Everything You Need to Know About Botox for Sweating

Is excessive sweating interfering with your quality of life? Do you begrudgingly plan your wardrobe around which colors and fabrics will hide sweat stains? You don’t have to live with excessive sweating!

Botox® Cosmetic is FDA-approved to treat excessive underarm sweating, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis. Emily Sespaniak, NP offers Botox injections for hyperhidrosis in San Francisco. This non-surgical injectable treatment is an effective and long-term solution with no downtime.

How does Botox work to stop sweating?

Botulinum toxin, the active ingredient in Botox, prevents sweating by blocking neurotransmitters—the chemicals in your body that tell it to start sweating.

How effective is Botox at controlling underarm sweating?

Botox is very effective at keeping sweat in check! Studies show that Botox injections in the armpits can reduce sweating by up to 87%. Botox works to stop sweating within a week of injection and results last up to 6 months.

What is hyperhidrosis and how do I know if I have it?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. It is normal to sweat in very hot weather or when exercising, but people with hyperhidrosis sweat more than normal and experience sweating that interferes with day-to-day activities even when the temperature is comfortable and they aren’t exerting themselves. If you visibly sweat even when you’re not working out or if antiperspirants fail to control your underarm sweating, you may have hyperhidrosis.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis usually starts when you are a teenager and causes excess sweating in localized spots, usually the armpits, hands, or feet. Secondary hyperhidrosis refers to sweating that is a result of another condition, such as menopause or hyperthyroidism.

What to expect at your Botox for hyperhidrosis appointment

Patients who are new to Botox for hyperhidrosis often worry if the injection will hurt, but rest assured that it is a quick process with little to no discomfort! First we will apply a topical numbing product to ensure you don’t feel any pain. Then, the Botox will be injected with a very small needle. There is no need for downtime and you can get right back to your regular activities.

How much Botox will I need and how often will I need injections to keep sweating at bay?

Botox is measured in units and most patients need 50 units per underarm. Everyone’s body processes Botox differently, but patients typically return every 6 months on average to maintain their results. If you are planning for an important event or big vacation where you want to wear what you want with no worries of sweating, we recommend coming in 2 weeks prior.

Are there any risks of using Botox for hyperhidrosis?

Botox is FDA-approved to treat underarm sweating and there is very little risk of side effects or complications. The most common side effects are bruising, temporary redness or tenderness at the injection site.

Contact Us

If excessive sweating is bothering you, add Botox to your self-care list so you can stay dry and have peace of mind. Contact us to learn more or to schedule your appointment.

¹ Cleveland Clinic. Can Botox Help You Sweat Less? Available: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/botox-for-sweating/ Accessed May 12, 2022