Hyperhidrosis Botox
In 2004, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved BOTOX (onabotulinumtoxinA) for the treatment of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the underarms) in patients unable to obtain relief using antiperspirants. BOTOX is produced by Allergan, Inc., of Irvine, California, and it is the most studied brand of botulinum toxin in the world. BOTOX is approved to treat a total of eight medical conditions in the United States and received its first FDA approval in 1989. Over the years it has been used to treat millions of patients with various conditions, including spasticity and movement disorders. At least 20 countries have approved BOTOX for the treatment of underarm excessive sweating. (For complete prescribing information for Hyperhidrosis Botox treatments, click here.) OnabotulinumtoxinA is a natural, purified protein with the ability to temporarily block the secretion of the chemical that is responsible for “turning on” the body’s sweat glands. By blocking, or interrupting, this chemical messenger, botulinum toxin “turns off” sweating at the area where it has been injected. Botox injections are very shallow, meaning that the medicine is injected just below the surface of the skin, where it remains. Research demonstrates that treating excessive sweating of the armpits, hands, feet, head and face (craniofacial), and other relatively small body areas (like under the breasts) with onabotulinumtoxinA is safe and effective. When used to treat underarm excessive sweating, Hyperhidrosis Botox treatments have been shown to result in an 82-87% decrease in sweating. Results start to be noticeable approximately 2 to 4 days after treatment with the full effects usually noted within 2 weeks. Dryness typically lasts 4 to 12 months but some studies have found it can last as long as 14 months. Additional statistics from published research studies have shown that repeated treatment with Botox is safe and effective for hyperhidrosis and consistently results in meaningful, long-lasting improvements in an excessive sweating patient’s symptoms, daily functioning, and quality of life. Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis has also been scientifically proven to improve on-the-job productivity. While sweating is an essential body function for temperature-control, localized body areas house only a small percentage of the body’s sweat glands (the underarms, for instance, are home to less than 2% of the body’s sweat glands.) The temporary cessation of these sweat glands’ functioning, therefore, has little to do with body thermoregulation. Compensatory sweating (sweating on other body parts, common after ETS surgery) has not been found to be a concern. In the case of palmar (hand) excessive sweating, research shows that Botox is 80-90% effective. Repeat injections are needed after 6 months. Botox for palmar sweating may cause temporary pain and weakness in the hands. Botox injections work well on the head and face but the injection technique requires skill, so patients should seek an experienced practitioner. A potential side effect of Botox injections in the face as a treatment for sweating is asymmetry, particularly of the forehead. This can happen if some of the Botox diffuses into the facial muscles. Such asymmetry, however, is always temporary and can, if necessary, be balanced-out by additional Botox injections. Botox can also be used for plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the feet) but patients report more pain during plantar injections and statistics indicate the treatment is less effective than when used for other body sites; indeed, some data suggests that 50% patients are dissatisfied with the results.
Using Botox Injections Effectively
The use of Botox for the treatment of hyperhidrosis can be most effective when performed by a physician who has received special training from the International Hyperhidrosis Society and who has experience with the procedure. To find a physician in your area who is familiar with hyperhidrosis treatments, use our Physician Finder. Physicians who have attended an International Hyperhidrosis Society educational event (which includes intensive, hands-on training on using Botox to treat hyperhidrosis) are designated as having “Attended IHHS education and training sessions.” (When using the Physician Finder, click on “More Options” and check the box next to “Attended IHHS education and training sessions” to refine your search based on this criteria.)
Injections can be administered in a physician’s office, require relatively little time (very experienced medical professionals can inject both underarms in less than 10 minutes), and do not demand any restrictions in work or leisure activity (aside from refraining from intensive exercise or the use of a sauna on the day of the injections). Prior to Botox injections in the underarms, it’s best not to shave that area. Many physicians, in fact, prefer three to four days of hair growth prior to Botox injections.
During the procedure, a very fine needle is used to inject tiny amounts of Botox just under the skin intermittently throughout the area of excessive sweating (in a grid pattern, approximately every 1 to 2 centimeters.) Multiple injections are given based on your doctor’s assessment of the area that needs to be treated. To ease any potential discomfort, physicians may use one or more of a number of anesthetic techniques such as nerve blocks, ice, or vibration analgesia.
After you receive Botox injections for any focal area, it’s recommended that you follow-up with your healthcare provider in 1 to 2 weeks. This follow-up is highly useful because it enables your physician to ‘touch-up’ any sweating areas that may have been missed during the first round of injections and ensure that you are getting the treatment’s full benefit.
The cost of Botox treatments for hyperhidrosis will vary depending upon the size of the body area you need treated and whether insurance will cover any of the price for you. A general estimate of the cost for two underarms is about $1,000. Botulinum toxin injections do not cure hyperhidrosis; your symptoms will go away gradually (usually in about a week) and return gradually. Follow-up injections are required to maintain dryness. These repeat injections may be necessary at intervals varying from 7 to 16 months.
Learn More About Hyperhidrosis Botox at Allure MD Spa in Morganville, Marlboro Township, Monmouth County, Central NJ by calling 732-851-7005
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