All of us sweat, but some of us suffer from excessive sweating which can have a profound effect on your life. We’ve put together this article to give you some insight into Hyperhidrosis and how we can treat this common issue with Botulinum Toxin. We’ll run you through everything you need to know to understand this exciting non-surgical treatment that has changed the lives of many for good. Let’s get stuck in.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating, with millions of people around the world suffering from this condition. It refers to abnormal sweating that’s not related to heat or exercise, which can often soak through clothing or drip off your hands. This condition is commonly localized in the axillae (arm pits), palms, and soles.
This can affect normal daily activities and social situations, leading to reduced emotional wellbeing, embarrassment and potentially causing social anxiety. Additionally, regular antiperspirants don’t usually work well for people with this condition.
Most patients who have hyperhidrosis, report having it since childhood or adolescence. When patients enquire about potential treatment, we have to evaluate for possible underlying causes such as infections, medication, or endocrine disorders. We also use a method of evaluating the hyperhidrosis on the patient’s life by quantifying the patient’s symptoms on a one to four scale – the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale.
Why Botox?
Surgical procedures that treat Hyperhidrosis include endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy (ETS), arthroscopic shaving of the glands, and excision of sweat glands. Compared to these invasive treatments, Botox treatment offers a safer, less invasive and longer lasting alternative. Often a favorite for patients suffering from hyperhidrosis, botulinum toxin type A inhibits the release of acetylcholine, preventing the hyper-stimulation of eccrine sweat glands that leads to excessive sweating. This method has been backed up by several randomized studies, showing that botulinum toxin type A is a safe, effective, and durable method of treating hyperhidrosis. At Laila Aesthetics, before we get going with anything, we’ll make sure to book you in for a consultation
Contraindications
We don’t offer Botulinum toxin injections to patients who:
· suffer from hyperhidrosis caused by an underlying disease,
· who have had their sweat glands surgically treated
· who have severe blood-clotting disorders
· are Female patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding
The Procedure
Treatment with botulinum toxin ( Botox, Dysport, Bocoture ) temporarily blocks the nerves responsible for sweating, stopping the sweat glands from producing too much sweat. The procedure is simple.
To begin with, the treatment area will be numbed with either ice or a local anaesthetic, helping to ease any discomfort. Following that, a medical professional will clean the affected area and make many small injections with a very tiny needle, injecting small amounts of Botox beneath the skin. That’s it.
Does it hurt? And are there any side effects?
The injections feel like a small sting and do not usually cause much distress. You can expect a little soreness and bruising in the area treated, but this is generally minor. The main benefit of this treatment compared to its alternatives is that it’s pretty straightforward and has no downtime, so patients can go back to their daily activities straight away.
When will I see results? And how long do they last?
You’ll typically start seeing results in five days, with complete cessation of excessive sweating after 15 days. These results can last up to 6 months, as the nerves regenerate and retreatment is needed.
Who will perform your treatment?
As with any aesthetic treatment, we would always recommend seeking treatment providers who can leverage years of experience. In addition to my 25 years of experience working as an anaesthetist at the NHS, I have undergone extensive training, achieving Board Certification with the American Academy of Aesthetics Medicine’s (AAAM). This allows me to offer safe, medical-grade aesthetic treatments.
We encourage everyone to carefully research the practitioner offering them treatment and to make an informed decision once they are comfortable with their impression, their experience and their qualifications.
How much does the Hyperhidrosis treatment cost?
The price of your treatment will be dependent on the area(s) being treated, but our hyperhidrosis treatments do start at £400. If you book a free consultation, we can assess your individual case and create a tailored treatment plan based on your objectives.
How do I get booked in?
Get in touch with us and schedule your free online consultation with Dr. Anoob on our website, or by messaging us at contact@lailaaesthetics.co.uk. We now treat clients in Kendal, Leeds and Harley Street, London.