Treating Hyperhidrosis with BOTOX®

BOTOX® For Excessive Sweating

We all sweat. It’s part of being human and how our bodies regulate our temperature. However, some people produce more sweat than necessary and can become problematic, embarrassing or just downright uncomfortable! In some cases, the excessive sweating is concentrated in one area of the body, this is commonly called, Hyperhidrosis. The most common areas of hyperhidrosis are the scalp, underarms, hands, feet and groin area.

How is Botox® used to treat Hyperhidrosis?

Botox® works by using the botulinum toxin to block nerve signals that are responsible for sweating. This stops the glands from producing excess amounts of sweat. “The underarms, in particular, respond well. Sweat glands on the hands and feet also respond well to Botox® injections, but patients tend to find the injections themselves more painful on the hands and feet because there are more nerve endings there.” - Dermatologist Lori Fiessinger, MD.

What results can I expect? How many treatments will I need?

“Botox® has been shown to result in an 82-87% decrease in sweating. Results start to be noticeable approximately 2 to 4 days after treatment with the full effects usually noted within 2 weeks. Dryness typically lasts 4 to 12 months, but some studies have found it can last as long as 14 months.” (https://www.sweathelp.org/hyperhidrosis-treatments/botox.html)

Some people have wondered if they will begin sweating in other parts of the body after they begin treatment with Botox®. We are happy to say that compensatory sweating has not been found to be a concern from these treatments.

Typically treatments are needed every 4-6 months, as the nerves regenerate. However, over time patients have seen they are able to go longer between treatments.

What does the procedure entail?

A numbing cream is first applied to the treatment area about 15 minutes before injections. The affected area will be cleaned and then the Physician will make many small injections of Botox®. Typically this procedure takes 10 minutes to do.

What can I expect after the first treatment?

Swelling, bruising and tenderness of the injected area is possible after the procedure but is usually minor.

Know before you go:

Before your treatment, we suggest you do not shave the area being injected. 3-4 days of hair growth is best before injections. Botox® treatments are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, as well as people with a history of neuromuscular disorders.

How much down time is there?

This treatment requires relatively little time. You can go right back to doing your normal routine. We do recommend to refrain from any intensive exercise or the using a sauna on the day of the injections.

Ready to book your appointment? Call us at 415.409.6500!

Works cited:

https://www.mhealth.org/blog/2019/jan-2019/botox-for-excessive-sweating-how-does-it-work

https://www.sweathelp.org/hyperhidrosis-treatments/botox.html

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20040720/botox-approved-for-severe-underarm-sweating

https://www.scsphysicians.com/what-to-know-about-botox-for-hyperhidrosis/

To learn more, contact our San Francisco office and call us at 415.409.6500.