Just because sweating is natural, that doesn’t mean it’s enjoyable in excess. For those struggling with overactive underarm sweat, it can be uncomfortable or embarrassing to deal with. Worrying about the appearance of sweat stains, wondering if your shirt smells, or double-checking that you applied enough deodorant—all of these thoughts, and more, are running through your head daily.
But you don’t have to let excessive sweating interfere with your quality of life. For those interested in significantly reducing their perspiration, you may be surprised to find that Botox is actually an FDA-approved, clinically proven way to effectively stop underarm sweating at the source.
How is Botox Used to Treat Underarm Sweating?
You’ve probably heard how great Botox is at treating wrinkles. It’s well-known for being an injectable neurotoxin that effectively blocks nerve receptors, relaxing the muscles that cause expression lines and preventing them from forming. However, the benefits of Botox don’t stop there—it can also be used for underarm sweating.
Similar to the way it reduces movement in certain facial muscles, when injected into the underarms, Botox prevents the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals your glands to sweat. When acetylcholine can’t signal your glands to sweat, perspiration is reduced.
According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, Botox can actually reduce underarm sweating by up to 87%, with most patients reporting a significant decrease in sweat production within three to five days of treatment. However, it’s important to note that the Botox will only prevent sweating in the specific area where it’s been injected.
What Causes Excessive Underarm Sweat?
Underarm sweating is your body’s natural cooling mechanism; it’s a biological response to certain conditions or stimuli such as warm weather, physical activity, or strong emotions (like fear or anger). However, excessive underarm sweating is caused by hyperhidrosis—a condition characterized by heavy or uncontrollable sweating beyond what is normal or needed for temperature regulation.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary (also known as focal) and secondary (also known as generalized). Focal hyperhidrosis is the most common type, and although its causes are unknown, studies suggest it may be genetic. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by a medical condition, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, or as a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants.
If this is something you experience daily, you’re not alone. Hyperhidrosis affects about 15.3 million people in the United States (about 4.8% of the population) and is typically found in people between the ages of 18 and 39. Common symptoms of hyperhidrosis include:
- “Wet” or “dripping” underarms
- Body odor
- Stained clothing
- Skin infections
- Anxiety during social situations
Treatments usually start with a clinical-strength antiperspirant or medications, but for those who still aren’t able to find relief, Botox injections are the next step.
What to Expect During Treatment for Underarm Botox
At AESTHETICS 360°, we have years of experience providing effective and uniquely tailored Botox treatments for underarm sweating! Learn what to expect from our process:
Step 1: Consultation & Treatment Plan
At AESTHETICS 360°, we can consult and treat on the same day! You’ll meet with one of our Aesthetic Nurse Specialists to discuss your concerns and develop an individualized treatment plan. They’ll answer any questions you may have about the injection process before we begin. (However, it’s important to note that scheduling a consultation does not mean there’s any pressure to book a treatment!)
Step 2: Underarm Botox Treatment
When it’s time for your treatment, our Aesthetic Nurse Specialist will mark your underarms to ensure precision and accuracy. The Botox will then be dosed through a series of quick injections with a tiny needle. A numbing cream will be used to help with any discomfort; most patients describe the sensation as being similar to a slight pinch.
Step 3: Post-Treatment Care
The actual Botox injection process will only take a few minutes (awesome, right?) and there’s little to no downtime. You’ll receive around 10 to 20 injections per underarm. When the injections are finished, our nurse will go over post-treatment care instructions, as well as give you an expected timeline for results.
What to Expect After Underarm Botox Treatment
After underarm Botox, you may feel a little tender around the treated area—this is completely normal and will go away after a day or two. You’ll be advised to avoid wearing deodorants or perfume under your arms for up to a day to avoid irritation.
It may take up to two weeks before the Botox is in full effect. It’s important to note that Botox isn’t permanent, and in order to maintain the results, repeat treatments will be needed. Typically, for underarm sweating, maintenance injections are done every 6 to 12 months.
Can Botox Only Be Used to Treat Underarm Sweat?
Currently, Botox has only been FDA-approved to treat underarm sweat—but that doesn’t mean other areas of the body can’t be treated off-label. Areas of the body that can be treated for sweating include:
- Palms: Studies have found that Botox can reduce palm sweating by about 25% to 50%! That means no more worries about sweaty handshakes.
- Face: One study found that Botox injections significantly reduced facial sweating.
- Soles of feet: Sick of changing your socks all the time? In some cases, Botox has been found to help reduce sweating along the soles of the feet.
Interested in Botox for Underarm Sweat? Contact AESTHETICS 360°
Tired of dealing with excessively sweaty underarms? Then contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation with one of our specialists. We’ll listen to your goals and learn about your medical history before working with you to create a customized underarm Botox treatment plan that’s proven to get results. That’s what it means to experience the 360-degree difference!
