Sweating excessively—a condition called hyperhidrosis—can cause stained clothing, damp palms, and dripping foreheads, triggering embarrassment and anxiety in social and professional situations. Even though hyperhidrosis typically poses no health concerns, your quality of life suffers, and many people who sweat excessively avoid activities and situations because of the condition.
Fortunately, treatments such as BOTOX® injections can significantly reduce sweating under the arms for 6 to 8 months. At YES Medspa in Langley, Dr. Mosher and nurses personally trained by the Royal College-certified plastic surgeon perform these treatments. This gives us more flexibility in scheduling appointments.
Do You Have Hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is a normal physiological process that naturally cools our bodies, which have 2 to 4 million sweat glands. Primary hyperhidrosis—excessive sweating that isn’t caused by an underlying medical condition or a reaction to medication—occurs when sweat glands overreact and are just generally overactive, producing more sweat than is needed.
People with hyperhidrosis—often young men or women—may spend hours each day thinking about and dealing with sweat. They change clothes often, “freshen up” throughout the day, place napkins or pads under their arms, avoid shaking hands, or wear dark-coloured, bulky clothes to camouflage sweat. They may make excuses to stay home when invited to a gathering where they’ll feel self-conscious.
In addition to suffering embarrassment, people with hyperhidrosis may also experience irritating skin problems because of the constant flow of sweat under the arms or in other areas.
How Does BOTOX Work for Hyperhidrosis?
Most people think of BOTOX as a way to minimize lines and wrinkles—which it does very effectively. It works by temporarily preventing the movement of facial muscles that cause wrinkles. It prevents sweating in a similar way by temporarily blocking the secretion of the chemical that is responsible for “turning on” the body’s sweat glands. By interrupting this chemical messenger, BOTOX “turns off” sweating where it’s been injected.
When BOTOX is used to treat excessive underarm sweating, research shows it results in about an 85% decrease in sweating. Patients start noticing results within 2 to 4 days of the injections, with the full effects occurring within 2 to 4 weeks.
What Happens During a Hyperhidrosis Treatment?
It’s important to choose an injector who has been trained to use BOTOX for hyperhidrosis. During the appointment, either Dr. Mosher or one of our experienced nurse injectors administers approximately 10 to 15 injections with a fine needle. The injections are just below the skin’s surface, and the procedure usually lasts only 10 to 30 minutes for both armpits.
No downtime is needed after the treatment, so you can return to work or other daily activities with minimal restrictions.
If you want to learn more about how BOTOX® treatments can relieve your excessive sweating, request a consultation at YES Medspa in Langley, BC, or call our office at (604) 888-9378 (Surgical Office) or (604) 888-9397 (Medspa).
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