Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a troublesome problem that results in awkward social situations for those who have been affected. For example, salesmen with sweaty palms are at a distinct disadvantage.
Excessive sweating can also affect underarms forehead and feet. All these areas can effectively be treated with botox.
Comparison with other treatments
Comparing botox for hyperhidrosis with other treatments for hyperhidrosis
Metal Salts for hyperhidrosis:
These solutions are applied topically under an occlusive dressing at night. They work by plugging the sweat glands. Their effectiveness is limited and they need continual application to work. They have few side effects.
Tap Water Iontophoresis:
The mechanism of action of this technique is unclear and its usefulness is limited by the time needed to treat areas (immersion of affected areas for 10 minutes four times weekly) and the cost of the required equipment.
Surgery:
There are two basic options open for a patient who chooses surgery:
Local skin excision for hyperhidrosis
The affected areas of skin are excised with or without split skin grafting to the area. This is done under general anaesthesia. The results as far as sweating are concerned are reasonable but the cosmetic effects can be unsatisfactory.
Thoracic Sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis
This involves cutting the fibres which supply the sweat glands in the upper limbs. It involves decompressing the lungs one at time under general anaesthesia to allow access to the back of the thoracic cavity where the nerves are found.
The usually favourable results offset the obvious risks of the operation.
There is also the risk of compensatory sweating elsewhere in the body once the operation is done. This is irreversible.
How does botox treatment work?
How does botox treatment work for hyperhidrosis?
Botox treatment blocks the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the nerve fibres which supply the sweat glands. Sweat reduction of up to 80% can occur and lasts up to 12 months.
The technique involves small intradermal injections of botulinum toxin into the affected areas. The underarms can be treated with topical anaesthesia prior to the procedure and patients report very little discomfort. Similarly, we stop pain transmission in the feet and/or hands with anaesthetic nerve blocks prior to treatment for excessive sweating in these areas.
How long does it take?
How long does botox treatment take?
The whole procedure takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
How much does botox cost?
How much does botox for hyperhidrosis cost?
£600 for each bilateral procedure.
