Why Am I Sweating So Much? Botox For Hyperhidrosis
Sweating is a normal part of human life. We sweat when we exercise, when we’re nervous, or when it’s just stinkin’ hot outside…
But when you sweat a lot for no good reason, it can be frustrating, embarrassing, and a big stressor in your life. You’ve probably ruined numerous shirts with those yellow underarm sweat stains. Maybe you carry around a handkerchief just to wipe down your face throughout the day. Clammy hands and stinky feet are also some woes of excessive sweating.
Whatever area of your body is prone to excess sweating, it’s a nuisance.
Excessive sweating is no picnic, that’s for sure. But there’s a solution for your sticky problem that you may or may not have heard of: Botox.
That’s right. The famous anti-aging, wrinkle-busting injection can be used to get your super sweats under control – here’s how.
What is Hyperhidrosis
Most people’s sweat glands start producing sweat when their body temperature goes up (ie. working out, being in a warm room, increased stress or nervousness). Sweating is an essential function of the body as it keeps us from overheating. However, those with hyperhidrosis have overactive sweat glands. This leads to either the body sweating too much when its temperature increases or sweating when it shouldn’t be sweating at all.
One of the most common areas that people with hyperhidrosis see excessive sweat production is the underarms – yup, those sweaty armpits can be a real drag! Other areas include the face and head, the feet, and the palms.
How does Botox for Sweating Work?
Botox is a neuromodulator, which means that the neurotransmitter released in the injections effectively blocks the release of moisture from the sweat glands. The nerves that are overproducing sweat are basically paralyzed when Botox is injected. The blocked nerves can’t send signals to the sweat glands, meaning sweat isn’t released. Voila! No more excessive sweat.
While Botox has been FDA approved for use only in cases where the patient sweats excessively under the arms, it has also been known to be effective at kicking sweat problems on other areas of the body that see excessive moisture.
What Areas of the Body Can Botox Treat for Sweating
Hands/Palms – One study found that Botox can help reduce underarm sweat by 50%.
Face – Some research has found Botox to be successful at reducing “craniofacial” sweating.
Feet – One study performed on juvenile patients showed an almost 3 in 4 success rate in reducing “plantar hyperhidrosis” with Botox.
Benefits of Botox for Hyperhidrosis
One of the biggest benefits of being treated by top Botox injectors in Woodbury, MN for hyperhidrosis is that it is a minimally invasive procedure. Some other treatment options for excessive sweating include the removal of sweat glands or portions of the nerves. These are more invasive procedures with higher risk and longer recovery.
Botox injections also have less side effects than other treatments for hyperhidrosis that are considered minimally or non-invasive. For example, prescription creams and medications like antidepressants have been known to reduce sweating under the arms in some cases, but these can often come along with unpleasant side effects that neurotoxins don’t cause.
How Long After Treatment Will I Stop Sweating
The sweat-kicking results of Botox injections aren’t apparent immediately. The first signs of the effects may be seen a few days after treatment, but full benefits will take effect up to 2 weeks after treatment.
How Long Will Results Last?
Unfortunately, Botox treatments – whether they’re for combatting wrinkles or excessive sweating – are not permanent. Maybe one day a Botox formula will be longer lasting, but right now, results last between 7 and 16 months before treatment needs to be repeated.
Aftercare for Under Arm Botox
There is no downtime after Botox treatments, even for underarms, and you can return to your normal activities right away. You may experience some tenderness around the treated area for a day or two and providers typically recommend that you avoid using deodorant or perfumed products on your underarms for up to 24 hours post-treatment. This helps to avoid any irritation at the injection sites. For this reason, you should also avoid hot baths and any intense exercise that may cause sweating under the arms.
Ready to Kick Excessive Sweating to the Curb in Woodbury, MN?
If you’ve had quite enough of the unpleasant and embarrassing effects of your hyperhidrosis, you’ve come to the right place. The Med Spa in Woodbury, Minnesota is ready to help you get rid of the excessive sweat that’s been annoying you for years. Give us a call or book an appointment to find out more about Botox for hyperhidrosis, and you can even find out more about our other amazing aesthetic treatments!