If you struggle with excessive perspiration and nothing seems to help, you might be curious about Botox for sweating.
Because despite its primary reputation as preventative wrinkle treatment, Botox is also FDA-approved to help prevent hyperhidrosis—a common condition wherein someone produces disproportionate amounts of sweat—in the armpits. However it's also often used off-label to treat the face, hands, and feet for the same complaint.
As for why Botox focuses on sweat in those areas? That's where our sweat glands are most concentrated, cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, tells Glamour. “Eccrine sweat glands exist throughout our bodies but are concentrated in areas like the feet, palms, and [armpits]," she explains. “When your body feels overheated or when you’re exerting, nerves activate the sweat glands to produce sweat in order to cool the body.” Certain people produce more sweat than others because the aforementioned nerves overreact, prompting excessive perspiration (more on that below).
To prevent this, Botox can be injected directly into sweat glands to block the release of acetylcholine: a neurotransmitter that communicates to your sweat glands to produce sweat. This leads to decreased sweating in the targeted areas, says Dr. Green.
Curious about botox for sweating? Read on for FAQs and everything you need to know about the treatment.
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What is Botox?
Botox is one of several neuromodulators most commonly use to decrease wrinkle formation, says Smita R. Ramanadham, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of SR Plastic Surgery. More specifically, however, she adds that Botox is an injection comprised of a specific strain of botulinum toxin (hence its name; Bo-tox).
“When injected into the underlying muscles, Botox blocks acetylcholine released from the nerve, and essentially disrupts its communication to the muscle, weakening the muscle and thereby decreases the wrinkles seen on the skin,” she explains. “It is commonly used for the forehead horizontal wrinkles, eleven lines, sweating, migraines, and crow’s feet but is also used off-label for other concerns." One of the most well-known “other concerns” is a lip flip.
What causes excessive sweat, and is it common?
As noted above, the medical term for excessive sweating is hyperhidrosis. “This is a condition caused by an overactivity of sweat glands, leading to an excessive amount of sweating for no particular reason, even if you are in a cool area, not moving around, and not anxious or nervous,” Dr. Green tells Glamour, adding that there are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary (or focal) and secondary.
“Primary hyperhidrosis is when excessive sweating occurs in a specific part of the body—hands, underarms, feet—with no underlying medical cause,” she says. As for secondary hyperhidrosis, which is also known as generalized hyperhidrosis? “This usually occurs due to an underlying medical issue, and tends to occur in a generalized way throughout the body rather than in a specific body part.” And yes, hyperhidrosis is common: Approximately 15.3 million people in the United States suffer from it, according to a recent study.
How does Botox help with sweat?
Botox treats sweating the same way it prevents wrinkles: Once it's injected and starts to work, it blocks communication between the nerves to the sweat glands, which effectively decreases the glands' secretion of sweat, says Dr. Ramanadham.
Diminishing this excess sweat is a priority for many people who struggle with it, because it can cause social anxiety, sweating through and/or staining clothing, and overall discomfort, she adds.
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Is Botox for sweat FDA-approved?
Botox is FDA-approved for the prevention and treatment of sweat in the armpits, Dr. Green tells Glamour. “Botox for hyperhidrosis in the underarm area was approved by the FDA in 2004," she says. “Botox for treating excessive sweating of the hands or feet is not yet approved by the FDA, but many experienced dermatologists have used it ‘off-label’ and found it effective in reducing sweating in the hands, feet, and face.”
How long does it take for Botox to work?
The results of Botox for hyperhidrosis are fast-acting, says Dr. Green. “You can notice the effects of Botox in just a few days after the injections, typically between four and six days,” she clarifies. That said, the full effect of the Botox will be prominent about two weeks after the injections.
How long do Botox results last?
According to Dr. Ramanadham, you should expect the results to last a minimum of three months, though they can last upwards of one year depending on how fast your body metabolizes Botox as well as where the injections were placed.
For this reason, Dr. Green suggests patients repeat the Botox axilla treatment every six months to maintain the effects. “The results of Botox in the hands and feet typically do not last as long as in the underarms,” she adds.
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How should I prepare for my Botox appointment?
“The best way to prepare for your appointment is to first be able to discuss your concerns and goals clearly to the doctor or injector," says Dr. Ramanadham. "You should also be prepared to discuss any medical conditions you have, previous treatments for sweating, medications, or other information related to your general health.”
Atop touching base with your injector, be sure to avoid blood thinning medications such as aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, and fish oil, adds Dr. Green. “Avoid laser hair removal or shaving in the injection site two days prior to the appointment,” she continues, also advising you wear a short-sleeved shirt on the day of injections for optimal comfort.
What are the risk and side effects?
According to Dr. Green, common mild side effects of Botox for hyperhidrosis include localized irritation or bruising, which are temporary and resolve within a few days. “More rare and serious side effects, which occur in fewer than 1% of patients, include muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and trouble with bladder control,” she says. “In order to minimize the risk of these adverse side effects, Botox for hyperhidrosis should be performed by an experienced, board-certified physician.”
Another good reason to see a certified medical professional? They can also discuss other treatments that could be a better option for your specific condition, adds Dr. Ramanadham.
What are other treatments for excessive sweat?
If Botox isn't right for you; don't fret: There are lots of other ways to treat sweat. These include aluminum chloride in prescription antiperspirants, nerve-blocking medications, anticholinergics, and MiraDry, according to Dr. Green, though there are over-the-counter treatments, such as sweat-preventing powders and lotions, that work to eradicate sweat, as well.
