Sweating is a normal part of being human, it helps us regulate our body temperature. But too much sweating, especially at times when it isn’t necessary, can be problematic and often a little embarrassing. It can cause us to avoid wearing certain clothes, social settings and activities. And it’s not just limited to the underarms, you may experience excessive sweating of the hands, feet or other parts of the body. For some people, the problem is so excessive it can be considered hyperhidrosis, a condition where the nerves that signal the sweat glands are overactive, which can really impact the quality of one’s life. As summer approaches, most people are excited for the warmer temps, but if sweating is a concern for you, your anxiety may also be on the rise. 

Fear not, there is a solution.
Botox® is a brand name for anti-wrinkle injections, but the term is commonly used to refer to any anti-wrinkle injection that uses the botulinum toxin. Anti-wrinkle injections are used to soften the lines and wrinkles of the face by injecting into certain muscles, which then blocks the nerve from firing these muscles, softening the appearance of fine lines. Anti-wrinkle injections are the ultimate multi-tasker; they also have a wide range of clinical applications, such as treating jaw clenching. And, they work wonders for sweating. 

So how does it work to treat sweating?

The botulinum toxin can be injected into the areas of excessive sweating, blocking the nerve signals responsible for firing the sweat glands. The treatment is well researched, with sufficient evidence to conclude that botulinum toxin A injections effectively reduce sweat production by more than 50% for six months or longer, with one large study reporting a 90% decrease in sweat production¹. In this study, 98% of subjects stated they would recommend the injections! 

Is it painful?
We aren’t going to lie to you and tell you it’s painless. Needles hurt a little, but most patients describe the pain as tolerable, like a rubber band flick. It is a little more painful in some areas, such as the hands and feet. However, a topical numbing cream is used to lessen the pain. The procedure is simple, fast and non-invasive with minimal downtime and side effects are rare. 

Some people feel concerned that the injections will prevent the body's ability to cool down or that sweating less in one area will increase sweat in others. This isn’t the case at all. The injections are very localised, and so only block a very small percentage of your body's total sweat glands. Meaning your body adjusts and regulates just fine. 

It is important that only a highly skilled doctor or nurse administer these injections, as they can be contraindicated in some medical conditions or pregnancy. Port Medical Aesthetics is home to an amazing cohort of independent doctors and nurses who are here to help you find your confidence and feel comfortable again. If sweating is preventing you from doing and wearing what you want, we’d love to have a chat about how anti-wrinkle injections can assist.

Post by Dr K Kostalas

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¹Stuart, M. E., Strite S. A. & Gillard K. K. (2020) A systematic evidence-based review of treatments for primary hyperhidrosis. Journal of Drug Assessment 10(1): 35-50

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7781989/