We all tend to sweat a little, especially when we’re nervous or have done excessive physical exercise but for some people out there, excessive sweating occurs no matter what. This condition is known as hyperhidrosis and can be quite a pain to deal with. Believe it or not, one of the latest solutions to treating this embarrassing condition involves Botox.
Generally used to remove the signs of aging from the face, Botox has become one of the most popular methods for anti-aging in recent years. However, studies show that this alternative also has an effect in treating hyperhidrosis. This is definitely good news for those that suffer from excessive sweating, since this particular condition can be a discouraging one to deal with. Hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating in a number of areas, including the forehead, underarms, face, and hands.
The connection between Botox and hyperhidrosis has to do with a person’s nervous system. A person suffering from hyperhidrosis typically has overactivity in their nervous system, resulting in excessive sweating. But when injections of Botox are used in the underarm area, the ingredients in the Botox solution have the ability to decrease the nervous system’s overactivity, resulting in less sweat.
Having Botox injections can keep hyperhidrosis at bay for between six months to as long as two years. It is important to get a consultation from a professional, licensed Botox practitioner in order to find out how many injections will be needed and for how long. Typically, between 15-20 injections in the underarm area every 6-8 months are needed to achieve the best results.
The only downside to choosing this method of treatment is that it can be pretty expensive, especially if you have to get multiple injections done. Some injections can cost $1,000 or more. This method is particularly effective for those that suffer from hyperhidrosis in the underarm area.
For those that experience excessive sweating in the face and hands, Botox can also reduce sweating but having multiple injections on this area can be painful and can result in temporary muscle paralysis. Other side effects of using Botox for the treatment of hyperhidrosis include: headache, flu-like symptoms, anxiety, hemorrhage, pain at the injection site, and sweating in other areas of the body.
The best way to make sure Botox is the right treatment for you is to be thoroughly examined. Each person with hyperhidrosis reacts differently and experiences excessive sweating in different areas. Oftentimes Botox may not be needed to treat certain areas where excessive sweating occurs, while it may work great for other areas.
It is best to discuss your concerns with your doctor and find out if you really are a suitable candidate for this method of treatment. If so, make sure you are aware of the risks and ask any questions you may have until you are sure you completely understand the ins and outs of the process. As an additional step, be sure to ask for references from past patients so that you can guarantee your Botox practitioner has a good track record of providing favorable results.