhidrosis, which does not have a specific cause. Secondary hyperhidrosis is usually triggered by a condition, like pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, obesity, menopause, or even anxiety.
BOTOX ® is a natural, purified protein with the ability to temporarily block the secretion of the chemical that is responsible for activating the body's sweat glands. By blocking, or interrupting, this chemical messenger, BOTOX ® "turns off" sweating at the area where it has been injected. BOTOX ® injections are very superficial, meaning that the medicine is injected just below the surface of the skin, where it remains.
“This can be a life-changing treatment for some people who are crippled by the embarrassment of excessive sweating.”
the treatment process
Consultation
Dr Fitzgerald will first take a full medical history from you to determine whether there may be any underlying causes.
Treatment
The treatment takes about 20 minutes and involves several superficial injections to the affected area with a tiny needle. If desired, numbing cream may be used for 30 minutes beforehand, but most patients find that this is not usually necessary.
Follow up.
The effect starts to kick in at 2-3 days, and continues to develop over 2 weeks. At that time, you will be asked to come back for a review to check that the results are optimal. If necessary a small ‘top-up’ may be administered at that time, free of charge.
How long before I see results?
The effect starts to kick in at 2-3 days, and continues to develop over 2 weeks.
How long does BOTOX® for sweating last?
The effects of BOTOX ® for excessive sweating last from 3-14 months. The longevity of the treatment varies considerably from person to person. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict beforehand whether it will be you who is one of the lucky individuals that only needs to have the treatment once a year.
but isn’t it important for the body to sweat?
Sweating is an essential body function for temperature-control. However, localized body areas (such as those treated) only house a small percentage of the body's sweat glands. The underarms, for instance, are home to fewer than 2% of the body’s sweat glands. The temporary inhibition of these sweat glands' functioning, therefore, has little impact on body thermoregulation. Compensatory sweating has not been found to be a concern – ie sweating from other body parts to ‘make up the difference’. This is a benefit of treating hyperhidrosis in this gentler way, as compensatory sweating is common after more invasive surgical treatments for sweating.
enquire & book
Start with a no-obligation consultation.
related treatments
BOTOX®, as well as Azzalure® (another anti-wrinkle treatment drug) are also used for smoothing wrinkles on the face.
