How Botox injections reduce sweat and what you can expect
Sweating is a normal, and necessary, bodily function that helps humans regulate body temperature in the heat or during activity. Some of us sweat more than is needed, though, and that additional perspiration can impact the quality of life, confidence, and more.
What is excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating is defined as high levels of perspiration that impact or impede daily life and activities.
Excessive sweating may be diagnosed as a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. This condition can be isolated to one body area, called focal hyperhidrosis, or produce more global sweating over the entire body.
Hyperhidrosis does not have a specific cause, though genetics are suspected as a contributing factor. Anatomically, hyperhidrosis occurs when sweat glands are overactive and overproduce throughout the day, often in response to typical stimuli such as heat, stress, anxiety, etc.
Does Botox impact excessive sweating?
Botox is typically thought of in relation to erasing wrinkles and smoothing skin’s appearance. It’s been found that Botox is a safe and effective Treatment for sweating, with studies showing that Botox injections can reduce sweating by 75 percent for several months. (Source).
Botox impacts sweating by adjusting how nerves interact with overactive sweat glands, specifically by blocking the activation of the glands stopping the sweating before it starts.
Treatment includes Botox injections in the localized area impacted by overactive glands, common areas include palms, faces, underarms, feet, etc. The Botox treatment prevents sweating in the specific area treated by “turning off” the nerve signals to the sweat glands.
What sort of results can I expect?
While reduction of sweat can vary based on treatment and individual, those treated can anticipate anywhere between a 75 percent and 87 percent reduction in sweat. (Source)
Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis does not provide permanent results. Studies of those treated have shown results being seen within 2-4 days of the treatment and lasting anywhere from 3-6 months to an entire year.
Injections do not prevent the body from using its cooling system, either, as reduction of gland activity is the goal…not total elimination. Since Botox treatment is intended to impact nerve function, injections can temporarily impact the muscles and areas surrounding the treatment area.
In addition to reduced sweating, Botox treatment for sweating can often reduce body odor, as well. Many of the areas that sweat heavily are ideal locations for bacteria that cause odor to thrive. Eliminating moisture from excessive sweating helps to decrease the likelihood of bacteria gathering and producing smells.
Is Botox treatment for sweating safe?
Botox has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a number of treatments, including the treatment of hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Botox injections are a non-invasive treatment type that has been integrated into holistic treatment plans for decades. There is no downtime after receiving your injections.
Treatment should always be performed by trained and licensed professionals. Your medical team will provide helpful instructions on aftercare and determine a treatment plan for upkeeping your results.
Moving forward
Understanding treatment options for your excessive sweating is a great first step and the staff
at The Spa and Laser Center is ready to help you on your journey to normal perspiration.
Even though Botox treatment has often been considered a solely cosmetic treatment, many insurance companies have updated policies to cover injections for conditions such as hyperhidrosis.
If you’d like to explore your treatment options in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Suffolk, get in touch with The Spa & Laser Center can help. Contact us today at 757-965-7444 or schedule your consultation today.
