Botox – A Cure for Excessive Sweating?
Since 2002, Botox has been used in facial cosmetic clinics worldwide to effectively smooth out fine lines and wrinkles
Its popularity has grown exponentially due to the dramatic changes that can be achieved to rejuvenate facial features in just a few injections. Botulinum toxin type A is a medical product containing a small amount of purified protein derived from bacteria. It is used to treat 21 different medical conditions in 80 countries. Allergan, the company that manufactures Botox, continues to collaborate with scientists and research teams around the world to continue studies on this amazing drug. It has successfully treated so many medical conditions, that they believe Botox has the potential to be used to alleviate other physical problems.
Excessive underarm sweating has psychological, emotional, and social repercussions
Hyperhidrosis
Most of you probably don’t know what primary axillary hyperhidrosis is . . . but you definitely would if you had the condition. Imagine being embarrassed to attend any public event because of the large wet circles on your shirt or blouse. What a nuisance to have to take several shirts or tops to work every day to ensure that you look appropriate! Excessive underarm sweating has psychological, emotional, and social repercussions, and approximately 2.5% of the population suffer from it. A huge dilemma is that the sweating causes the person to be nervous, which in turn causes even more sweating.
Hidrosis is a medical term which simply means “to sweat”, and primary means that the sweating is in a “localized” area of the body. Secondary hyperhidrosis is a condition that encompasses the entire body. Primary hyperhidrosis can be found in a person’s underarms, groin, hands, or feet. A person can be born with this condition or acquire it later on in life, usually after adolescence. The cause of this condition is still under speculation, but it is agreed that a major contributor to the problem is too many sweat glands.
Botox injections reduce the sweat gland activity by blocking the nerves that control that gland
How Does Botox Treat Hyperhidrosis
Botox injections reduce the sweat gland activity by blocking the nerves that control that gland. Areas in and around the armpit are injected with regulated amounts of botulinum toxin type A. This is a sensitive area and is often treated with a topical anesthetic prior to needling. The success rate for this medical treatment has been extremely high, with over 80% recipient satisfaction. Participants notice a reduction in sweating for a period of 3 to 9 months. No major side effects have been reported, and if there were a downside, it would be that repetitive injections are required.
Botox was approved for the medical treatment of primary hyperhidrosis in 2004, two years after it was approved for cosmetic use. Although studies continue, Botox has been approved only for use in the armpit area and not to impede sweating in the feet or hands.
If you do not suffer from primary hyperhidrosis but are interested in a Botox treatment to smooth out forehead lines or crow’s feet, why not book a consultation with one of our doctors at our state-of-the-art, facial cosmetic clinic in downtown Toronto?
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