Sweating with exercise or on an extremely hot day is to be expected for most individuals. However, men and women with hyperhidrosis experience excessive perspiration even in the absence of these circumstances.
In fact, this condition can cause significant anxiety and self-consciousness for patients that fear beads of sweat appearing on their face or wet marks on their clothing. It can become so worrisome that people start to avoid social situations, dating, and work obligations because they are concerned about sweating too much.
Fortunately, Botox is a safe, effective, and quick solution to hyperhidrosis. These injections take less than 15 minutes and have absolutely zero-downtime.
So, can Botox help you to stop sweating? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which individuals have overactive sweat glands all over their body or in a couple of specific areas.
For many patients, excessive perspiration commonly occurs on the palms of hands, soles of feet, underarms, and face – nose, upper lip, and temples.
How Can Botox Reduce Sweating?
While Botox is best known for its ability to smooth wrinkles, it can also combat a number of medical conditions including hyperhidrosis.
Cosmetic Botox is injected into the muscle to reduce facial movement and relax forehead lines, crow’s feet, and creases between the eyes.
However, Botox for hyperhidrosis is administered under the skin and works by blocking nerve signals that activate sweat glands.
What to Expect from Treatment?
Botox treatments last approximately 10-20 minutes and may be performed with a topical anesthetic or ice to increase patient comfort.
A starch iodine test may also be done to identify areas with the most overactive sweat glands.
Finally, Botox is delivered to the trouble spots via a series of small injections that feel like a slight pinch on pinprick.
Patients can resume all normal activities immediately after treatment.
How Soon Will Botox Reduce Sweating?
It takes about a week for Botox to take effect and reduce sweating in the treatment area by 60-90 percent. However, patients will still sweat somewhat when they exercise or are in very hot temperatures.
How Long Does Botox to Stop Sweating Last?
Botox stops sweating for up to 6 months. Once most of the product has been metabolized, follow-up injections can be administered to maintain effects.
To learn more about Botox to stop sweating in Washington DC, please call contact DC Derm Docs today to schedule an appointment.