Botox: The New Antiperspirant?

Botox in West Palm Beach, FL

When most of us think of botox, we think of frown lines and wrinkles on our face, not our underarms. After all, why would anyone need or want botox in their underarms? As it turns out, people with Hyperhidrosis do.

WHAT IS HYPERHIDROSIS?
Axillary Hyperhidrosis is excessive underarm sweating and the condition is often not suitably addressed with traditional antiperspirants. The condition often results not only in excessive sweating that can stain clothing. It can also lower the confidence of sufferers, who tend to change their attire and behavior in order to conceal the condition. So what can botox do to help this condition?

HOW DOES BOTOX STOP HYPERHIDROSIS?
Botulinum Toxin relieves hyperhidrosis by blocking the uptake of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that sends signals to the nerves that stimulate sweat glands. When the signals to the sweat glands are intercepted by the botox, severe sweating is reduced and in some cases, stopped altogether.

IS IT SAFE TO STOP SWEAT GLANDS FROM FUNCTIONING?
Some patients have expressed concern about using botox for hyperhidrosis because they have heard that sweating is a necessary function of the body to regulate temperature. While it is true that sweating is necessary, stopping it in one area will not have adverse effects on the rest of your body’s sweat glands or their ability to cool your body when it overheats. With anywhere between two to five million sweat glands throughout the human body, it is nearly impossible for your entire body to feel any effects at all. In fact, the only side effects recorded are possible bruising and swelling at the injection site, which subside within a couple days of treatment. 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING AND AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
The whole process takes approximately 30 minutes, and while some patients remove underarm hair for ease during the procedure, it is not required. Numbing cream can be offered for patients who are uneasy around needles, however, most patients have not needed it. Your underarm will then be “mapped”, marking the exact locations of each injection site. Some patients experience mild pain or bruising after treatment, which is normal and typically goes away within a couple days or less. 

The effects take approximately one week to kick in, with the average patient experiencing results for an average of 200 days (that’s over six months of relief!)

WHO SHOULD TRY IT?
While botox is perfectly suitable for anyone who sweats in their underarms (hint: that’s all of us), it is an absolute game-changer for individuals with particularly excessive sweating. Since hyperhidrosis can also affect the palms of your hands, botox is a safe solution for use in that area as well. 


Talk To Us
Suffering with Hyperhidrosis? Contact us today for a 
free consultation and see if botox is the right solution for you. 

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Posted by Sarah Dichkewich | Supriya Dermatology