Stafford Skincare
providing specialist dermatology care
Botox® for the treatment of hyperhidrosis / excessive sweating:
Botox® is a very successful treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the armpits or forehead, where all other treatments have failed to work. Botox® is given by injection using a sterile disposable syringe with a very fine needle, and most people feel no discomfort during treatment. After Botox®, the majority of people notice an improvement within 1 week of treatment, with benefits lasting for up to 9 – 12 months before the treatment needs to be repeated. Side effects are uncommon, but rarely there is itching of the armpits or a temporary increase in sweating in other parts of the body (compensatory sweating).
As studies have not been carried out in pregnant or breast-feeding women, it is best to avoid Botox® until later. People with certain neuromuscular transmission diseases should also avoid Botox®.
FAQs
Q. Does it hurt – I’m frightened of injections?
A. The needle is very fine so it is very unlikely that you will feel any pain.Q. How long does Botox® last?
A. When used to treat hyperhidrosis, Botox® usually lasts between 9 – 12 months initially. Repeated treatments have been shown to last longer.Q. What happens at my first visit?
A. You will have a thorough medical examination during which the amount of sweating produced will be assessed. If I am able to help you, we will fully discuss treatment options, possible side-effects, how often you would have to return for more treatments and the costs involved before you decide if you wish to proceed.Q. What can and can’t I do after treatment?
A. Life carries on as normal after treatment with Botox®, except that you are asked not to take part in vigorous exercise for 3 hours.Q. What happens if I don’t repeat the treatment?
A. The sweating will gradually return to the way it was prior to you having any treatment.Q. What are the side-effects of Botox®?
A. It is rare to have any side-effects from Botox® but occasionally problems will happen. The most common side-effect is bruising at the site of injection, slight redness of the skin for 1 – 2 days or compensatory sweating in untreated areas. All side-effects are temporary.Q. What happens after my first treatment with Botox®?
A. You will be asked to return in 2 – 3 weeks’ time to assess your response to Botox®. It is very unlikely that there will be no response to treatment – however, should this happen, you will be offered a free “top-up”.
© K.A.Ward 2009
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