Is excessive sweating getting you down? Worry not. You can have your confidence back in no time with BOTOX, a revelation among hyperhidrosis treatments!
We will explain how BOTOX is a safe and effective treatment for excessive sweating caused by overactive sweat glands, what to expect, and how to prepare for the best results.
What Causes Excessive Sweating or Hyperhidrosis?
Sweat soaking through clothes and hands dripping with sweat, often for no apparent reason, are signs of hyperhidrosis, a chronic skin disorder.
Sweating is your body’s natural way of cooling itself. The nerves send signals to instruct the sweat glands to start working. Hyperhidrosis is when your body’s sweat glands overreact, resulting in excessive perspiration. Whichever area of the body the hyperhidrosis affects, it often leads to anxiety and embarrassment and can even disrupt your daily life.
There are two main types of hyperhidrosis:
- Focal or primary hyperhidrosis
- Generalized or secondary hyperhidrosis
Focal or Primary Hyperhidrosis
Primary hyperhidrosis can be passed down through your family. There is no medical or secondary cause of this form of sweating, and it can run in families. This form of excessive sweating manifests itself early and predominantly affects the armpits, hands, and face.
Generalized or Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Occurring mostly in adults, secondary hyperhidrosis occurs due to medical or emotional triggers, ranging from anxiety to diabetes. Even certain medications can trigger the onset of profuse sweating.
Secondary hyperhidrosis can occur all over the body as a result of medical conditions, medications, and mental health struggles, such as:
- Diabetes
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Cancer
- Hormonal changes, like menopause
- Thyroid disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Pain relievers
- Antidepressants
Eccrine glands are predominantly affected by focal and generalized hyperhidrosis, whereas apocrine glands are less commonly involved. Eccrine glands occur over most of the body and release sweat directly onto the skin’s surface, such as the hands, feet, and back. Apocrine glands are connected to hair follicles and develop in areas like the scalp, groin, and armpits.
Does BOTOX for Excessive Sweating Work?
The nervous system activates your sweat glands when the temperature rises. However, if you have hyperhidrosis, the nerves responsible for sweat production are overactive, which is why BOTOX is a great solution!
BOTOX is FDA-approved to treat excessive sweating in various areas, such as the underarms, face, palms, and feet. Using BOTOX treatments in these areas will help to control sweating as the nerves will not be able to signal the sweat glands to turn on. However, you will still release a healthy amount of sweat; BOTOX only works in the areas it is injected into.
Most patients feel that BOTOX injections are the right solution, with a 50% reduction in severe underarm sweating in a six-month period. BOTOX can control sweating for 4-12 months, so repeat treatment sessions will most likely be necessary.
Which Areas of the Body Does the BOTOX Treatment Target?
BOTOX has been specifically approved to treat excessive underarm sweat but also works well in other body areas, such as:
- Palms
- Soles of the feet
- Face
- Chest
- Under the breasts
Over 70% of people, as part of a study, reported being happy with the outcome of their treatment. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition. As such, it is advised that you come in for a consultation to address your specific needs and requirements.
How Do I Prepare for the BOTOX Procedure?
BOTOX injections are performed in-office using a fine needle. The injections are administered in a grid pattern and, as a result, often only take 20 minutes or less to administer. With this in mind, here are some ways you can ensure a seamless procedure:
- Do not apply topical antiperspirants to keep the site free of contaminants.
- Avoid consuming medication containing blood thinners for a week before treatment to prevent excessive bruising and bleeding.
- Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to take on and off.
- Remind your practitioner of any medical conditions prior to treatment.
Although BOTOX does not come with any severe side effects, following this advice will ensure that your treatment runs smoothly.
Do’s and Don’ts After Receiving BOTOX Injections
There is no downtime after receiving BOTOX for hyperhidrosis! You can go home immediately after your procedure and resume your normal activities. However, it would be best if you avoided heavy exercise on the day of your treatment.
When Will I See My Desired Results?
Most patients notice the full effects of the BOTOX injections one to two weeks after the procedure. The results are long-lasting, often around 4-12 months. But they are not permanent, so future maintenance treatments will be required.
Start Your BOTOX Treatment Journey at VIPS!
BOTOX can be an easy and incredible addition to your excessive sweating treatment, and Dr. Vinyard and his team of experts are ready to support you in achieving your goals. Contact us to schedule a personal consultation with us, or call (772) 212-0304 to find out the next steps in your BOTOX journey! Our office at 291 NW Peacock Blvd, Suite 103, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986, proudly serves the South Florida area! We also invite you to check out our blog page, Facebook, and Instagram to learn more about the treatment options available at our office!
