Botox can help you with excessive sweat

Botox might be a good option if you suffer from excessive sweating and no treatment seems to work.

Botox, despite its main purpose of preventing wrinkles, is FDA-approved to treat hyperhidrosis. This is a condition in which someone sweats excessively under their arms. Botox can also be used off-label to treat other complaints such as the feet, hands and face.

Botox is focused on sweat in these areas because it’s where the most sweat glands are concentrated. Michele Green, a cosmetic dermatologist, says that this is where the sweat glands are concentrated. She explains that although Eccrine sweat glands are found throughout the body, they are concentrated in certain areas, such as the feet, palms and armpits. «When you feel overheated or exerting yourself, nerves activate sweat glands to produce sweat to cool your body.» Some people produce more sweat than others due to the above nerves (more below).

Botox can also be injected directly into the sweat glands in order to prevent this. This is a neurotransmitter which communicates with your sweat glands and causes them to produce sweat. Dr. Green says this causes decreased sweat production in the targeted areas.

Are you curious about botox for sweating. For all the details about botox for sweating, read on.

What is Botox?

Botox is one among many neuromodulators that are most commonly used to reduce wrinkle formation, according to Smita Ramanadham MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon who also founded SR Plastic Surgery. She explains that Botox is an injection containing a particular strain of botulinumtoxin, hence its name. Bo-tox.

«Botox is injected into the muscles underlying the nerves. It blocks the release of acetylcholine from the nerve and essentially interrupts its communication with the muscle. This results in weakening the muscle and decreasing the appearance of wrinkles on the skin.» she explained. It is used to treat forehead horizontal wrinkles and eleven lines, sweating, migraines, crow’s feet, and other issues. A lip flip is one of the most common «other concerns».

Is excessive sweat a common symptom?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. «This is caused by overactivity of sweat glands, leading into an excessive amount of sweating even if you’re in a cool place, not moving about, and not anxious, nervous or nervous,» Dr. Green explained. He also said that there are two types hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary.

She explains that primary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating in one part of the body (hands, underarms or feet) and has no medical cause. Secondary hyperhidrosis is also known by generalized hyperhidrosis. According to a recent study, approximately 15.3 million Americans suffer from hyperhidrosis.

What does Botox do for sweat?

Botox works in the same manner as wrinkle prevention. Once it is injected, it blocks the communication between the nerves and the sweat glands. This effectively reduces sweat production, according to Dr. Ramanadham.

She says that many people with excessive sweat have to reduce it as it can cause anxiety, sweating through or staining clothes, and general discomfort.

Is Botox approved by the FDA for use in sweat?

According to Dr. Green, Botox has been FDA approved for the treatment and prevention of sweaty armpits. She says that Botox was approved in 2004 by FDA for treating hyperhidrosis underarm. The FDA has not approved Botox for excessive sweating of the feet or hands. However, many dermatologists who are experienced have used it «off-label» and found it to be effective in reducing the sweating on the feet, hands and face.

What is the average time it takes for Botox treatment to take effect?

Dr. Green says that Botox for hyperhidrosis results are quick-acting. She clarifies that Botox can be noticed in as little as four to six days. However, the Botox’s full effect will only be apparent two weeks after injections have been administered.

What is the average time that Botox results can last?

Dr. Ramanadham says you can expect results to last at least three months. However, depending on how quickly your body processes Botox and where the injections were made, they may last up to one year.

Dr. Green recommends that patients continue the Botox Axilla treatment every six to twelve months. She adds that Botox on the hands and feet does not usually last as long as the underarms.

How do I prepare for my Botox appointment

Dr. Ramanadham says that it is important to talk to your doctor about your goals and concerns before you go to an appointment. You should be ready to talk about any medical conditions, past treatments for sweating, medications, and other information related your general health.

Dr. Green adds that you should also contact your injector to discuss any blood-thinning medications like Motrin and Aleve. Dr. Green says to avoid laser hair removal and shaving at the injection site for two days before the appointment. She also recommends wearing a short-sleeved top on the day of the injections for maximum comfort.

What are the side effects and risks?

Dr. Green states that Botox for Hyperhidrosis can cause mild side effects such as localized irritation and bruising. These are temporary and usually resolve in a few days. She says that muscle weakness, difficulty breathing and problems with bladder control are more rare side effects. Botox for Hyperhidrosis should only be administered by a board-certified, experienced physician to reduce the chance of side effects.

Another reason to visit a licensed medical professional is: Dr. Ramanadham adds that they can also talk about other options for you.

Are there other ways to reduce excessive sweating?

Botox may not be right for you. Don’t worry: There are many other methods to get rid of sweat. Dr. Green says these include antiperspirants that contain aluminum chloride, nerve-blocking drugs, anticholinergics, MiraDry and anticholinergic medications. However, there are also over-the-counter remedies such as powders and lotions that can be used to eliminate sweat.