Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, secondary to overactive sweat glands. It primarily occurs in the axilla (underarms), palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but can also affect the whole body. Muscle Relaxant injections are used to give symptomatic relief of hyperhidrosis.
Suitable for
Excessive sweating of the underarms, hands or feet
Cost
Practitioner dependent, please see FAQs below
Downtime
nil
Longevity
6 to 12 months
Time
15 to 30 minutes
Pregnancy Safe?
No
In affected individuals, increased sweating occurs without the normal stimuli such as exercise, anxiety or rise in body temperature and occurs in abnormally high amounts throughout the day.
Hyperhidrosis can be caused by a number of medical conditions including thyroid disease, medications, diabetes, infections and menopause.
It is important to exclude an underlying cause for hyperhidrosis prior to embarking on any treatment regime. The doctors at Youth Lab are trained in the assessment and treatment of this condition and will determine the need for further investigation on an individual basis.
Primary hyperhidrosis for which there is no underlying medical cause affects a significant number of the population. It is a result of an overactive sympathetic nervous system and this condition can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and socially limiting to those who are affected. Primary hyperhidrosis can be effectively treated in a number of ways with the injection of muscle relaxants being an effective and non-surgical option.
The use of muscle relaxing injections, which are the same as those used as wrinkle relaxer; actually work to block the excretion of sweat from the sweat glands and hence relieve the distress of hyperhidrosis.
FAQs
What does the treatment involve?
A thorough consultation with our doctors/nurses is required prior to treatment as on some occasions further investigation into the underlying cause of the excess sweating may be required.
Prior to performing treatment the area is covered with iodine and a cornstarch powder which shows up the exact area where the excess sweat glands are located. This area is then marked and cleaned and a topical numbing cream is applied. The use of the anaesthetic cream results in a virtually painless procedure.
The treatment involves the injection of small amounts of muscle relaxant to the affected site, usually 15-20 injections, with the entire procedure taking approximately 30 minutes. The amount of wrinkle relaxer used does vary but in general much larger amounts are needed when compared with treatment of wrinkles.
How long do results last?
Depending on the individual response to the injections, the Hyperhidrosis treatment may last anywhere between 6 to 12 months. This depends on the severity of the hyperhidrosis and also individual factors such as metabolism and medical conditions.
You will start to notice a reduction in sweating within two weeks of treatment with the maximal result after about 4 weeks. Repeated treatments may be necessary for optimal results with many patients choosing to have this treatment annually before summer time.
What happens after my treatment?
Following treatment with anti wrinkle injections (wrinkle relaxers)for hyperhidrosis, normal activities can be resumed. There may be mild swelling and redness at the injection points and occasionally bruising. You will be provided with full aftercare instructions.
There are some general precautions that should be taken to reduce the risks of side effects and to obtain the best possible results.
These include:
- Avoid the use of topical antiperspirant products for 24 hours
- Ice can be applied to reduce discomfort, swelling and bruising
- Do not rub or massage the affected area for 24 hours
- Do not lie down flat for 4 hours post-treatment, or do heat and strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours
What are the risks of treatment?
With any medical procedure there are always risks involved and your doctor/nurse will discuss all risks and contraindications prior to performing any procedure.
Side effects are minimal and may include mild pain or stinging during and after the procedure. Some people may feel a subjective increase in sweating from other areas in the first few days following treatment.
Treatment with muscle relaxant injections for hyperhidrosis is not a suitable treatment for those with particular allergies, neuromuscular disorders and pregnant/breastfeeding women.
What are the costs?
- Hyperhidrosis treatment from $1100
This includes 100 units of muscle relaxant (Brand ONE) to both underarms. Other treatment areas available on request and after full consultation.
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