Botox for Hyperhidrosis (Armpit Botox)
Procedures
What is Botox for Armpits?
OnabotulinumtoxinA is a purified protein, found naturally, that has the ability to temporarily block the secretion of the chemical responsible for activating the body’s sweat glands, more specifically the glands in the armpit.
By blocking the chemical process that produces armpit sweat, the Botox injection is able to reduce or eliminate sweat for extended periods at a time.
When Botox is injected into the face, the process essentially freezes surrounding muscles from contracting. This gives Botox the ability to smooth out the patient’s fine lines and wrinkles.
The same process and mechanisms used for wrinkles, works for armpit sweating, as well. Botox takes the message meant for acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that tells the muscles to contract) and intercepts it, essentially.
Is Botox for Underarm Sweat Safe?
Sweating is an essential process for the human body. This process is totally normal and helps to keep us from overheating. It is important to note that Dr. Wall administers Botox as a localized treatment. It will stop the sweating from only the part of the body in which it was administered.
Therefore, you will still sweat from other areas of your body so that your body is still able to self-regulate its temperature.
Your armpits only account for around 2% of your body’s sweat glands.
Botox was created to be a shallow injection, meaning the needle should go just under the skin. Where the product is injected is where it remains.
According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, treating excessive sweating in the armpits, hands, feet, face, head and under the breast with Botox is not only safe, but effective, as well.
How Long Does Botox Stop Your Armpits From Sweating?
Like all treatments, the results will vary from patient to patient. Most patients will start to see a noticeable difference two to four days after treatment, with the product in full effect after two weeks. For most, the Botox will last anywhere from four to twelve months, but for some, it can stretch as long as fourteen months.
Repeated use of Botox is safe. Actually, the longer the patient uses Botox treatments for armpit sweat, the more effective the treatment becomes. Repeat botox injections in the armpit are typically needed after six months to sixteen months, depending on the patient.
How Long Does the Process of Botox for Armpits Take?
Dr. Wall gives each patient two options; they can either receive numbing cream before their botox for sweating treatment, or they can go without. Most patients opt for the numbing cream before Botox treatments.
For the armit, the Botox needs to be administered a little deeper into the muscle than for treatments in say, your face. Different techniques are required for different parts of the body and what the treatment is used to correct.
Because there is always the potential for pain and bruising, the process is done carefully, to avoid this.
The entire process should take roughly around thirty minutes, but the injection process is only around ten minutes.
Next Steps for Hyperhidrosis Treatment (or Armpit Botox)
The use of Botox for treatment of armpit sweat, or hyperhidrosis will only be effective if administered by a board certified physician who has received the special training necessary and experience needed to administer the product.
If you haven’t talked to Dr. Wall about excessive sweating, now is the time! He will work with you to find the right treatment to manage your hyperhidrosis.
During the consultation, the patient should ask Dr. Wall not only about the procedures but about his experience with the type of procedure she or he is interested in. They should also speak with others who have had a Botox treatment for Hyperhidrosis (or armpit Botox) performed by Dr. Wall. We’re sure he will get a shining recommendation.
In turn, the patient needs to be honest about his or her medical history and use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and even supplements that may have an impact on the treatment.
For more information on plastic surgery, or to schedule a consultation, you can contact us at: Shreveport Center: 318-221-1629