Excessive sweating

Hyperhidrosis is a most unfortunate condition that can cause excessive underarm sweating. It may have a distressing and serious impact on one’s personal and working life, but effective treatment is now available using Botulinum Toxin.

Treatment with Botulinum Toxin has been confirmed by medical research to be particularly effective and successful in treating excessive underarm sweating in more than 95% of patients and can give relief for between four to six months.

Prices from £500

Frequently asked questions

What causes underarm sweating?

Excessive sweating is known medically as ‘hyperhidrosis’ and when normal perspiration under the arms becomes excessive, it is described as “axillary hyperhidrosis”. Eccrine sweat glands are stimulated by their nerve endings which are triggered by the brain in response to emotional stress or physical stress such as increased body temperature when the body’s natural reaction is to try to cool down through perspiration.

Signals from the brain to the nerves that control sweating are governed by acetylcholine, a chemical component in the sweat gland which if inhibited will reduce the production of sweat. Botulinum Toxin has been scientifically engineered as a neurotoxin which can block the nerve and stop the release of acetylcholine for months. A more natural and manageable level of perspiration will then be attained and this can have a life enhancing effect for the patient.

Who are good candidates for Botox® Injections?

• Those affected by excessive underarm sweating
• Those whose working environment requires close contact with the public such as dentists, surgeons, hair stylists, airline flight attendants and others
• People exposed to hot working conditions such as chefs and television presenters or newcasters.
• Those required to give public presentations
• Those whose clothes have repeatedly become spoiled by underarm staining.

How is Botulinum Toxin used?

The first stage of the treatment is for the patient to undergo a safe and easy starch indicator test to locate sweat glands. Once highlighted, the glands can be treated directly by Botox injection. Several little injections are administered by our professional practitioners during treatment using a tiny micro-needle in around 12-15 places in each underarm region.

Extreme physical exercise is not recommended for several hours after treatment, but all other normal activity may be resumed.

When will treatment take effect?

Sweating under the arms will reduce by 95% within 48 hours and full effectiveness will be achieved within the first week. An added benefit is the reduction in the unpleasant body odour associated with excessive sweating.

How long does the treatment last?

One treatment should provide 5 – 6 months relief from excessive sweating.

What are the risks and complications?

There may be signs of slight bruising at the point of injection, but this will fade soon after treatment. A second treatment is sometimes required in small areas where undue sweating persists, but there is no risk of muscle weakness and no permanent numbness of skin changes can occur.

 How much can I expect to pay for treatment?

Prices from £500 per session - additional treatments usually required every 9 - 12 months dependant upon the individual.

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