Dealing with excessive underarm sweating can be embarrassing, stressful, and time consuming. Medically, this type of severe sweating is called primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAH) and it can be challenging to treat. Some people see little to no difference when they try over-the-counter treatments or prescription medications for hyperhidrosis, leaving them grappling with excessive sweat on a daily basis. However, if you’re struggling with stubborn underarm sweating, know that there’s a treatment that’s been found to be very effective for more severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis: Botox.
Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) has been FDA approved to treat severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis since 2004. But how exactly can this cosmetic treatment help sweating? Could Botox help your primary axillary hyperhidrosis? Below, we’re answering these questions and more as we go over everything you need to know about Botox for sweating.
What is Botox for Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis?
Botox for primary axillary hyperhidrosis is an FDA approved injectable treatment for severe underarm sweating. Botulinum toxin A is approved to treat patients that are unable to find symptom relief after trying antiperspirants or other clinical strength topical medications.
Botox is a neurotoxin that can treat excess sweating by temporarily blocking nerve communication. When Botox is injected into the armpits, it blocks the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands, so they no longer produce sweat.
Note that sweat does not get “backed up” in the body after a Botox treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin only stops nerve signals and sweat production in the treatment area, where sweat is excessive. The sweat glands in the rest of your body will produce moisture normally after getting Botox for primary axillary hyperhidrosis.
Does Botox for Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis Actually Work?
Botox Cosmetic is FDA approved to treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis because it’s been found to be a safe and effective treatment for the condition. Research has shown that Botox for hyperhidrosis patients experience a 75% reduction in sweating, an improvement in their physical and mental well-being, and a decrease in activity limitations.
What is Getting Botox for Sweating Like?
Botox for underarm sweating is a simple injectable treatment that requires no post-treatment downtime. Before getting your injections, your underarms will be treated with numbing cream. Then, you’ll receive a series of Botox injections in a strategically placed grid pattern. On average, getting Botox for underarm sweating takes just 15 to 30 minutes. After getting Botox for primary axillary hyperhidrosis, you can immediately resume your normal daily activities. You may experience side effects after your treatment, such as bruising at the injection site, but the side effects of Botox are typically mild and should fade on their own within a week or so.
Be aware it takes a bit of time for Botox for sweating to start working. You’ll typically see noticeable results of a Botox treatment around 2 to 4 days after your treatment. Then, the full results of Botox for primary axillary hyperhidrosis should be present within 1 to 2 weeks.
How Long Does Botox for Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis Last?
Botox for sweating is a temporary treatment that typically lasts for around 4 to 7 months. If you’d like to maintain the results of a Botox for primary axillary hyperhidrosis treatment, you can follow up with routine treatments. Typically, patients will need two Botox treatments per year to maintain the results of their treatment.
Can Botulinum Toxin Be Used for Sweating on All Areas of the Body?
Botulinum toxin is currently only FDA approved to treat excessive sweating on the axillary (armpit) area. Some plastic surgeons and dermatologists do use Botox in an “off-label” way to address excessive sweating on other parts of the body, like on the face or on sweaty palms. However, it’s currently not known whether Botox is a safe or effective treatment for hyperhidrosis on all areas of the body (more research is needed).
How Much Does Botox for Sweating Cost?
The exact cost of Botox for sweating will vary from person to person, since Botox is priced by the unit. Most patients need around 50 units of Botox per armpit, or 100 in total, which can translate to around $1,200 to $1,500 per treatment. Note that unlike cosmetic Botox treatments, Botox for primary axillary hyperhidrosis can sometimes be covered by insurance. Additionally, Allergan (the maker of Botox Cosmetic) has a unique Botox savings program for those who get Botox for sweating, which can help eligible patients with the cost of their treatments.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox for Sweating?
Botox for primary axillary hyperhidrosis is only FDA approved for those who have severe and excessive sweating. It’s not for people who have a normal amount of sweating or for those with more moderate sweating who can find relief from first line treatment options for this medical condition (such as prescription antiperspirants or deodorants). If you have severe underarm sweating that is interfering with your daily activities and/or quality of life, Botox for primary axillary hyperhidrosis could be right for you.
Botox for Sweating in Sherman Oaks
If you’re thinking of trying Botox for excessive sweating, make a consultation appointment at the Z Center for Cosmetic Health today. At your appointment, Dr. Zadeh will learn more about your treatment goals and help you decide whether Botox for primary axillary hyperhidrosis would be right for you.
Click here to schedule your consultation!