Human beings need to sweat to regulate body temperature, but some people may experience excessive sweating for no discernable reason. It can be uncomfortable and embarrassing and may limit your clothing options and comfort in certain situations. Botox injections can effectively manage excessive underarm sweat by stopping and preventing the sweat glands from overproducing sweat.
At Portland Face Doctor, our board-certified plastic surgeon offers Botox treatments to manage hyperhidrosis or reduce signs of aging. Hyperhidrosis causes the sweat glands to overact, leading to excessive sweating in certain body areas. Sudden anxiety or medical conditions may worsen hyperhidrosis, which tends to affect the armpits, hands, feet and scalp the most.
How Does Botox Work for Excessive Sweating?
Botox is known for its anti-wrinkle properties, but it’s also an FDA-approved treatment for hyperhidrosis. This injectable uses botulinum toxin to block the nerve signals in the underarms and other areas to stop the sweat glands from producing too much sweat. It is a safe way to reduce sweating confined to one body area.
The procedure starts with numbing cream for comfort and takes 15 minutes to perform. Dr. David Magilke will inject one or more syringes of Botox into the underarm areas to target the glands responsible for overproducing sweat. You may experience some bruising, swelling or tenderness afterward, but these temporary side effects resolve in a few days.
For hyperhidrosis, Botox injections offer results within five days and last around four to 14 months before the nerves regenerate and additional treatment is needed. Full Botox results settle in two weeks after injection. Many patients find the longer they use Botox to prevent excessive sweating, the longer they can go between treatments.
How Effective is Botox for Excessive Sweating?
Botox is an effective way to reduce sweat for patients who don’t get relief using antiperspirants and other treatments for hyperhidrosis. In research, Botox was shown to lower sweating by 82% to 87%. That dramatic reduction in excess sweat means many patients no longer have to worry about their clothing choices, anxiety and other issues caused by wet underarms.
Botox injections for hyperhidrosis offer meaningful relief from symptoms. Patients report better daily functioning and improved quality of life due to decreased sweat, and ongoing treatments can maintain or improve results.
If you struggle with excessive underarm sweat, Botox injections may provide long-term sweat reduction. Contact our Portland Face Doctor to schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment options for hyperhidrosis. Call (503) 297-6511 or fill out our online contact form for an appointment at our Portland, Oregon office.
