Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition which causes excessive sweating.  It is a fairly common problem which affects approximately 2-3% of the general population and can be quite severe and debilitating, leading to increased anxiety, particularly in social or intimate situations or when under pressure at work, eg. when presenting or attending meetings.  

Treatment

Treatment of Hyperhidrosis with neurotoxin (botulinum toxin type A) is straightforward, quick and extremely effective. The area is mapped out with a grid, where the lines are one cm apart.  A small amount of toxin is injected subdermally (just under the skin) to each square on the grid.  The neurotoxin works by interrupting the nerve impulses which trigger the sweat glands. The treatment will start to work within 3-5 days and the effects generally last up to 6-12 months, although individual responses will vary. Clients can expect to see anywhere between 70 and 100% reduction in sweating, which can drastically change lives.

Treatment Areas

Areas which may be treated for Hyperhidrosis with neurotoxin include the underarms/armpits, soles of the feet, palms/hands, head and pubic area/groin.

Practitioner Level

Botulinum toxin type A is a prescription drug which can only be prescribed by a doctor or an independent prescriber.  It should also only be administered by an aesthetics practitioner who is a qualified, registered and insured healthcare professional.

Brands

Skin&Spirit work with the well known brands of neurotoxin on the market.  The most appropriate brand for you will be discussed at your consultation.     

Downtime

None.  You can return to your normal routine immediately.  However, it is recommended that you don't apply deodorant/antiperspirant, massage or rub the injected area (to avoid migration of the neurotoxin to other areas) or engage in sports or physical activity which would promote sweating for 24 hours.

Before Treatment

An initial consultation is required for all new clients, during which a medical history and clinical assessment will be undertaken.  You will be provided with a full explanation of the procedure, its clinical benefits, the risks, aftercare and the consent process and you can ask as many questions as you need to make an informed decision.  We recommend that you go away and think carefully about the information you have been provided and conduct your own research before consenting to treatment.  

After the initial consultation has taken place (or a review consultation for existing clients), the treatment time itself takes approximately 10 - 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated.

You should arrive at the Skin&Spirit clinic 10 minutes prior to your appointment time, having not drank any alcohol or taken any non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (eg. aspirin, ibuprofen) in the previous 24 hours.

During Treatment

After cleansing and preparing your skin, you will receive a series of small injections of botulinum toxin type A subdermally into the area of concern, using a very fine and small needle, the same as an insulin needle.  

You can expect a brief moment of discomfort due to the injection, however, most clients find the pain very minimal or none existent.  

A little temporary redness and swelling in the local area is to be expected, however, this usually settles very quickly and is not normally noticeable within 30 minutes after treatment.

Although Hyperhidrosis treatment injections involve little pain, if you are particularly scared of needles/pain sensitive to needle injections or the area to be treated is quite large, topical numbing cream may be available.

After Treatment

It takes up to 3-5 days for the injections to achieve their full effect.  The result in terms of reduced sweating for each person will vary.  

A follow up appointment is offered to all clients 2 weeks post treatment to determine if further dosing is required.

The results last approximately 6-12 months, although every person is unique and people respond differently to the various brands on the market.  For the best results, it is recommended that the treatment is repeated every 6 months.

Risks and Complications

Published clinical data provides compelling evidence of the clinical benefits and safety profile of botulinum toxin type A for reducing Hyperhidrosis.

Generally, botulinum toxin type A for Hyperhidrosis is extremely well tolerated.  Common side effects from treatment include redness, swelling and sometimes a little bleeding at the injection site (although this is usually quite minimal).  There is some potential for bruising and headaches post treatment, however, this resolves quite quickly.  The main complications that can arise from receiving neurotoxin injections are allergic/sensitive reactions and risks associated with inhibiting muscles or nerve impulses in areas which have a function.  For example, incorrect placement, overdosing or migration of toxin in the hands can cause local muscle weakness.  Ultimately, the toxin will wear off over the course of 6+ months and any muscle impact completely resolved.

Botulinum toxin type A is not appropriate for any clients who are pregnant or breast feeding.