Hyperhidrosis

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating, the causes of which are numerous. This condition can lead to embarrassment, loss of confidence, low self-esteem, and a compromised lifestyle.

What treatment options are available for hyperhidrosis?

There are several treatment options available to individuals with hyperhidrosis, including topical skin preparations, iontophoresis, surgery and Botox®.

At Concept Medical, we offer Botox® treatments for the management of hyperhidrosis. Botox® is the trade name for a purified protein product derived from the bacteria clostridium botulinum. Botox® is an easy and effective solution that targets sweating at its source. When Botox® is injected into the superficial (top) layers of the skin, it blocks the neurochemical activity of the nerves that cause excessive sweating. The result, in many cases, is greatly reduced perspiration.

For sweat management, what areas of the body can be treated with Botox®?

Sweating of the underarms, hands (palms), feet (soles) and forehead/scalp can be treated with Botox®.

What does a Botox® treatment for excessive sweating involve?

First, you are advised to undergo a medical consultation, to determine whether Botox® is an appropriate treatment for your condition and to discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure.

Prior to a Botox® procedure for hyperhidrosis, a simple skin test is sometimes carried out to determine the exact sweat gland distribution pattern on the treatment area, and thereby allows us to optimize the area in which to concentrate the Botox® treatment. For optimum skin testing in the underarm area, we recommend that you stop using antiperspirants for a couple of days before your visit.

After determining the sweat pattern distribution, droplets of Botox® are administered to the affected areas of the skin. Treatment of the underarm area takes about 10 minutes. Most patients do not require any anesthetic; however, a topical anesthetic cream may be applied to the treatment area prior to the procedure, if desired.

For treatment of excessive sweating of the palms or feet, a simple local nerve block using anesthetic is required, to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

Is Botox® safe for treating hyperhidrosis?

Botox® has been safely used throughout the world for many years to treat patients with excessive sweating. Furthermore, Botox® has been used for cosmetic applications in Canada for more than 15 years.

Can anyone get treatments with Botox®?

If you are considering a treatment with Botox®, you are advised to undergo a proper medical consultation with the treating physician, to understand thoroughly the risks and benefits of the procedure prior to undergoing treatment.

People with a history of certain neurological disorders should not consider any form of Botox® treatment. Furthermore, Botox® is not administered to women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, people who are taking certain medications, or those who have previously experienced an adverse reaction to Botox® treatment.

To find out more, visit www.sweatmanagement.ca or www.sweathelp.org.