Excessive sweating can be safely and effectively treated using small injections. The same injections are used for normal sweating treatment and for hyperhidrosis. You can say goodbye to deodorants and antiperspirants!
The underarms, forehead, scalp and hands can all be treated and the effects last from 3 – 9 months depending on dosage and area.
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating which can affect any part of the body, though it is most common in the armpits (axillae), palms of hands and the soles of the feet. As many as 1 in 10 of the population might be affected by this uncomfortable and distressing condition.
In the past 10 years many studies have proved the effectiveness of injections treatment (like those used to treat facial wrinkles) in significantly reducing sweat production.
Sweat glands play an important role in regulating body temperature and are located throughout the body, but are concentrated in the hands, feet and armpits. These areas show an exaggerated response to stimuli such as stress and heat. Muscle relaxants work by blocking the nerve transmission in the skin. In cosmetic use, they block the nerve from stimulating muscle movement, causing the muscles to relax and lines caused by movement to disappear. When used for hyperhidrosis, the muscle relaxant blocks the nerve stimulation to the sweat glands, reducing sweating for up to 12 months.
Prior to treatment any hair present is removed and the area is thoroughly cleaned with antiseptic solution. A series of tiny injections are given into the area. In the underarm (or axillae) approximately 20 injections are given on each side. This can be uncomfortable but should not be painful. Local anaesthetic cream can be used prior to treatment if desired.
The results are noticeable within 48 hours and the full effectiveness of the treatment will become apparent after 7 days. The duration varies from person to person, but will usually last between 6 and 10 months. Repeat treatments or ‘top ups’ may be required if the first treatment did not have the desired effect.
This treatment is very safe, however a few side effects can occur:
Yes, this treatment is very effective in treating all degrees of underarm sweating, and can eliminate the need for antiperspirants for months.
The expense of this therapy is due to the high cost of the muscle relaxant itself. The cost will depend on the size of the area to be treated and the amount of medication used. Your practitioner will give you an accurate idea of costs. As an indication, for axillary hyperhidrosis you might expect to pay $300 – 600 per treatment.
Read more about our other body treatments including IPL hair removal, leg vein treatment and bumps and blemishes
