An estimated 2.8 percent of the American population, or about 8 million people, suffer from a condition called hyperhidrosis. These people sweat heavily from their armpits, soles of the feet, or palms of their hands. This sweating occurs regardless of the weather or the person’s emotional state. Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating can be embarrassing by producing visible dampness and sweat odors through clothing. It can also damage clothes, and when present in the feet it can produce an environment conducive to athlete’s foot and other infections.
Treatment for hyperhidrosis usually involves antiperspirants and medication, with surgery as a last resort. However, there’s a non-surgical treatment your cosmetic surgeon can help you with. Botox has recently been approved by the FDA as a treatment for hyperhidrosis in the armpits, and many doctors use it to treat Blepharospasm and any involuntary twitching as well. In addition, Botox is commonly used on the neck and face.
Botox is primarily known as an anti-wrinkle treatment. It works by temporarily paralyzing the nerves in the affected area. In the case of hyperhidrosis, Botox is injected to block the nerves that send signals to the sweat glands.
Botox injections in areas commonly affected by hyperhidrosis, such as the hands, armpits, and groin, is a relatively simple procedure that should not be painful. The injections do not need to penetrate deeply, so a small needle is all that is needed, minimizing discomfort. Using Botox on the feet is somewhat more difficult because the skin of the feet is thicker than the armpits or hands. A larger needle and some form of anesthesia, such as a nerve block, may be required.
You should see immediate results from your Botox injections. There should be no recovery or downtime necessary. The effects of the injection should last approximately eight months. However, that may vary depending on your own body chemistry and the area to be treated. Your cosmetic plastic surgeon will help you assess how well the injections are working for you and create a schedule of injections to keep you sweat-free.
