Botox for Hyperhidrosis
Axillary hyperhidrosis, more commonly known as severe underarm sweating, is a medical condition in which the sweat glands become overactive. We sweat to help regulate body temperature, but hyperhidrosis causes some people to sweat more than necessary – even when it’s not hot. Often, antiperspirants do not work well enough to control hyperhidrosis, leaving men and women feeling self-conscious about their excessive sweating.
What’s the Solution?
Botox® is a proven, widely recognized treatment for the symptoms of hyperhidrosis, becoming FDA-approved in 2004. When topical solutions fail, Botox can be injected under the armpits to temporarily block nerve signals to the sweat glands. As a result, patients experience reduced sweating.
During the procedure, about 50 units of Botox are injected into each armpit. Patients can expect to see small changes within two to four days and a noticeable difference within two weeks. As each body reacts differently to the treatment, the length of your results may vary. Typically, Botox blocks the secretion of sweat under the armpits for three to six months.
Treatment is not permanent but recurrent injections can help keep hyperhidrosis symptoms under control. However, results can fade faster due to exercise and stress that accelerates the body’s metabolic response to Botox.
Is Botox Safe?
Botox is a safe and effective treatment of hyperhidrosis in people 18 years and older. Common side effects include mild bruising or discomfort at the injection site but in clinical trials, these reactions quickly resolved. To determine if Botox is right for you, talk to your doctor about any medical problems or recent surgeries. Botox should not be used anywhere other than the armpits to reduce excessive sweating.