Excessive Sweating

Excessive Sweating

Excessive Sweating

Fast Facts

Great For   Excessive sweating or to eliminate the need for antiperspirants 

Areas Treated   Underarms (axillae)

Down Time   None

Results Duration   6 - 12 months, depending on the amount of sweating and individual response. 

AKA   Hyperhidrosis treatment, underarm sweating treatment

What is Excessive Sweating?

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 muscle relaxants (like those used to treat facial wrinkles) in significantly reducing sweat production. 

How do muscle relaxants work in treating excessive sweating?

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.

What does the treatment involve?

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.

Are there any side effects?

This treatment is very safe, however a few side effects can occur:

  • Bruising from the injections may occur, and is more common if you have taken aspirin or blood thinners in the week prior to therapy. 
  • Some people (approximately 4%) experience an increase in sweating in other areas. This is usually less of a problem than in other forms of treatment for hyperhidrosis.

Can it be used to treat normal underarm sweating?

Yes, this treatment is very effective in treating all degrees of underarm sweating, and can eliminate the need for antiperspirants for months.

What are the costs of treatment?

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 muscle relaxant used. Your practitioner will give you an accurate idea of costs. As an indication, for axillary hyperhidrosis you might expect to pay $995 per treatment. 

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