Botox for Hyperhidrosis

BOTOX–the well known cosmetic injectable that can prevent and treat wrinkles–comes with many medical applications. First tested in patients with muscular and eye disorders, BOTOX also holds a few FDA approvals for the treatment and prevention of certain conditions. For example, BOTOX can prevent and reduce the frequency of chronic migraines. Another condition that BOTOX can improve is hyperhidrosis, also known as chronic sweating. Northwest Face & Body provides the best BOTOX for hyperhidrosis Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Understanding Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for chronic sweating. Sweating classed as hyperhidrosis is not usually related to body temperature or exercise–the most common causes of sweating. Hyperhidrosis will often be excessive, not respond to typical antiperspirants, and likely will interfere with daily activities.

The condition can become frustrating and uncomfortable. With various possible causes, the treatment can be incredibly hard to treat. Luckily, BOTOX has emerged as one of the most effective treatment options for hyperhidrosis. The FDA also approved BOTOX for hyperhidrosis treatment in 2004.

Types

Hyperhidrosis comes in two different types: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can run in families and is occasionally a side effect of certain medications.

• Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: This type of hyperhidrosis refers to the condition itself. In this type of hyperhidrosis, there is no obvious or verifiable cause. It may also begin during puberty or in adolescence. People who suffer from this type of hyperhidrosis will experience episodes of severe and excessive sweating at least once a week. Most people will find that sweating is concentrated in one area such as the armpits, hands, feet, or head. The episodes will likely have no trigger or cause.
• Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis: Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis occurs across larger areas of the body and usually onsets in adulthood. The biggest difference between this type and primary focal hyperhidrosis is that it is caused by a medical condition or medication. In these cases, it is important to determine what may be causing excessive sweating. If identified, treating the condition or ceasing the medication will likely lead to relief. People who suffer from this type of hyperhidrosis may also continue to sweat in their sleep and that their sweating is not localized to one particular body area.

Symptoms

Hyperhidrosis may seem straightforward and like the only symptom of the condition is sweating. While excessive sweating is the main symptom of hyperhidrosis, sweating can cause many other uncomfortable side effects. Suffering from the condition can also cause many hindrances in life which can contribute to other health problems. A few symptoms and side effects of hyperhidrosis may include:

• Clammy skin in the affected area
• Sweating that becomes visible through clothing
• Antiperspirant resistant sweating
• Skin irritation
• Rashes
• Bacterial and fungal skin infections
• Increased anxiety and worry
• Worsened or development of mental health problems

Treatments And Prevention

There are many treatment and prevention methods that your doctor may recommend for hyperhidrosis. Firstly, your doctor will determine which type of hyperhidrosis you suffer from. If they determine that you may have secondary hyperhidrosis, they will work to discover the cause of excessive sweating.

In most cases, doctors will start with more conservative treatment methods such as prescription strength antiperspirants and medications. Your doctor may also recommend wearing armpit shields, certain fabrics, or switching to spray antiperspirants. When these do not provide enough relief, other medical treatments may be necessary.

Along with BOTOX treatment, iontophoresis–a mild form of electrical therapy–can also treat hyperhidrosis. In extreme cases, patients may undergo surgery. This is exceedingly rare. It is likely that if you undergo BOTOX for hyperhidrosis or another similar treatment, that you will continue using other forms of prevention.

Using BOTOX For Hyperhidrosis

BOTOX is a neuromodulator that uses a toxin derived from Botulinum toxin A. The toxin temporarily paralyzes select muscle movements and nerve functions. When prepared and diluted like in BOTOX injections, the toxin is perfectly safe to use for various cosmetic and medical conditions.

BOTOX treats hyperhidrosis by temporarily inhibiting the nerves that trigger the sweat glands. Like when treating wrinkles, BOTOX paralyzes full nerve function. This prevents nerve signals that tell your body to sweat. This can reduce or cease episodes of excessive sweating. Most commonly used to treat primary focal hyperhidrosis, the BOTOX is administered in the specific area you experience sweating.

Treatment Areas

Hyperhidrosis can occur at various points across the body. It most frequently appears on bilateral body parts. For example, hyperhidrosis may appear on both hands. BOTOX for hyperhidrosis can treat various areas including:

• Armpits
• Feet
• Hands
• Face

Effectiveness

Doctors have found that BOTOX is an effective treatment for primary focal hyperhidrosis. Like with regular BOTOX injections, you will need to continue treatments every few months. Every patient will need to refresh their Bellevue BOTOX for hyperhidrosis at different intervals. In general, you can expect to undergo injections about every six months.

For the treatment of secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, BOTOX is not usually recommended. While it may help in some cases, it is usually best to treat the underlying cause before seeking out BOTOX. Additionally, since secondary generalized hyperhidrosis can occur over a larger portion of the body, BOTOX injections may not be feasible.

Overall, BOTOX injections are effective for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. The plastic surgeons at Northwest Face & Body can determine if you are a good candidate for Bellevue hyperhidrosis treatment with BOTOX.

Before And After BOTOX For Hyperhidrosis

Consultation

At a consultation with a plastic surgeon at Northwest Face & Body, they will evaluate your hyperhidrosis and medical history. They may also ask about aspects of your lifestyle, medications you take, and any other ways you are treating the condition. Your Bellevue plastic surgeon may examine the area to determine if you are a candidate for BOTOX in the affected area.

Finally, your plastic surgeon will describe the specifics of the injections and what you can expect following treatment. Depending on the day and schedule, it may be possible to perform the injections during the same appointment. If you want, you can usually receive cosmetic BOTOX at the same time as your hyperhidrosis treatment.

Injections

BOTOX injections usually treat hyperhidrosis in the armpits. In this case, you will lay back with your arms up. You do not need to shave before the injections, though you can if you want. Since treating a particularly sensitive area and you are receiving continued injections, your plastic surgeon will likely apply a topical anesthetic.

Your plastic surgeon will then commence with injections. The exact amount of BOTOX will vary based on the severity of your hyperhidrosis. However, the average dosage is about fifty units of BOTOX in each armpit. Your plastic surgeon will then inject the BOTOX across many injection sites in the armpit.

The injections will take approximately twenty to thirty minutes. You will remain comfortable during the treatment. Before the end of the procedure, your plastic surgeon will explain any necessary aftercare.

Aftercare

Patients can return to their daily activities immediately following their BOTOX for hyperhidrosis injections. You should avoid exercise or anything that may cause natural sweating for the next day or so. Your plastic surgeon may also recommend that you avoid any deodorants or products that may irritate the area.

There is no reason to cease other hyperhidrosis treatments or prevention techniques. These can continue to prevent and treat excessive sweating in conjunction with the BOTOX injections. Your plastic surgeon can discuss if you must make any alterations to your routine before your injections.

It will take anywhere from a few days to two weeks before the BOTOX fully kicks in. Once it takes full effect, you should see sweating episodes and overall sweating in the area reduce or completely stop. This will last for a few months and on average lasts six months.

Stop Sweating With BOTOX For Hyperhidrosis In Bellevue And Kirkland

Hyperhidrosis is a frustrating condition and BOTOX can offer an effective solution. This can improve quality of life, alleviate uncomfortable side effects, and cease sweating. Northwest Face & Body provides the gold standard of BOTOX for hyperhidrosis treatment. Our plastic surgeons and injectors have years of experiencing administering BOTOX for several cosmetic and medical purposes.

Northwest Face & Body is a premier plastic surgery practice in Kirkland, WA. Offering the top plastic surgery and non-surgical procedures, our plastic surgeons are the best in Bellevue for hyperhidrosis treatment.

To learn more about BOTOX for hyperhidrosis and to schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also reach us online using our chat, contact form, or Price Simulator™.