Is Botox considered a good option for under-arm sweating?

Botox is usually considered when topical treatments such as antiperspirants, and medications have been unsuccessful. (Botox is only safe when effective in treating small areas and is therefore not a viable option for treating generalized hyperhidrosis.) Excessive sweating can have a debilitating effect on a person’s confidence and mental state, not to mention clothing. If your sweating has become an issue that is effecting your quality of life, this is a treatment you should definitely look into.

How does Botox treat sweat-glands?

In order to produce sweat, a chemical messenger is sent to the nerves that meet your sweat glands, turning them On. Botox prevents this situation by blocking the chemical messenger from reaching the sweat gland. Without the chemical message, the treated glands cannot produce sweat.

As your body metabolizes the Botox, your sweating will eventually return to normal. (Usually, in about 6-12 months.)

Does it really work?

Yes! It’s been FDA-approved in the United States for over 10-years, and medical studies and patient testimonials have confirmed that Botox reduces sweating and improves lifestyle. Botox is not a permanent cure for hyperhidrosis. As the Botox wears off, your sweating will slowly return. It is recommended to receive touch-up treatments as needed in order to maximize the longevity of your results.

How long until I see results?

It can take up to a week for the Botox to start working properly. Many people may notice results sooner than that, but it is important not to expect a miraculous sweat disappearance right away.

Is there downtime with a hyperhidrosis treatment?

In most cases, there is no downtime from Botox treatments for hyperhidrosis. As with any Botox treatment, you should not massage nor apply pressure to the treated area. Additionally, for the first few hours after your injections, you should try to avoid strenuous activity. The treatment site may be a little sore and small bruises can form, but these symptoms will go away within a day or two.

Some patients may experience initial muscle weakness with this treatment, but that also goes away quickly.

Occasionally, this Botox treatment can cause flu-like symptoms, tiredness, or arm and neck aches. These symptoms are rare, and temporary, if any of these issues should disappear in a few days.

There are no severely uncomfortable sensations or effects which would affect your daily life, and complications are rare.

What is the treatment like?

Ideally, you should arrive for your appointment with freshly-shaven under-arms. You will have a consultation before the treatment so to determine exactly where your sweating occurs at its worst. Your under-arms will be thoroughly cleansed to sterilize the area before any injections are given.

Finally, you will be injected with a very fine needle which will introduce the Botox to the targeted area. Each armpit will receive around fifteen injections, and the entire process takes approximately 30-45 minutes.