BOTOX® Treatment for Excessive Sweating Problems

PR Log (Press Release) – Jun 22, 2009 – The body regulates its internal temperature by sweating. For some people, however, the body produces much more perspiration than it needs to stay cool. This condition is known as hyperhidrosis. Treatment for this condition is effectively implemented with BOTOX® injections, which can reduce excessive sweating problems. The exact cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown, but BOTOX® provides a safe solution to an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing problem.

How does BOTOX® Cosmetic Treat Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)?

BOTOX® injections treat hyperhidrosis in much the same way it smoothes fine lines and wrinkles on the face and alleviates headache pain. BOTOX® Cosmetic acts as an inhibitor, blocking the chemical signals sent from the nerves that control sweating. Sweating stops because the sweat glands are unable to receive signals from the nerves. Because of its effectiveness in inhibiting neural signals, BOTOX® Cosmetic has proven to be an efficient means for eliminating excessive sweating problems.

Candidates for BOTOX® Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Candidates for BOTOX® hyperhidrosis treatment experience severe foot, palm or underarm sweating that impacts their quality of life. They are physically and emotionally healthy with realistic expectations for the outcome of treatment. They understand the procedure and recognize that, though fundamentally safe, there are some risks involved with using BOTOX® injections to treat their excessive sweating problems.

What to Expect After BOTOX® Treatment for Underarm Sweating

BOTOX ® treatments for hyperhidrosis take 10 to 20 minutes and can be performed in the doctor’s office. Daily activities can be continued immediately after treatment (though intense exercise should be avoided for a few hours). Following the BOTOX® injections, a marked reduction in underarm sweating will be noticeable within several weeks. In the event that some sweat glands are missed in the initial treatment, some sweating from untreated areas may occur.

Risks and Benefits of BOTOX® Treatment for Sweating Problems

The greatest benefit in receiving treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic for hyperhidrosis is relief from excessive sweating problems.

The risks involved in using BOTOX® to treat excessive sweating problems are minimal but real. Any treatment offers the potential for complications, and BOTOX® is no different. For most people, however, actual side effects do not occur or are tolerable.

The results of BOTOX® injections are temporary and treatments must be repeated every few months to maintain the effects.

Though BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis ( palm sweating), it is often less effective and treatments can be quite painful. This, however, should not discourage individuals from seeking relief. There are effective ways to provide pain relief during the procedure (anesthesia, nerve blocks, ice and pressure), and treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic has provided some success in treating instances of severe palm sweating.

Cost of BOTOX® Treatment for Hyperhidrosis

The cost of BOTOX® treatment for hyperhidrosis will vary from doctor to doctor but can approach $2,000 per treatment. Unfortunately, many insurance companies consider treatment to be elective and will not pay for any portion of the procedure. However, some insurance providers are going against this trend and covering the procedure if it has been prescribed by a doctor.

Information from The DocShop network