Did you know that 2% of the world’s population suffers from hyperhidrosis? That’s about 350 million people! Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating, which can impact people's quality of life. This can be a debilitating condition that causes sufferers to sweat excessively from their armpits, palms, and soles of their feet.
There are three types of hyperhidrosis: focal, generalized, and secondary. Focal hyperhidrosis is the most common type, and it affects certain parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, or armpits. Generalized hyperhidrosis is less common, and it affects the entire body. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by another medical condition such as diabetes or menopause. It can be very embarrassing and can interfere with everyday activities.
If people with hyperhidrosis initially find topical antiperspirants, aluminum salts, or prescription antiperspirants to help for a day or more, eventually, these topical products may prove to be ineffective due to the high rate of sweat production, especially when talking about excessive underarm sweating.
There are several current treatment options for hyperhidrosis, including oral medications and topical aluminum chloride, but until recently, there was no effective treatment with long-term results, except for surgical treatments called sympathectomies that involve cutting the sympathetic nerve fibers that control sweating. Fortunately, new research shows that the botulinum toxin type A is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis.
According to a study published in the journal "Lasers in Surgery and Medicine," Botox was found to be an effective treatment for focal or primary hyperhidrosis. The study involved 174 patients who were treated with Botox for hyperhidrosis on their underarms. After two months, 93 percent of the patients had a significant reduction in sweating.
Botox is a neurotoxin made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The botulinum toxin injection is mostly known as an ally against fine lines and wrinkles, but it has been used to treat various medical conditions, including hyperhidrosis.
The administration of an injection of botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, which inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the sweat glands. This form of therapy reduces sweating and can provide relief from excessive sweating. When the sweat glands don't receive these signals, they don't produce sweat. This can reduce sweating by up to 90%!
The treatment with botulinum toxin for hyperhidrosis is an outpatient procedure that allows patients to return to their daily life as soon as they leave the doctor's office regardless if they get Botox injections for axillary hyperhidrosis, plantar hyperhidrosis, facial hyperhidrosis, or palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. It is relatively painless, and most people report only minor discomfort. The injections are usually given in the armpits, palms, soles of the feet, or forehead.
When you arrive for your Botox appointment, the dermatologist or aesthetician will ask about your medical history and current health conditions. They will also ask if you're taking any medications that may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising. Next, they will clean the injection site with an antiseptic solution and will then carefully inject Botox into your target area using a very fine needle.
The entire procedure takes just a few minutes, and you can expect to feel some minor discomfort during the injections. Afterward, there may be some temporary redness and swelling at the injection sites.
Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. This means that it has been proven to be safe and effective for this use.
A study published in the journal "Lasers in Surgery and Medicine" looked at the safety and efficacy of Botox for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. The study found that Botox was safe and effective for treating hyperhidrosis. The most common side effects were temporary and mild. These included redness, swelling, bruising, and pain at the injection site. The study found that Botox effectively reduced sweating in 80% of patients.
Another study of efficacy published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology" found that Botox was safe and effective for treating axillary sweating. The most common side effect was mild erythema, which resolved within 24 hours. The study found that Botox was effective in reducing excessive sweating in 95% of patients.
In short, the most common side effect of the Botox hyperhidrosis treatment is localized bruising or swelling at the injection site. Other potential side effects include skin irritation, pain, redness, and itching. These side effects are typically mild and go away on their own within a few days after treatment.
Other potential adverse effects include:
More serious side effects are rare but can include difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, and respiratory problems. If you experience any of these side effects after receiving Botox injections for hyperhidrosis, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Botox is a minimally invasive treatment, so it's generally safe for most people. As with any other medical procedure, there are some people who should weigh the risks before scheduling their appointment.
In general, pregnant women and people with neurological conditions, such as ALS or MS, should not receive Botox injections. Furthermore, people suffering from active infection or skin inflammation may also not be the best candidates for Botox treatment.
Botox is most effective in people with focal hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating in one area. Injections of botulinum toxin are not as effective in people with generalized hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating all over the body.
Most people report that results last around six months. However, there are some individuals who say that they have seen results last up to a year. The length of time the results last will depend on several factors, such as the individual's age, metabolism, and how many treatments they have received.
People suffering from hyperhidrosis usually schedule their Botox treatment every six months. This allows them to maintain the treatment results and prevents their excessive sweating from returning. The success rate of Botox for hyperhidrosis varies depending on the individual. In general, Botox is an effective treatment for both primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. Most people only require one treatment session to see a reduction in sweating.
Botox is a safe and effective treatment option for most people who suffer from excessive sweating. However, discussing any medical procedure with a healthcare provider is always important to see if it's the right treatment option for you.
You're struggling with Hyperhidrosis, our team of specialists is here to help. Prime Aesthetica is the best medical spa in Tampa, FL and have years of experience treating hyperhidrosis. Contact us today today to get started.