The Laser Dermatology Centre provides botulinum toxin injections to reduce sweating. This effective and advanced procedure eliminates the embarrassing problem of profuse sweating for 6 to 12 months and is often the only effective treatment for patients.
What is botulinum toxin and where is it used?
Botulinum toxin is a product secreted by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This substance blocks nerve impulses (severely weakens muscle contractions). The use of botulinum toxin in medicine began in 1970. Over the last few decades, it has been used effectively and safely in neurology (treatment of cerebral palsy in children, treatment of crooked necks, treatment of muscular diseases), plastic surgery, urology, ophthalmology, dermatology (for the cosmetic correction of facial lines and for the treatment of increased sweating). Also, botulinum toxin is used in the treatment of patients with chronic migraine.
Botulinum injections for sweating
Botulinum for sweating is one of the most effective and advanced treatments for profuse sweating. During the procedure, the doctor injects a certain amount of botulinum toxin into the armpits, palms or feet. Typically, botulinum for sweating is injected in a grid pattern, with the injection sites spaced approximately 1 to 2 centimetres apart. Injections of botulinum toxin block the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which binds to the sweat glands and is responsible for sweat production. Thus, when a patient receives injections of botulinum toxin in the area of the body that sweats the most, the active nerves in that area of the body are essentially paralysed, thus stopping sweating.
How is this procedure carried out?
A minimal dose of dilute botulinum toxin is injected into areas of the skin that sweat profusely: the armpits, palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. The more profuse the sweating, the higher the dose of botulinum toxin is allowed. The procedure itself takes up to 30 minutes. Botulinum starts to work 1-3 days after the injection and the maximum effect is reached on day 7-10 after the injection. The effects of the injections last for 6-12 months.
Botulinum injections must be repeated. With regular treatment, the effectiveness of this procedure is increasingly prolonged. It is also noticeable that other parts of the body start to sweat much less after each treatment.
Is it a painful procedure?
Before injecting botulinum toxin, the armpits, hands or feet can be cooled with ice or anaesthetised with a local anaesthetic to reduce pain and discomfort.
The procedure in the armpit area is less uncomfortable than in the hands or feet.
Is injection treatment for sweating harmful to health?
Sweating treatment with botulinum toxin has not been reported to cause any adverse effects. The doses of botulinum toxin injections used are too low to cause changes in the body.
After the treatment, there may be a slight headache, swelling or bruising of the injection site, nausea and muscle stiffness. However, all these possible side effects are temporary.
What do I need to know before and after botulinum injection procedures?
Before:
- It is important to choose a doctor with experience and knowledge of the anatomy of the body to ensure that the procedure is performed professionally. Be careful if a lower price is offered for the procedure.
- Only botulinum toxin products from certified manufacturers should be used;
- Do not exfoliate the armpits if botulinum toxin is to be injected into the armpits;
- Do not take blood thinners or alcohol for 24 hours before the procedure.
After:
- The part of the body where the injection was given should not be massaged for 24 hours after the procedure.
- It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight, solarium, sauna for about a week after the injections.
When should botulinum toxin injections not be performed?
- Botulinum toxin injections cannot be given to women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding;
- Allergy to botulinum toxin;
- The patient has haemophilia;
- There is a skin infection in the part of the body where botulinum toxin injections are to be administered;
- The patient has certain neuromuscular diseases;
- The patient is taking antibiotics.
