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  • Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS
  • Madison Arango, MSN, FNP-BC
  • Heather Sinclair, LE
  • Amal A. Shaban, LME

Home/Body Enhancement Treatments/Hyperhidrosis

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Hyperhidrosis

What Is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a skin condition experienced by millions of Americans. The chronic problem is characterized by excessive sweating, or sweating more than is required for normal temperature regulation of the body. It affects the areas of the body with the highest concentration of sweat glands, such as the underarms, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. Patients who suffer from excessive sweating under the arms, or axillary hyperhidrosis, can be great candidates for treatment with BOTOX® injections.

What Causes Excessive Sweating?

Excessive sweating is caused by overactive sympathetic nerves to the sweat glands. There are two classifications of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary (or focal) hyperhidrosis involves excessive sweating of specific areas such as the underarms and is usually not associated with an underlying medical condition. Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, involves generalized excessive sweating throughout the body that is due to an underlying illness.

How Is Hyperhidrosis Treated?

BOTOX (botulinum toxin type A) is an FDA-approved approach to treat focal hyperhidrosis of the underarms. The treatment has been shown to decrease sweating by 82-87% in the underarms. Patients who experience axillary hyperhidrosis that interferes with their daily activities are often good candidates for BOTOX injections. Many patients who decide to proceed with BOTOX have attempted non-invasive treatment options with prescription-strength antiperspirants and have had no relief of symptoms. Treatment with BOTOX can inhibit the overactive nerves that cause excessive sweating, causing the problem to temporarily subside.

What Can Expect in My BOTOX Injections for Hyperhidrosis?

Before the procedure, a topical anesthetic is placed under the arms for 20-30 minutes for maximum comfort. Your aesthetic professional will then inject the BOTOX subdermally via a very small needle throughout the axillary area. A series of injections are given to ensure coverage of the entire area.

What Side Effects Are Associated with BOTOX for Hyperhidrosis?

Common side effects of BOTOX for hyperhidrosis include redness and bruising from the actual needle punctures, but these usually subside within one to two days after treatment. BOTOX is considered a safe treatment for excessive sweating. Although it inhibits sweating in the underarms, this area has a small percentage of the body’s sweat glands and, therefore, does not interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself.

How Long Does It Take BOTOX for Hyperhidrosis to Work?

The BOTOX injections take effect approximately 5 to 7 days after treatment. Since BOTOX only offers temporary relief from your hyperhidrosis, however, you will need to return for repeat treatments to prolong its effects. BOTOX typically lasts 4 to 6 months, at which point patients may find they return to their previous level of perspiration. Many patients receive treatment twice per year for full coverage.

How Much Does BOTOX for Hyperhidrosis Cost?

The cost of BOTOX injections for both underarms averages about $1,000. The total you can expect to pay will depend on the size of the area being treated and how often you choose to get treatment. Our team will provide you with a personalized cost quote prior to your BOTOX procedure to help you budget for your care. If you are interested in breaking your total BOTOX cost into smaller, more manageable payments, our team at the Dermlounge accepts multiple financing options and can talk to you more about these plans during your consultation.

Please contact us to make an appointment with our skin care professionals to find out if you are a candidate.