Botox Therapeutic® for Hyperhidrosis
Perspiration is the body’s way of cooling down (by evaporation) and cleansing itself of waste products. It’s natural to sweat, but if you feel your life is being negatively impacted by excessive perspiration, that’s a problem. What you may not know is that there is a safe and effective medical treatment for excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. While most of us are aware of Botox® treatments as a way of minimizing wrinkles by blocking nerves so muscles don’t contract, Botox® treatments work in much the same way to temporarily disable sweat glands for months at a time. Botox Therapeutic® for hyperhidrosis is available at Ancaster Dermatology Centre in Hamilton, and our practitioners are skilled at treating both men and women. If you are from Hamilton and beyond including Burlington, Brantford, Niagara, and throughout Ontario we are here to help.
If you feel that excessive sweating is interfering with your life, we would like to help you. Contact Ancaster Dermatology Centre at (905) 304-1122 to schedule your visit.
Is Botox Therapeutic® for Perspiration Right for You?
When administered by our trained injector, Botox Therapeutic® is quite safe and well-tolerated. You may be a candidate for clinical hyperhidrosis treatment with Botox® if you have experienced any of the following:
- Anxiety regarding underarm odor or visible wetness
- Avoidance of activities that are likely to exacerbate sweating
- Stained clothing or bed linens
- Avoiding shaking hands
- Constant skin infections on feet from dampness
The Versatility of Botox® Treatments
Botox® treatments are widely used for cosmetic and medical conditions because they block signals between the brain and small peripheral nerve endings. Botox® works in hyperhidrosis by temporarily deactivating small areas of nerve endings that have caused sweat glands to overproduce sweat. The underarm area is easily treated with Botox® injections. Hands and feet are more sensitive and require a topical anesthetic. In the event that you are not a candidate for hyperhidrosis treatment with Botox®, we may offer you an alternative topical or oral antiperspirant. During your initial consultation, expect to discuss your medical history as well as your condition in order to help us plan an appropriate treatment for you.
The Botox Therapeutic® Experience at Ancaster Dermatology
Treating hyperhidrosis with Botox Therapeutic® is relatively simple and quick. During the procedure, our practitioner will cleanse the treatment area to prepare it for injection. She then uses a fine needle to administer the product. Each injection lasts for only seconds, producing a slight pinching sensation. After your visit, you may return to your usual activities as soon as you like, but you may wish to take it easy for the remainder of the day. It is recommended that you not participate in cardiovascular exercise for 24 hours post injection. It takes some time for the active ingredient to take effect, so expect to see a reduction in sweating gradually over the course of about a week after your appointment. This reduction typically lasts for about 6 to 10 months. You may return to Ancaster Dermatology Centre for further treatments. Botox® treatments are not offered to pregnant or nursing females. Side effects of this treatment can include bruising. It is extremely rare to experience a side effect known as compensatory hyperhidrosis where increased sweating occurs at a site distant and unrelated to the treatment site. This, if it does occur, is short lived and non-permanent.
