Botox™ for hyperhidrosis (armpit sweating)

Since 1989, botulinum toxin has rapidly gained international medical and public recognition as a treatment of choice for the correction of frown lines, brow lines and crows feet. In recent years, its cosmetic application has broadened to include other facial lines, muscle tone reshaping and sculpturing of the face, and has become a very effective treatment for excessive armpit sweating (hyperhidrosis).

What Is Botulinum Toxin?
Botox ™ (produced by Allergan) or Dysport ™ (produced by Ipsen) are commercially purified forms of toxins produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria. In its natural state this bacterial toxin is responsible for causing botulism (food poisoning). This occurs when a large quantity is eaten, and results in widespread temporary muscle paralysis throughout the body. It is this temporary loss of muscle action that has been, for many years (since the 1890’s), exploited for clinical advantages in numerous fields of medicine, including ophthalmology(eye speciality), neurology (nerves), musculoskeletal and since 1989 popularised for its use in the field of cosmetic medicine. 

How is it used for hyperhidrosis (excess sweating)?
Cosmetically,Botox ™ has been used to treat certain movement-generated wrinkles in the face. The muscles that cause these wrinkles are temporarily relaxed by micro injections of Botox ™, which result in the lines fading away over time. It was following the treatment of forehead lines in the 90's that we noticed that patients reported that they sweated less across the forehead area. This was not a problem to them and in fact many commented favourably that it was a bonus when working out at the gym! It was from this that the idea of treating excess under arm sweating came about.

For hyperhidrosis, the Botox is injected very superficially as multiple micro droplets into the armpit skin where it acts directly on the sweat glands. To ensure the right amount of Botox is used, a sweat test is performed immediately prior to treatment. This identifies the exact location of the overactive sweat glands and thus limits the Botox treatment to only the affected areas. This obviously means there is no over-treatment, there is no wastage and importantly it keeps the cost down to the required minimum.

Botox™ treatment for under arm sweating is an outpatient procedure done at a clinic. The treatment itself doesn’t take long, is relatively painless and you are able to resume normal daily activities immediately after treatment.

Reduction in sweating occurs very quickly, within days, and the result lasts for 6-12months. Subsequent treatments can result in more prolonged dryness.

Botox and Dysport are Prescription Medicines containing clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of severe frown lines of the face. In NZ, it should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Arrange a consultation to discuss the benefits/risks of this procedure in cosmetic medicine. Cautions: people with defective neuromuscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids, lack of feeling and nausea. If you have side effects or concerns speak to a doctor. A charge may apply. Note: Botox and Dysport treatment lasts about 4 months and after this time further courses of treatment could be necessary. Arrange a consultation to discuss your own situation.

For more information on BOTOX ® and Dysport ® view the datasheet at www.medsafe.govt.nz