How does the treatment reduce Hyperhidrosis?

The doctor injects Botulinum toxin into the affected area in order to prevent the sweat glands from overproducing sweat. Sweat glands are stimulated by nerves that release a chemical called acetylcholine and cause sweat production. Botulinum toxin, when injected into the vicinity of the sweat glands, blocks the release of the acetylcholine, thereby temporarily reducing or abolishing sweat production.

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum toxin type A, also known as Botox, is made from naturally occurring bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum. Botulinum toxin has become the treatment of choice for a number of conditions, in patients suffering from cervical dystonia (spasms of the neck); it is also used effectively by doctors to treat facial wrinkles, migraines and excessive sweating.

Botox is currently used at the Aesthetic Beauty Centre to decrease sweating in the underarms (axillae), palms (hands), and soles (feet). Prior to administering treatment, a topical anaesthetic (EMLA) is applied the skin at the proposed treatment site. The cream is left in place for 20 - 30 minutes to numb the skin prior to the procedure. The topical anaesthetic is usually the only pain control necessary for the injections in the under arm. If the palms and soles are to be injected, the doctor may choose to perform a nerve block that numbs the entire hand or foot. Nerve blocks consist of one, or a series of injections per hand or foot using a very small needle. Following the injection, the area will feel numb for 30 – 60 minutes. Clients are advised not to drive for 2 hours after having anaesthetic injections because they may interfere with your ability to drive.

After the area to be treated has been numbed with topical cream or the injections, Botox injections are performed in the area to be treated. The needle that is used is a very small needle which is the same size as an acupuncture needle. A series of injections will be subsequently administered to the desired treatment site.

How Will I Feel After Treatment?

After the injections, the skin may appear slightly bruised, and the skin will feel numb from the anaesthesia. After 2 hours, normal activities can be resumed including exercise. In approximately 3 to 5 days after the injections, a decrease of sweating in the treated areas will be noted. The effects usually last for approximately 6 to 9 months months.

Are Their Any Side Effects?

The most common side effects of this procedure are limited to mild bruising and mild soreness in the treated areas. This treatment is also used to relax muscles; it is therefore possible to develop slightly decreased muscle strength at, or around the treatment site. This is most often noticeable in the hands and is most bothersome to tennis players, piano players, and others who rely on good muscle strength in the hands. Although this side effect is not common, it does occur and may last for a few weeks in some individuals. Other side effects associated with the same dose of Botox in the clinical trials examining its use in cervical dystonia include dry mouth, muscle soreness, and dyspepsia (indigestion). These side effects are all temporary.

Botox, when administered by an experienced doctor, is a safe and effective way to eliminate the embarrassing problem of excessive sweating of the underarms, hands and feet. For more information, please feel free to contact the Aesthetic Beauty Centre to arrange a FREE, confidential, one-to-one consultation with a doctor. During the consultation, the doctor will be able to answer any treatment related questions you may have