Dr. Karen Horton has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Is excessive sweating interfering with your quality of life? Do you find yourself having to plan your wardrobe around which colors and fabrics will hide sweat stains? You don’t have to live with excessive sweating!
At San Francisco Plastic Surgery, Nurse Practitioner Emily Sespaniak treats excessive underarm sweating, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis, using Botox® Cosmetic. This FDA-approved treatment is a quick, in-office procedure that provides an effective solution with results lasting 6-9 months on average.
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 medical condition, such as menopause or hyperthyroidism.
Botulinum toxin, the active ingredient in Botox, prevents sweating by blocking neurotransmitters—the chemicals in your body that tell it to start 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%.1 Botox works to stop sweating within 1-2 weeks of injection and results last up to 6-9 months.
If you are determined to be a good candidate for treatment, very little preparation is needed. We do recommend you avoid shaving your underarms for 3 days prior to your appointment. If you are going to exercise the day of your treatment, please make sure you do it before your appointment since you will not be able to exercise for the rest of the day.
Patients who are new to Botox for hyperhidrosis often worry if the injection will hurt, however it is a quick process with little discomfort. First we will apply a topical numbing product to minimize discomfort. Then, the Botox will be injected with a very small needle. In total the treatment itself takes about 10 minutes, and most patients find the treatment very tolerable.
The downtime from this procedure is minimal. We recommend you avoid exercise and other activities that promote sweating (such as saunas or steam rooms) for 24 hours following your treatment. Do not apply deodorant or antiperspirant for the remainder of the day.
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 minor bruising and temporary redness or tenderness at the injection site.
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 for a total of 100 units. Everyone’s body processes Botox differently, but patients typically return every 6-9 months on average to maintain their results. If you are planning for an important event or big vacation and you want to wear what you want with no worries of sweating, we recommend coming in 2 weeks prior to these plans to allow enough time for the Botox to activate.
How Much Does Botox for Hyperhidrosis Cost?
Please contact our office to receive current pricing for this treatment.
If excessive underarm sweating is a problem for you, schedule a consultation today!
1 Cleveland Clinic. Can Botox Help You Sweat Less? Available: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/botox-for-sweating/ Accessed May 12, 2022
Dr. Karen Horton has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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Dr. Karen M. Horton
2100 Webster St UNIT 520
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415.923.3067
We are located in the Pacific Heights District in the Pacific Professional Building.
Monday-Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Monday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Tuesday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Wednesday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Friday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Dr. Karen M. Horton
2100 Webster St UNIT 520
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415.923.3067
We are located in the
Pacific Heights District
in the Pacific Professional Building.
SHOP SKIN CARE*Please note: Our office is no longer a Participating Provider for insurance. We can provide a financial quote for what anticipated surgical fees will be after your consultation.
