Don't sweat it - try Botox!
Excessive underarm sweating, known as axillary hyperhydrosis, is a common problem experienced by both men & women. Botox® is FDA-approved for the treatment of this troubling condition. For those with excessive sweating, Botox® can greatly improve their quality of life. Best of all, when used for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, the effects of Botox® have been shown to last up to 6.7 months!
What to expect:
At your consultation, we can discuss your symptoms & treatment options. If you think you might be interested in having the treatment the same day, please note the following:
Pre-Treatment Checklist:
If you normally shave your underarms, do so the day or evening before.
Do not exercise or engage in vigorous physical activity for at least 2 hours before your appointment.
Do not use deodorants or antiperspirants for 24 hours before your appointment.
Wear a dark-colored shirt (preferably black) that is either sleeveless or easily removed.
If you are a candidate for the treatment, I will begin by performing a starch iodine test. This painless test involves putting iodine & then cornstarch on your underarms. This helps me to identify the areas of excess sweating. You might be surprised how large and even asymmetrical the areas can be!
Using a tiny needle, I will inject Botox® into the appropriate areas of your underarms – usually about 10 injections per side. The injections are well tolerated by even the most sensitive patients. In fact, most describe them as feeling like pinches or rubber band snaps. Within a few minutes, you’re done! I will wipe the area to remove as much of the iodine as possible, you may get dressed, and be on your way!
Post-Treatment Checklist
Do not rub the area.
Do not exercise or engage in vigorous physical activity for the rest of the day.
Do not use deodorants or antiperspirants for 12 hours after your treatment.
Consider wearing a dark-colored shirt for the rest of the day as there might be a small amount of residual iodine on your underarms until your next shower.
I typically inject a total of only 50 Botox® units for both underarms as this dose is usually very effective. I like to avoid using more product that you really need. Within about 2-4 weeks, most clients notice a reduction in sweating. If not, or if the sweating remains an intolerable amount for you, please contact me to arrange a time for another starch iodine test (please refer to the pre-treatment checklist above). If the test reveals enough sweating, you may choose to have another 50 Botox® units injected. It is very unusual for a client to have no improvement with this dose.
* Axillary hyperhidrosis treatments: 50 Botox® units - $500
