Botox for Hyperhidrosis

Evidence Basedcheckmark

Botox has the ability to temporarily block the secretion of the chemical that is responsible for stimulating the body's sweat glands. By interrupting this chemical messenger, the botulinum toxin inhibits sweating in the area where it has been injected. Common areas for botox injections for hyperhidrosis include the underarms and palms of the hands.

Botox for Hyperhidrosis Overview - 850

The Skinny


Average Recovery

1 days

Permanence

Temporary

Application

Injected

Surgical

No

Cost

$1000 - $1500

The Specifics


What is Botox® for hyperhidrosis?

Botox® for hyperhidrosis injections target underarm sweat glands to reduce or eliminate excessive underarm sweating caused by the medical condition axillary hyperhidrosis.

Eccrine glands (sweat glands) can be affected by botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) similarly to muscles in that their cell signaling is disrupted and regular function blocked. Botox® is only approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for injection into the underarm sweat glands, however, it can be injected “off label” into the palms and soles to reduce excessive sweating of the hands and feet.

Botox® by Allergan contains a unique combination of protective proteins. Botulinum toxin type A is found commercially in other formulations (such as Dysport®, Jeuveau®, and Xeomin®).

What cosmetic concerns does Botox® for hyperhidrosis treat?

  1. Excessive Sweating: Injections of Botox® into underarm sweat glands reduces their activity decreasing or eliminating excessive underarm sweating, when antiperspirants and deodorant are not efficacious.

Who is the ideal candidate for Botox® for hyperhidrosis?

Botox® for hyperhidrosis is ideal for individuals who have exhausted alternative treatments, looking to reduce excessive underarm sweating interfering with quality of life. Botox® is not recommended for individuals under the age of 18.

What is the average recovery associated with Botox® for hyperhidrosis?

Botox® for hyperhidrosis has minimal side effects with mild soreness, redness, and bruising resolving within a day or two. Intense or strenuous activity should be avoided for six hours after the underarm injections. Most patients return to work after one day.

What are the potential side effects of Botox® for hyperhidrosis?

Potential side effects from Botox® for hyperhidrosis injections include soreness, redness, and bruising. Uncommon serious side effects include muscle weakness, vision problems, dizziness, headaches, and allergic reactions.

What can someone expect from the results of Botox® for hyperhidrosis?

Botox® for hyperhidrosis injections will take several weeks to take effect and possibly a few initial treatments to ensure all sweat glands are evenly targeted. Maintenance treatments are generally needed every three to six months.

What is the average cost of Botox® for hyperhidrosis?

The average cost of Botox® for hyperhidrosis is $1,000 to $1,500. The actual cost of the Botox® injections will vary by procedure, location, board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and candidate. Learn more in our complete guide to Botox® cost.

thumbs-upPros

  • No Downtime
  • Quick Results

thumbs-downCons

  • Temporary
  • Multiple Treatments

Invasiveness Score

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Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect


Botox can inhibit sweating in the area where it has been injected. Common areas for injections for hyperhidrosis include the underarms and palms of the hands. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after Botox for hyperhidrosis.

The Takeaway


Botox® for hyperhidrosis utilizes Botox® injections into underarm sweat glands to treat axillary hyperhidrosis (read: excessive armpit sweating) interfering with daily activities. Botox® injections provide lasting results that are more efficacious than over-the-counter treatments like antiperspirants and deodorant.

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Source List

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AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Huang W, Rogachefsky AS, Foster JA Brow Lift with Botulinum Toxin PubMed; 2000-01-01
  2. Sarit Cohen Forehead Lift Using Botulinum Toxin PubMed.gov; 2018-02-15
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