Botox Injections
What is it?
Botox is a commonly used name for “Botulinum toxin”. It has been licensed to safely treat patients with AXILLARY hyperhidrosis since 2001. Botox works by blocking the sympathetic nerve supply to the sweat glands near where it is injected. It may only offer benefits for 6 months but can be repeated when required. Nonetheless Botox can break the cycle of anxiety and hyperhidrosis that individuals may experience.
Before your Procedure
You will need to come into hospital on the day of your procedure. Your surgeon will visit you before the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form once he has explained the treatment to you. This procedure does not require local or general anaesthetic so you can eat and drink normally prior to undergoing treatment.
How are Botox Injections performed?
The procedure is relatively straightforward. A small volume of BOTOX® solution is injected into the affected underarm area through a very fine needle. The needle is placed just under the skin, so you may experience a little stinging or discomfort. You will receive multiple injections each 1 – 2cm apart, based on your doctor's assessment of the area that needs to be treated. Treatment to each armpit takes approximately 30minutes. The effects of Botox injections should be noticed within 1 week of treatment.
After the Procedure
You will go home the same day.
You should refrain from intensive exercise or use a sauna on the day of you treatment. Otherwise there are no restrictions on work or leisure activities.
Your consultant will organise a follow–up appointment with you after 3 weeks to assess your progress.
Success rates with Botox Injections
Evidence suggests that 80% of patients will see a greater than 50% reduction in sweating that lasts from 4 to 8 months. It must be remembered that Botox is NOT a cure for hyperhidrosis but can alleviate symptoms for a period of time.
Risks of Botox Injections
Problems after Botox injections are rare. 3 –10% of patients experience some discomfort or bleeding from the injection sites for a day or 2 after the procedure. This should respond to pressure and paracetamol respectively. Some sweat glands may be missed during the procedure so sweating may persist from these small areas. If this happens you should inform your surgeon who will review your treatment and if needed give further injections to block these areas. More rarely patients can develop itching or infection in the armpit or feel some flu–like symptoms. These again normally settle very quickly