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Botox has always been a popular procedure to treat wrinkles and improve their appearance in many areas, including the face. However, Botox is now widely used as a treatment for excessive sweating. Many individuals struggle with this issue, and try many techniques to fix it without avail, this issue has caused them to feel embarrassment and put them in many inconvenient situations. Botox provides a solution to solve the issue of excessive sweating and works in a different way than it does for facial wrinkles.
But is Botox for sweating as effective as other types of Botox treatments? Is it limited to treating excessive underarm sweat or are there other areas that can be treated by it? To answer all your questions, let’s first introduce you to what Botox for sweating is and then explain how it works. If you struggle with excessive sweating, Botox might be the solution! Let’s get started…
Botox injections for sweating
Many suffer from excessive sweating, it is a bothersome medical condition characterized by sweating even in normal conditions, without being affected by external factors such as extreme temperatures or strenuous physical activity. This condition is also known as hyperhidrosis.
According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, sweating is as vital as breathing, as the human body contains over 2 million sweat glands distributed throughout various body parts and they are highly concentrated in the armpits, palms, forehead, and soles of the feet. Additionally, one in five adolescents suffers from uncontrollable excessive sweating.
It is also reported by the International Hyperhidrosis Society that Botox injections help reduce underarm sweating by 82-87%. The effects of the injections can last anywhere from 6 to 14 months, depending on the individual’s condition. However, patients may need to receive repeated injections of Botox to effectively reduce sweat.
The reasons behind excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Causes for excessive sweating vary and they include:
- Genetic factors.
- Hot flashes and changes associated with menopause.
- Certain medications, such as pain killers, antidepressants, hormones, and diabetes medications.
- Various hormonal factors such as hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Nervous system disorders.
- Certain types of cancer.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes and coronary heart disease.
- Anxiety and stress.
- Obesity.
- Acromegaly.
Types of hyperhidrosis
Sweating is divided into two types, when we know the cause of sweating, we can determine the appropriate treatment method. The types of sweating are:
Focal Hyperhidrosis
Focal hyperhidrosis appears at an early age, typically during adolescence. It’s believed to be hereditary. Since there are no specific reasons or fixed causes for this type, it cannot be treated by any way. However, Botox injections can be an effective treatment for excessive sweating for up to 12 months when performed by a medical professional.
Generalized Hyperhidrosis
Generalized hyperhidrosis is not limited to a specific age. Symptoms can start to appear at any time. When treating this type, it’s crucial to diagnose the underlying cause to determine the appropriate treatment and thereby preventing the resulting excessive sweating. This could be due to the previously mentioned causes such as obesity, diabetes, or other conditions.
It’s necessary to consult a specialized dermatologist to identify the problem and cause, to provide the most suitable treatment options for your specific condition.
Benefits of Botox injections for excessive sweating
Botox injections for excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis offer many benefits, including:
- Quick & effective long lasting results.
- Non-surgical procedure for individuals who do not favor surgery.
- Restoring self confidence.
- Approved by the JFDA, Jordan Food & Drug Administration.
- Very mild pain when injected.
- Remarkable results compared to surgery.
- You can resume your daily activities quickly after the injection procedure.
- The procedure is short as it only takes from 15 to 20 minutes.
Botox Injection Sites for Excessive Sweating
In addition to the underarms, Botox injections for excessive sweating can be administered in many areas, such as:
- Thighs.
- Face.
- Nose.
- Palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
- Under the breasts.
- Feet.
- Back.
- Buttocks.
- Head.
- Forehead.
Mechanism of Action of Botox Injections for Sweating
Botox injection is a non-surgical, easy and simple procedure, its properties can also help in treating health problems. It can be performed on many sites such as the armpits, palms, and other areas that will be mentioned later in the article.
The injection area is numbed with a local anesthetic for approximately one to one and a half hours, or by applying ice to the skin. After that, a very small needle is injected by the doctor or specialist, after the injection areas have been marked with ink. This procedure may cause the appearance of slight bruising and swelling, results usually appear within 2-5 days after, with the possibility of full appearance after about two weeks. The number of injections may be around 20, but it varies from one person to another. All activities can be resumed after the Botox procedure.
Botox injections work by reducing muscle movement and weakening the thyroid gland in the injected area, consequently reducing the secretion rate of the glands. It is important to note that the effect of the injection, especially in treating excessive sweating may be temporary depending on the condition, so Botox injections must be re administered approximately every 9 months to restore its effectiveness and efficiency.
Botox stops sweating by preventing the production of acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter that binds to sweat glands and stimulates them to produce sweat.
Do Botox injections treat excessive sweating?
The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Botox as a therapeutic treatment, including the treatment of excessive sweating. The injections can treat hyperhidrosis and they are especially effective in reducing underarm sweating by up to four times compared to normal individuals, proving its effectiveness in treating excessive sweating disorders. Moreover, Botox is safe, with minimal side effects and very minor complications.
For other types of sweating, results can last a long time, however, it is necessary to get repeated injections as the effects can diminish over time, similar to other Botox treatments.
Some facts regarding Botox injections for sweating
As we’re committed to providing valuable information & facts, here are some facts about therapeutic Botox for excessive sweating:
- The effectiveness of therapeutic Botox for hyperhidrosis can vary from one person to another, as well as from one body area to another.
- Studies have proved that Botox can treat excessive sweating in the palms and underarms by 80-90%.
- Botox can provide remarkable results in the injected area, lasting up to five months in 75% of cases.
- While the pain from Botox injections is typically minimal, it may be more noticeable and bothersome in the soles of the feet.
Conditions where Botox is not beneficial for treating excessive sweating
Even though Botox is very effective, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals who will not benefit from Botox are:
- Pregnant & Breastfeeding women.
- Individuals with neuromuscular disorders, including conditions like myasthenia gravis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- People with severe blood clotting disorders.
- Those with active skin infections.
- Individuals with allergies to the ingredients of Botox.
- People with autoimmune diseases.
It is necessary to discuss your health status and medical history with your specialized doctor to consult with them and determine the suitability of Botox injections for your case.
Read also: Types of Botox: How do I choose the best one?
Side Effects of Botox Injections for Sweating
Botox injections can cause certain side effects and complications, including:
- Pain and bruising at the injection site.
- Skin irritation and redness.
- Influenza-like symptoms.
- Bleeding.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Dry mouth.
- Vision problems.
Instructions to follow after the Botox injection for sweating
Individuals can resume normal activities immediately following a Botox session. However, it’s recommended to avoid strenuous physical activities and showering with hot water for approximately 24 hours. Additionally, your dermatologist or specialist will provide you with specific instructions that are important to follow and may possibly request a follow up one to two weeks after the procedure. The follow up is important to monitor the side effects if they occur, assess the results and conclude if an additional treatment is necessary for better results.
The patient should also refrain from using deodorants or fragranced-filled products for 12 to 24 hours after the session to prevent irritation.
Now, we have answered the most frequently asked questions regarding Botox treatments for excessive sweating. Remember, if you struggle from the issue of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), you should consult a specialized dermatologist to accurately diagnose the underlying cause and determine the most suitable procedure for your condition.
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