How Long Does It Take for Botox to Wear Off in the Armpits for Hyperhidrosis?
Botox injections for axillary hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating of the armpits, has been described as a “life-changing” treatment by Dr. Green’s patients since they no longer have to deal with the embarrassment or discomfort caused by overactive sweat glands. It is currently estimated that almost five percent of individuals in the United States suffer from hyperhidrosis. Many patients are embarrassed to seek medical help for this common and treatable problem. Excessive sweating may be the result of a genetic predisposition, an overactive thyroid, anxiety, neurological conditions, or a side effect of certain medications. One of the most common areas of the body where patients experience excessive sweating is the armpits, but hyperhidrosis can also affect the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, head, and face.
In this guide, we find out: How long does it take for Botox to wear off in the armpits for hyperhidrosis, best non invasive skin tightening for face, best neck tightening procedure, and How to tighten neck skin after weight loss without surgery?
Although sweating is an important body function for temperature regulation, overactive sweat glands that cause excessive sweating can have a huge negative impact on your quality of life. If you are one of the nearly 15 million Americans suffering from hyperhidrosis, your uncontrollable underarm sweating may cause you to feel too self-conscious to engage in some of your favorite activities or worried that your armpit sweat will permanently stain all of your clothing. In the past, patients largely relied on topical prescription antiperspirants alone to manage their hyperhidrosis. Now, thanks to the advent of Botox injections for hyperhidrosis, Dr. Green can help patients improve their overall quality of life with essentially zero downtime and minimal (if any), side effects.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and was among the first in New York City to incorporate Botox injections into her private dermatology practice, located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine consistently identify Dr. Green as one of NYC’s best physicians for her expertise and artistry when it comes to non-invasive rejuvenation treatments, including what is described as the “best Botox in New York”. With over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients from around the globe with the best Botox and fillers, resurfacing laser treatments, CoolSculpting, and skin care, Dr. Green will work with you to create a personalized treatment approach that caters to your unique needs and goals.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that can be characterized by an uncontrollable amount of excessive sweating that may be related to genetics, anxiety, neurological conditions, hyperthyroidism, hormonal imbalances, menopause, or a side effect of certain medications. Although sweating is an important and necessary bodily function for excreting toxins and regulating natural body temperature, hyperhidrosis may cause excessive sweating to occur at any time. Sweating is a normal reaction to being in a warm environment, exercising, or experiencing certain feelings such as stress or nervousness. In these situations, the sweat glands should secrete water and minerals to maintain a normal body temperature. Once removed from the situation, however, the sweat glands should receive a “stop” signal. In individuals with hyperhidrosis, the “stop” signal does not occur as it naturally should and excessive sweating is the result.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
There are two distinct types of hyperhidrosis that are believed to have different contributing factors. Primary hyperhidrosis entails overactive sweat glands in specific areas of the body, most commonly the armpits, hands, feet, face, and head. Primary hyperhidrosis may run in families and there is thought to be a genetic component to this condition.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is often a side effect of certain prescription medications or may be related to an underlying medical condition. Rather than experiencing excessive sweating in specific areas of the body, individuals with secondary hyperhidrosis have generalized sweating across their entire bodies. People with secondary hyperhidrosis may also sweat while they are sleeping. In cases such as these, it is important to seek medical advice from an experienced healthcare professional to determine the cause of your sweating. Medical conditions that are associated with secondary hyperhidrosis include infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV; neurologic conditions such as anxiety, stress, and panic attacks; as well as diabetic low blood sugar, heat exhaustion, and leukemia.
During your consultation with Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office, located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, you will have the opportunity to discuss with her in-depth regarding your specific skin concerns and overall goals. A thorough medical history will be collected prior to your hyperhidrosis treatment, and it is important that you disclose any potential underlying medical conditions to Dr. Green so that, together, you can determine the best treatment approach for you.
Botox for hyperhidrosis
While Botox treatment is the gold standard for treating fine lines and wrinkles that are caused by repetitive facial expressions, there are many FDA approved medical indications for Botox. Botox injections are used to successfully treat symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, cervical dystonia, and hyperhidrosis. In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botulinum toxin (Botox) for the treatment of excessive underarm sweating, and it continues to be a sought-after procedure associated with few side effects and minimal downtime. Botox should always be injected by a board-certified medical professional with the experience and expertise required to safely and effectively perform the treatment, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green is an expert injector and offers her patients what has been described as the “best Botox injections in New York”, including Botox for hyperhidrosis.
How does Botox stop excessive underarm sweating?
Excessive sweating is a common issue that affects many people, impacting their self-confidence and lifestyle choices. In summer months, the problem worsens as the nervous system tries to maintain body temperature, making sweating more visible. The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the discomfort and sweating.
Botox treatments have revolutionized the treatment of underarm sweating, providing a quick and effective solution lasting 4 to 6 months. Botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin, interacts with muscles and nerves, causing fine lines and wrinkles. It blocks the nerves responsible for sweat gland activation, preventing the overactive nerves from signaling sweat glands. When injected by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green, the overactive nerves become frozen, preventing the nerves from signaling sweat glands.
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for excessive sweating, which can be injected directly into sweat glands to block the release of acetylcholine. These injections shut down sweat glands that produce excessive sweating, effectively disabling the sweating process in the injection site location. This treatment is relatively long-lasting, helping to block excessive sweating for between four and six months. Patients can return to Dr. Green’s office every 6 to 12 months for continued dryness.
Botox is effective at reducing or eliminating sweat in specific areas such as the underarms, hands, feet, or face. Research shows that Botox is 82-87% effective in reducing underarm sweat in the treatment area. However, the sweat-free effects only occur at or near the injection site. If excessive sweat is experienced in multiple locations, Botox can help address and treat each affected area.
Underarm Botox injections are safe and effective, with FDA approval in 2004 for axillary hyperhidrosis. They are less invasive than surgical options and produce long-lasting results within two weeks of treatment. There is zero downtime associated with Botox injections for hyperhidrosis, and there are few potential side effects. To ensure the safety and effectiveness of Botox injections, it is recommended to have them performed with a board-certified medical professional, such as Dr. Michele Green, who has over 25 years of experience providing non-invasive treatment options for patients worldwide.
How Social media popularized Botox for hyperhidrosis
Social media has become a part of life, and across various social media platforms, people are starting to talk more about Botox and its many benefits. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and other common social media platforms are filled with photos and explanations of Botox for cosmetic indications. Now, thanks to the popularity of social media platforms and Google, the relationship between managing symptoms of certain medical conditions (such as hyperhidrosis, bladder control, or migraines) and Botox injections are more commonly understood and patients have greater access to information about Botox treatment. Social media helps individuals to understand that they are not alone in dealing with issues such as excessive sweating, and with more representation of people treating conditions like hyperhidrosis with Botox being shown in the media and online, it is much easier to see just how effective this treatment can be.
If it works for Chrissy Teigen, will it work for me?
Chrissy Teigen, a social media personality, has successfully treated her hyperhidrosis using Botox injections. As one of 15 million Americans suffering from excessive underarm sweating, it’s encouraging to see this condition normalized and discussed publicly. Botox injections can reduce 82-87% of sweat in the underarms, significantly improving the quality of life for those suffering from hyperhidrosis. Research shows that Botox is 82-87% effective in reducing underarm sweat, with results appearing in as little as two weeks. If you’ve tried various over-the-counter and prescription topical antiperspirants and other treatments, Botox injections may be the solution for you. Dr. Green can help determine if this revolutionary method is right for you.
Side Effects of Botox Injections
There is no downtime after Botox treatment, and the process is rather painless. However, some common side effects of Botox include localized irritation or bruising. More serious side effects, which are extremely rare (occurring in fewer than 1% of patients), include muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and trouble with bladder control. Due to these potential side effects, any Botox procedure must be done with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Dr. Green is an expert in Botox treatments and will prioritize your safety and goals in equal measure.
After your hyperhidrosis treatment, you’ll notice an improvement in your quality of life. You will be able to wear silk clothing again without being self-conscious about any sweat stains that people will notice. In all cases, your doctor will recommend a follow-up appointment 2-6 weeks later for any maintenance or injection of Botox that is needed. In extremely rare cases, some patients have reported compensatory sweating or increased sweating in other areas of the body. However, studies regarding compensatory sweating due to Botox for underarms are inconclusive at this point.
Because the effects of Botox are temporary, you will need future injections to keep up with your treatment. Of course, each case is different, and Dr. Green will work with you to discuss a treatment plan that best fits your needs. The bottom line: Botox injections are the best move for treating hyperhidrosis when prescription antiperspirants and/or over-the-counter antiperspirants fail to stop sweating from occurring.
Does Botox in the armpits hurt?
Botox is a safe and effective treatment for hyperhidrosis, which is quick and requires no downtime. For first-time patients, Dr. Michele Green recommends applying a topical numbing cream one hour before the procedure to ease discomfort. The process generally causes little to no pain and is typically completed within ten minutes. Botox is considered a “lunch-hour” treatment, and patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Botox can help reduce underarm odor, which can contribute to embarrassment or social anxiety. By shutting down sweat glands, it can reduce foul odors caused by sweat when it interacts with natural bacteria on the skin’s surface. A medical professional injects a small amount of Botox just under the skin’s surface with a small needle by the armpits, blocking the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for telling sweat glands to produce sweat.
The full effects of Botox treatment can be seen in as little as two to four days, with reduced sweat production and body odor. Each patient’s case and needs are different, so it is important to consult a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green about your specific case and needs. As a standard reference point, Dr. Green recommends 50 units of Botox in each axilla (armpit), but more injections may be required depending on the patient’s condition. Two weeks after the first procedure, Dr. Green will schedule a follow-up appointment to check the treated area and provide a touch-up if needed.
Alternative treatments for hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating can be treated with various treatments, including specialized antiperspirant deodorants like Drysol, oral medications like anticholinergics like Rubinul, MiraDry, and glycocopyrronium tosylate. Drysol is a prescription-strength type of aluminum chloride that is applied nightly and then once a week to maintain its effects. However, it may not always be effective for all patients.
Oral medications like anticholinergics work by blocking the stimulation of sweat glands, reducing sweating throughout the body. One such medication is glycopyrrolate (Rubinul), which can cause systemic side effects like dry mouth, constipation, impaired taste, blurred vision, heart palpitations, and reduced bladder function. Botox injections are recommended for those concerned about potential side effects.
MiraDry is a radiofrequency (RF) system designed to permanently eliminate sweat glands through thermolysis after 1-2 treatments. It involves a handheld device that sends electromagnetic energy to the targeted area of underarm skin, removing sweat glands. Common side effects include swelling, redness, and tenderness. Some patients may experience resumption of sweating in 2-3 weeks.
Glycopyrronium tosylate, also known as Qbrexza, is a topical wipe prescribed for excessive underarm sweating. It is used once daily on both underarms and helps reduce sweat production by blocking the activation of acetylcholine receptors in peripheral sweat glands. Dr. Green will review your medical history and current condition to determine the best treatment for you.
What is the procedure like for having Botox injections for hyperhidrosis?
When you know you are interested in getting Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis, it is important to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. You’ll begin by consulting with Dr. Green and letting her know about any medical conditions or medications that you take. Disclosing this information can aid in lowering the risk of side effects. Before the procedure, it is important to note that patients should not shave their armpits for two days before the Botox treatment.
When you arrive for your appointment at the NYC office of Dr. Michele Green, you can expect that the procedure itself will not take long – typically around ten minutes. Dr. Green will prescribe a topical numbing cream that you will apply to the skin, at the injection site, one hour before performing the procedure to help reduce any discomfort or pain. Dr. Green will then inject Botox (also known as onabotulinumtoxinA) in a grid pattern in the armpits with each injection being about one centimeter apart.
There is no recovery time following the procedure, meaning you can resume your normal activities once you are done. Experienced healthcare professionals, like Dr. Green, recommend that patients do not exercise or take hot baths and showers on the first day after the procedure. You will start to see the effects of the Botox treatment in 2-4 days after the injections. Medical professionals, like Dr. Michele Green, will schedule a follow-up visit with you two weeks after your Botox treatment to assess the treatment area and provide any touch-ups if necessary. Your armpits should stay dry for four to six months after the procedure before you need to return to Dr. Green’s office to have the Botox treatment again.
FAQs
Does health insurance cover Botox for hyperhidrosis?
As Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of excessive sweating, certain insurance companies cover some aspects of treatment. If you’re dealing with axillary hyperhidrosis and you’ve attempted all other treatment options, including prescription deodorant, topical treatments, natural supplements, and oral medications, private insurance may cover your Botox treatment. Since each insurance company has its own separate rules and regulations, it is best to check directly with your health plan.
How long will it take until I see any results?
Once the injections have taken place, the results are very fast-acting. Botox will provide relief from sweating (in the area that was treated) within a few days after the procedure is performed, typically between 4 and 6 days. While it is not a permanent cure for excessive sweating, it can be used to help mitigate the issue and manage it more effectively for a significant period. The dryness from underarm Botox typically lasts for 4-6 months from your injection. After that time, you can return to Dr. Green to receive the treatment again.
How long does Botox last for hyperhidrosis?
Botox for hyperhidrosis typically lasts for four to six months but can last longer for some individuals. It is recommended that you repeat this treatment about every six months to maintain the effects. Results after the injection are almost immediate and can kick in in as little as two to four days. Once you get the treatment done, you will feel more confident and will regret not getting it sooner.
Can you shower after having Botox in the armpits?
No, you should avoid showering during the day of your procedure and for at least 12 hours following your treatment. You should avoid hot water, using deodorant, and doing any heavy exercise as these activities all increase your risk of bruising. The best practice is to gently clean your armpits with a mild cleanser and some lukewarm water after the first 12 hours following the procedure.
