Trusted Botox Treatment for Hyperhidrosis in Tarzana

HOW DOES BOTOX DECREASE SWEATING?

Botox became FDA-approved in 2004 for the treatment of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis, meaning excessive sweating of the underarms. It can also be used for excessive sweating of the hands, feet, and face/scalp. Botox for hyperhidrosis is a natural, purified protein with the ability to temporarily block the secretion of the chemical that is responsible for “turning on” the body’s sweat glands. By blocking, or interrupting, this chemical messenger, Botox “turns off” sweating at the area where it has been injected. Botox injections are very shallow, meaning that the medicine is injected just below the surface of the skin, where it remains. Learn more about Botox for excessive sweating.

Treating excessive sweating of the armpits, hands, feet, head and face (craniofacial), and other relatively small body areas (like under the breasts) with Botox is safe and effective. When used to treat underarm excessive sweating, Botox has been shown to result in an 82–87% decrease in sweating. Results start to be noticeable approximately 2 to 4 days after treatment, with full effects usually noted within 2 weeks. Dryness typically lasts about 6 months, though some studies show results lasting as long as 14 months. Published research has demonstrated that repeated Botox treatments are safe and effective for hyperhidrosis and consistently result in meaningful, long-lasting improvements in symptoms, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.

While sweating is an essential body function for temperature control, localized body areas house only a small percentage of the body’s sweat glands. For example, the underarms contain less than 2% of the body’s sweat glands. Temporarily stopping sweat gland activity in these areas therefore has minimal impact on overall thermoregulation.

In cases of palmar (hand) excessive sweating, studies show Botox to be 80–90% effective. Repeat injections are typically needed after about 6 months. Botox treatment for palmar sweating may cause temporary pain or weakness in the hands.

Botox injections are also effective for excessive sweating of the head and face, though the injection technique requires expertise. Patients are advised to seek a board-certified dermatologist for treatment. A potential side effect of Botox injections in facial areas is temporary asymmetry, particularly of the forehead, which can occur if Botox diffuses into nearby facial muscles. This effect is temporary and can be corrected if needed with additional injections.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Botox injections for hyperhidrosis are administered in a physician’s office and require relatively little time. Our board-certified dermatologists at Castle Dermatology Institute can inject both underarms in less than 10 minutes. The procedure does not require restrictions on work or leisure activities, aside from avoiding intense exercise or sauna use on the day of treatment. Prior to underarm injections, patients are advised not to shave the area for three to four days.

Before treatment, numbing cream or ice may be applied to improve comfort. During the procedure, a very fine needle is used to inject small amounts of Botox just beneath the skin in a grid-like pattern, typically every 1 to 2 centimeters. The number of injections depends on the size of the area being treated and the physician’s assessment.

After receiving Botox injections for focal hyperhidrosis, patients are encouraged to follow up with their healthcare provider within 1 to 2 weeks. This follow-up visit allows the physician to assess results, perform touch-ups if necessary, and ensure the treatment has achieved optimal effectiveness. Patients seeking Botox treatment for excessive sweating in Tarzana can visit our clinic.

You may also contact us for our other cosmetic dermatology procedures and medical dermatology services for comprehensive care.

FAQ’s

1. What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating beyond what is necessary for normal temperature regulation. It commonly affects the underarms, hands, feet, face, and scalp.

2. How does Botox help treat excessive sweating?

Botox works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that activate sweat glands. By interrupting this chemical messenger, sweating is significantly reduced in the treated area.

3. Is Botox for hyperhidrosis FDA-approved?

Yes. Botox received FDA approval in 2004 for the treatment of severe primary axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis and is widely used for other localized sweating areas.

4. How effective is Botox for underarm sweating?

Clinical studies show Botox reduces underarm sweating by approximately 82–87%, with noticeable improvement within a few days and full results in about two weeks.

5. How long do Botox results for hyperhidrosis last?

Results typically last about 6 months, though some patients experience dryness for up to 12–14 months. Repeat treatments help maintain consistent results.

6. Can Botox treat sweating in areas other than the underarms?

Yes. Botox can effectively treat excessive sweating of the hands (palmar), feet (plantar), scalp, face (craniofacial), and other localized areas.

7. Is Botox safe for treating hyperhidrosis?

When performed by a board-certified dermatologist, Botox is considered safe and well-tolerated. Repeated treatments have been shown to be safe and effective over time.

8. Does stopping sweating in one area affect overall body temperature?

No. Treated areas, such as the underarms, contain less than 2% of the body’s sweat glands. Temporarily reducing sweating in these areas does not significantly affect overall thermoregulation.

9. Is Botox for hand sweating effective?

Yes. Studies show Botox is 80–90% effective for palmar hyperhidrosis. Some patients may experience temporary hand weakness or mild discomfort.

10. Are there risks when treating facial hyperhidrosis?

Botox for facial sweating requires precise technique. Temporary asymmetry or mild muscle weakness may occur but typically resolves and can be corrected if necessary.

11. How is the Botox procedure performed for hyperhidrosis?

A very fine needle is used to inject small amounts of Botox just beneath the skin in a grid-like pattern. The procedure usually takes less than 10–15 minutes for underarm treatment.

12. Is the procedure painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort. Numbing cream or ice may be applied before injections to enhance comfort.

13. Is there downtime after Botox treatment?

There is little to no downtime. Patients can resume normal activities immediately, although intense exercise and sauna use should be avoided on the day of treatment.

14. When will I see results after Botox injections?

Initial improvement typically begins within 2–4 days, with full results visible within two weeks.

15. Why should I choose a board-certified dermatologist for Botox treatment in Tarzana?

A board-certified dermatologist has specialized training in injection techniques and facial anatomy, ensuring safe, precise treatment and optimal results for hyperhidrosis management.