Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating is medically referred to as Hyperhydrosis, treatment of hyperhydrosis uses a muscle relaxer, botulinum toxin (produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum) a brand name commonly referred to as ‘botox’.

‘Botox’ works by blocking the nerves responsible for activating your sweat glands. Normally, your nervous system activates your sweat glands when your body temperature rises. This is how your body automatically cools itself. In people with hyperhidrosis, however, the nerves that signal the sweat glands are overactive.

When you receive Botox injections directly into the area of your body that commonly sweats, your overactive nerves are essentially paralyzed. When your nerves can’t signal your sweat glands, you don’t sweat. However, Botox only prevents sweating in the specific area where it’s injected.

1- Consultation– this is to ensure that this treatment is suitable for your concerns and presentation.. Your medical and social history will be discussed in order to create a prescription for the product.
2– Cleaning: Making sure the skin is free from any bacteria is essential to a safe and infection free treatment. Your skin will be cleaned with a specialised disinfectant.
3– Marking of the skin: Specific points are marked on the skin for the best possible results.
4- Injection of toxin: An extremely fine needle is used to inject the toxin into the lower layers of the skin. This takes about 5-10 minutes.
5- Postoperative instructions: see below.

General risks include:
-Temporary bleeding/bruising
-Mild swelling
-Post-treatment headache
-Infection
-Unsatisfactory results.

The needle used to inject the toxin is the finest there is. Most clients say that the treatment feels like a ‘pop’ or a ‘click’.

• Underarm: The sensation is no more uncomfortable than having a gentle armpit wax

• Palms: There are lots of nerve endings in the palms of the hands, therefore we offer topical anaesthetic cream to make this treatment more bearable.

• 1 week before the treatment, avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and fish oil supplements. These may increase bleeding and bruising. However, you can take paracetamol if needed.
• If you are taking any prescribed medication, including aspirin, do not stop taking it – consult your practitioner or your GP first.
• Avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before your treatment, as this also increases the risk of bruising.

Don’t touch! Straight after the appointment it is important not to touch the area. The areas will be little raised and slightly swollen, however these swellings will reduce rapidly after about 20 min. Touching the skin can increase the risk of infection.

Don’t Rub! For at least 24 hours it is important that the toxin is not spread away from the specific areas that it has been placed, this could result in complications.
Don’t get hot! Gym? Not for 24 hours. Steam room? Not for 2 weeks. Hot bath/ shower? Not for 48 hours.
The toxin that is applied relies on being kept at a cool temperature, no higher than 36 degrees. If it gets too warm, the toxin won’t work.
No deodorant ! For at least 24 hours. The tiny little points where the toxin is injected can get infected.

Roughly 72 hours. The can vary between clients. However two weeks after treatment should show the optimal results. At this point if you are still experiencing excessive sweating book a review appointment. Please note this must be within two weeks of initial treatment.

This caries between client to client but generally anywhere from 4- 12 months.

No. This is a common misconception. The nerve endings that are blocked regulate the region they are located. For example, in a client with excessive sweating in the palms, this will be active even if the temperature is not extreme,

Sweat is still able to be released by the sweat glands in the body, just not in the ears of treatment.

We would recommend at least one month prior to your big day to get maximum results.

Yes. The odour under the arms is created by bacteria, so good hygiene and deodorant is still recommended.

There are few conditions that completely stop an over 18 year old from receiving toxin treatment. However it is important to mention to Dr Elder during consultation of you suffer or have suffered from the following:
-You have a muscular disease (e.g. Bell’s Palsy)
-You have any blood or nervous system disorders
-You are taking any medications which affect blood clotting
-You are taking any medicines
-You have any psychological concerns

18 years old. However if you are reading this and struggling with sweating, it is worth speaking to your GP as there may be something that can be offered on the health service. By all means contact us for more information.