Hyperhydrosis (Excessive Sweating)
Sweating is normal and healthy. In fact, your body has between 2 million and 4 million sweat glands. When your body heats up, these glands release sweat to help cool you down.
What’s considered “normal” sweating?
There is no “normal”! Some people just naturally sweat more than others, so try not to compare yourself with other people.
Are antiperspirants and deodorants enough?
Not always. Over-the-counter and prescription antiperspirants are 2 of the first options people with severe underarm sweating try. These products work by blocking sweat ducts and reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches the skin. Deodorants help control body odor and are typically used in addition to antiperspirants. When these products don’t work well enough, it may be time to ask your dermatologist about BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA).
Do you sweat “too much”?
If you do any of the following to cope with sweating, talk to your doctor about severe underarm sweating:
- Change your clothes frequently
- Put absorbent materials under clothing
- Avoid certain fabrics or clothing styles
- Seek medical attention and treatment
Drier underarms with 1 treatment
Dr. Halem will make 10 to 15 small injections into the affected underarm area through a very fine needle. You should notice a significant reduction in underarm sweating within 4 weeks of your first treatment. If you do not see a significant reduction in sweating, you should contact your dermatologist and request a follow-up consultation.
Results that last
You can experience drier underarms for up to 201 days or 6.7 months. Individual results may vary.
When is it time for another treatment?
Keep in mind that BOTOX® is not a cure for severe underarm sweating. Your symptoms will return gradually, and you’ll know when the time is right for another treatment. Dr. Halem will recommend a treatment strategy.
How long does BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA) last?
In a clinical study, patients had drier underarms for up to 201 days, or 6.7 months.1 Individual results may vary.
How does BOTOX® work?
BOTOX® temporarily blocks the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don’t receive chemical signals, severe underarm sweating is reduced. Sweat will continue to be produced elsewhere.6
How effective is BOTOX® treatment?
BOTOX® is proven to work. A clinical study found that:
- 57 out of 104 patients treated with BOTOX® (55%) achieved an effective response, compared with only 6 out of 108 not treated with BOTOX® (6%)1
- 84 out of 104 patients treated with BOTOX® (81%) achieved a greater than 50% reduction in sweating, compared to only 44 out of 108 patients not treated with BOTOX® (41%)1 Individual results may vary.
What are the possible side effects of BOTOX®?
BOTOX® can cause serious side effects, such as problems swallowing, speaking or breathing, as well as loss of strength and all-over muscle weakness, and loss of bladder control. Other side effects of BOTOX® include: dry mouth, discomfort or pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, neck pain, and eye problems: double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids, swelling of your eyelids, and dry eyes. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to BOTOX® may include: itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint. Let Dr. Halem know immediately or get medical help right away if you are wheezing or have asthma symptoms, or if you become dizzy or faint. Dr. Halem should know if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of BOTOX®. For further information, please refer to the Medication Guide and make sure to talk to Dr. Halem.
What is it like to get BOTOX® treatment?
Dr. Monica Halem will make 10 to 15 small injections into the affected underarm area through a very fine needle. You should notice a significant reduction in underarm sweating within 4 weeks of your first treatment1. If you do not see a significant reduction in sweating, you should contact your dermatologist and request a follow-up consultation
When should I ask about BOTOX®?
Talk to your Dr. Halem at any time about your condition and BOTOX® treatment. It’s possible your underarm sweating can be managed by a topical agent, such as an antiperspirant or deodorant containing an aluminum-based compound. If that doesn’t work, ask Dr. Halem if BOTOX® treatment may be right for you.
Is BOTOX® treatment right for me?
To make the right treatment decision, discuss the following with Dr. Halem:
- A disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease], myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome).
- Allergies to any botulinum toxin product
- Had any side effect from any botulinum toxin product in the past
- A breathing problem, such as asthma or emphysema
- Swallowing problems
- Bleeding problems
- Plans to have surgery
- Had surgery on your face
- Weakness of your forehead muscles, such as trouble raising your eyebrows
- Drooping eyelids
- Any other change in the way your face normally looks
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BOTOX® can harm your unborn baby
- Are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if BOTOX® passes into breast milk
Tell Dr. Halem about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. For further information, please refer to the Medication Guide and make sure you talk to Dr. Halem.
What happens after BOTOX® treatment?
Once treatment becomes effective, you will have a significant reduction in sweating. Individual results may vary. There is a possibility that some sweat glands may be missed, and you may continue to experience some sweating from the untreated areas. If you do not see a significant reduction in sweating, you should contact our office and request a follow-up consultation.
Does insurance cover BOTOX®?
Many insurance authorization requests for BOTOX® treatment are approved once you have used topical medications and they did not work well enough.
Keep in mind that approval is not automatic, and not all insurance plans cover treatment. However, many sufferers are pleased to find out their insurance plan covers all or most of their BOTOX® treatments. For specific details on coverage, contact your insurance company as well as Dr. Halem’s office to determine the paperwork necessary for reimbursement.
If your BOTOX® treatment isn’t covered in full, you may be eligible save through the BOTOX® Savings Card. For more details, go to BOTOXSavingsCard.com.
