Excessive sweating in the underarm area can impact work performance, self-confidence, social interactions, and clothing choices for both men and women. Research indicates that it can significantly diminish quality of life, similar to well-known skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.
Botulinum toxin is approved by the FDA for treating underarm sweating due to its safety and high efficacy.
Botulinum toxin functions by temporarily blocking the hormone acetylcholine, which triggers the body's sweat glands. By inhibiting this hormone or chemical messenger, botulinum toxin can halt sweating in the targeted area where it is injected.
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
This treatment can reduce underarm sweating by up to 80% for both men and women. Results are typically noticeable within 3-4 days, reaching full effectiveness around 2 weeks and lasting an average of 5-6 months before sweating gradually resumes.
It is essential to recognize that sweating is vital for regulating body temperature and detoxification. However, localized areas, such as the underarms, house only a small fraction of the body's sweat glands. Therefore, temporarily blocking these sweat glands has minimal impact on overall body temperature regulation.
WHAT IT INVOLVES
The treatment process lasts around 20 minutes.
Ideally, patients should shave the area 3-4 days before the procedure.
For those anxious about needles, a topical numbing cream can be applied to the armpits for 30 minutes.
Each armpit is cleaned, disinfected, and marked in a grid-like pattern, with small doses of botulinum toxin injected 1-2 cm apart.
A follow-up treatment is scheduled after 2 weeks to address any persistent sweating areas, leading to improved and longer-lasting outcomes.
DOWNTIME & AFTERCARE
There is minimal to no downtime or discomfort post-treatment.
After the procedure, patients are advised to keep the injected area clean, avoid strenuous exercise, and refrain from hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and jacuzzies.