Hyperhidrosis - FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
At botonics, we operate under the highest ethical standards aiming to give all our clients a frank and honest assessment of what a treatment or procedure entails and what results you can expect. We prefer to under-promise and over deliver rather than disappoint our clients.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating caused by overactive eccrine sweat glands. This can occur in any part of the body, but the most common areas of complaint include the underarms, hands/palms and feet.
How common is hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating usually begins to affect people in their teens and twenties and approximately 1 in 200 people are affected.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
The cause of hyperhidrosis is not really known, though many people who suffer from the problem have relatives with the same condition. This suggests there may be a genetic cause. Sometimes it can be associated with other illnesses such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes, but these people usually have generalised hyperhidrosis that affects the whole body rather than specific areas.
Will hyperhidrosis treatment hurt?
At botonics, we use a highly effective and fast acting topical anaesthetic cream to numb the target area such as the underarms, hands or feet. Rather than rushing your treatment, we wait until the anaesthetic has taken full effect (usually about 30 minutes). This anaesthetic results in a minimal amount of discomfort for our clients. It works best under the arms, but even with anaesthetic treating the hands and feet is a bit more uncomfortable because of the number of nerves in these areas. We change needles frequently because fresh needles are much less uncomfortable for you.
What does the excessive sweating treatment entail?
First, your botonics doctor will go over your medical history. There are a few conditions that are contra-indications for the treatment, but if you're in generally good health normally we can treat you. Since most people are quite keen to get the problem sorted as soon as possible, we can do the treatment in the same appointment if you wish to proceed. We apply a topical anaesthetic, then wait about 30 minutes for it to take full effect. Then we make a series of injections using Botox* in a grid pattern over the affected area. Typically there will be about 10 - 15 injections spaced about 2 centimetres apart to each area treated. You'll be a bit sore and red on the day, but nothing that will prevent you from returning to work. The entire appointment, including consultation and treatment, will take about an hour.
When will I notice an improvement in my sweaty palms, sweaty feed and/or sweaty armpits?
Botox* does not take affect straight away. Normally, it will take 3 - 7 days until the protein binds with the target sweat glands. You'll then rapidly notice an improvement in your excessive sweating.
Who is a good candidate for hyperhidrosis excessive sweating treatment?
Healthy men and women whose lives are being negatively impacted by excessive sweating are usually good candidates for hyperhidrosis treatment.
What is Botox*?
Botox*, or botulinum toxin type A, is a protein obtained from the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria under modern methods of laboratory cultivation. It has been used for many years in the treatment of muscle spasms, including children with cerebral palsy.
How does Botox* work in the treatment of hyperhidrosis?
Botulinum Toxin Type A is licensed for severe underarm sweating that is not adequately managed with topical agents. Botulinum Toxin Type A treatment helps control this condition by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the eccrine sweat glands. When the sweat glands don't receive chemical signals, the severe sweating stops.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are generally infrequent. Mostly commonly there may be some discomfort at the injection site. Rarely, flu-like symptoms may occur. These effects usually disappear within a few days. There may be an increase in sweating in other parts of the body and even more rarely there maybe slight muscle weakness. These effects tend to disappear within 4 months and without requiring any additional treatment.
Who is not a candidate for hyperhidrosis treatment with Botox*?
It is not suitable for people with neuromuscular transmission disorders (e.g. Myasthenia Gravis), chronic respiratory problems, coagulation disorders, pregnant women, breastfeeding mums, if there is a history of allergy to injection ingredients, if there is infection or inflammation over the injection site or if the person is taking any of the following medications - aminoglycoside antibiotics, anticoagulants, aspirin or muscle relaxants.
What if I decide to stop treatment?
If you decide not to have further treatment, there will be no lasting change in the treated areas. The treatment effects will gradually wear off, and your sweating will resume.
Will my insurance company cover the cost of hyperhidrosis treatment?
Clients should check with their own insurer, though hyperhidrosis is occasionally covered by insurance.
* Botox is a Prescription Only Medicine and is one treatment option that may or may not be prescribed to you following a thorough medical consultation. Prices for Botox treatment are indicative and include both the issuing of a prescription and administration of the medicine.
You may also be interested in
Related treatments
To ask a question, request more information or to book a free consultation, click on the link below
|
