What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating, which can occur in specific areas like the palms, feet, underarms, face, or throughout the body. It can be triggered by heat, exercise, or stress and can impact daily activities and quality of life.
Who is a Candidate for Botox or Dysport for Hyperhidrosis?
Most patients who have hyperhidrosis that is not resolved through other treatment options are good candidates for Botox or Dysport injections. During a consultation, your injector will review your health history to ensure that you do not have certain allergies or other health conditions that will affect your ability to receive injections. In most cases, you can receive your injections on the same day as your consultation. Your injector will explain what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Effectiveness and Initial Treatment Attempts
Neurotoxins are very effective for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Most patients turn to Botox or Dysport injections after other treatment options, such as prescription antiperspirants, have been unsuccessful in treating their hyperhidrosis.
Mechanism of Action
Just as neurotoxins can be used to block nerve reception in the muscles, resulting in reduced dynamic wrinkles, they can also be used to block nerve signals in the sweat glands. By injecting neuromodulators into areas like the underarms, hands, or feet, nerve signals that trigger sweating can be blocked.
Results and Longevity
This treatment can drastically reduce sweating of the hands, feet, and underarms for 4-8 months. At the same time, the body can still sweat in other areas, meaning that the ability to naturally cool is not affected.
After Neurotoxin Injections for Hyperhidrosis
Neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis do not require any downtime. Immediately following the injections, you may be asked to avoid strenuous exercise for about 24 hours, but you can otherwise go about your routine as normal. You may experience some redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site which should resolve itself quickly. Typically, patients will notice their results starting at about two days after they receive their injections, with more complete relief from hyperhidrosis at about two weeks or less.
Botox or Dysport results are temporary. On average, hyperhidrosis patients will see results that last about four to eight months. After this time, you can receive maintenance injections. During your consultation, your injector can help you develop a treatment plan to address your hyperhidrosis long-term, including scheduling routine injections as necessary. Many patients will see their results last longer as they continue to receive repeated injections.