Contributor: ……, Reviewed by Dr. Justin Harper, MD
Botox Questions For Excessive Sweating
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that causes excessive sweating. This type of sweating has no rhyme or reason and can occur at any time of the day (even if the weather isn’t hot or you aren’t exercising).
Hyperhidrosis is a common complaint that can be embarrassing and affect a person’s daily life. In these cases, over-the-counter and even prescription antiperspirants do not work well.
Hyperhidrosis affects roughly 4.8% of the United States population, which is about 15.3 million people!
Where does the condition occur?
Hyperhidrosis mostly occurs in the armpits (axillae), hands (palmar), and feet (plantar).
How Botox treats hyperhidrosis?
Botox works by blocking the nerves responsible for activating your sweat glands. When your body temperature rises, it sends a signal to your glands which release sweat to decrease your body’s temperature.
Hyperhidrosis is due to overactive signals causing a great deal of perspiration.
Botox injections in excessive sweat areas paralyze the overactive nerve signals. This decreases the visible sweating that would normally occur.
To treat hyperhidrosis, where can Botox be injected?
Botox is FDA approved to treat in armpits, but for excessive sweating, in hands and feet, it can also be used “off-label.”
How much Botox would I need to treat it?
Typically 50 to 100 units of Botox is needed to treat hyperhidrosis, but it depends on the treatment area.
For example, the armpits require a total of 100 units of Botox (50 units to each side).
What’s the feeling of Botox injections?
In a grid pattern under the skin, Botox injections performed with a fine needle. So before the treatment, clients are numbed or iced to make it more comfortable.
Some clients say the injection can feel like a mosquito bite. Treatment can take up to 20 minutes, and you can resume your day as planned right after.
How long-lasting is the treatment?
Within 5 to 7 days, you can notice sweat reduction results. For full optimal results, it takes about two weeks.
Botox effects are temporary, but they can last between 3 to 6 months, depending on the treated area. Results are subjective, and re-treatment may be needed.
Can Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis help with body odor?
Yes! Body odor, medically known as bromhidrosis, which could be a result of excessive secretion of sweat glands. Botox works by blocking the nerves of these overactive glands, and this decreases body odor along with excessive sweating that would usually occur.
