Are you worried about wrinkles and the way your skin looks? Want to get rid of that sagging skin on your underarms? Are you sick of not being able to wear a tank top in public because you're embarrassed by your wrinkles? At Skin Deep Med Spa, Boston residents can entrust us to help them get rid of these problems.
Botox has long been used to eliminate wrinkles from the face and migraines, but it also is gaining traction as a method for treating severe underarm sweating also known as axillary hyperhidrosis. In the United States alone, approximately 4 million adults suffer from excessive sweating.
This type of sweating is often a source of frustration and embarrassment for people who typically experience excessive sweating in areas such as the palms, soles, face, head, and armpits. Excessive underarm sweating can affect an individual’s overall quality of life by restricting the ability to engage in everyday activities.
But it isn’t a magic bullet—while many people respond favorably to Botox injections, others should not use the treatment. To help you decide whether Botox injections are right for you, we explore the various aspects of it.
Although sweating is a vital function, excessive sweating can be a big problem for some people. Botox is the medical term of botulinum toxin (BTX) developed from bacteria found on un-popped corn and is considered a clinically tested and medically approved ingredient.
Botulinum toxin is known as Botox injection, Botox shot, and Botox treatment as well. When injected into the skin or muscle, it becomes weakened by rupturing the cell membrane to prevent them from contracting and thus reduce facial and body sweat.
Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine, a chemical that activates sweat glands and thereby reduces sweating in your armpits. Many people with axillary hyperhidrosis can reduce or eliminate their sweating by using Botox injections.
Botox injections are given by your doctor at regular intervals, with most injections taking less than ten minutes. The number of treatments required varies by individual, but will typically remain effective for four to six months.
Underarm Botox injections are a relatively safe procedure and will not cause permanent damage. Although Botox can alleviate the symptoms of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis, it does not provide permanent results.
Underarm Botox has been shown to last for about three months, but some patients report that their symptoms return after about two to four months.
However, if overactive sweat glands or hyperhidrosis is the result of another disease, such as diabetes, treating these underlying diseases may eliminate the symptoms of active sweating.
An increasing number of people with axillary hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating of the armpits—are discovering this treatment—there are reliable accounts of long-lasting results and no significant side effects after Botox injections.
Before you book for your procedure, ensure that you visit the physician at least once before administering any Botox injections. Ensure that he or she is board-certified and qualified to perform this procedure.
The medical professional should discuss thoroughly with you the entire process so that you can be aware of what to expect in the following days.
The procedure to treat excessive sweating begins with the creation of a grid of injection sites approximately one inch apart using Botox. It is administered through injections by an experienced practician with a needle into the specific muscles that produce perspiration or odor. This process is quick and painless, typically lasting only 10 or 15 minutes.
After this period, patients experience a dramatic decrease in their sweating ability. For many patients, the unpleasantness of sweating is outweighed by the relief of not having to wear antiperspirant under their arms that can sometimes ruin their clothes.
While most people experience the best results between three and four months after their first injection, some individuals may require Botox injections regularly to control excessive sweating.
A common side effect of botox is a temporary change in how your underarm looks. The muscles in your underarm may appear relaxed or droopy after receiving botox injections in your armpits. This can last a few weeks but will eventually go away.
In addition, some individuals may experience drooping eyelids or temporarily blurred vision after receiving botox injections in their armpits.
There are numerous benefits to Botox injection for underarm sweating.
There are no side effects associated with the injections other than those caused by the injection itself, namely some pain, bruising, and redness at the injection site.
Treatment with Botox takes about three weeks for the full effect to take hold. Some people see results immediately, but often the full effects do not become apparent until around week three or four. The results can last from six months to a year or more before another treatment is needed.
People who undergo Botox injections under their arms experience significant reductions in underarm sweating and feel significantly more confident and socially relaxed as a result.
Among the risks associated with Botox is a severe allergic reaction at the injection site called anaphylaxis.
Botox injections are not recommended for patients with neuromuscular diseases such as Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, or Lambert–Eaton syndrome or Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS).
Furthermore, Botox injections are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
There are also reports of long-term adverse side effects such as chronic pain from needle trauma or nerve damage and permanent weakness in muscles from over-treatment. In addition, Botox treatments are relatively expensive.
At Skin Deep Med Spa in Boston, we understand your concerns when it comes to finding the right treatment for your underarms' excessive sweating. We have helped patients experiencing this condition with a combination of medical and cosmetic treatments.
Our certified Botox, Boston-based specialists, and trained practitioners in treating excessive underarm sweating utilize the latest techniques and products and are eager to design a customized treatment plan for every individual.
Schedule your appointment with our medical spa in Boston today!
Bachelors of Science in Nursing
Michelle Cory, R.N. worked in emergency medicine for eighteen years before developing a passion for aesthetic nursing and has now practiced for over seventeen years. Cory is an expert injector with extensive training in neuromodulators and dermal fillers, specializing in non-surgical facial aesthetics while understanding the importance of combination therapy. Her expertise is in listening to her patients and customizing an individualized treatment plan based on the clients needs.
All content are reviewed by Nichole Starr, R.N., owner and founder of Skin Deep Med Spa.
