Say Goodbye to Underarm Sweat with Botox
Sweat glands are like nature’s own cooling system, helping our bodies stay at the right temperature. But for some people, sweating too much, called axillary hyperhidrosis, can be a big problem. It can affect everything in their daily life. But there's a surprising solution: Botox®. You might know Botox® for fixing wrinkles, but it's also used to treat excessive sweating.
Here's how it works:
Botox® blocks the nerves that tell your sweat glands to kick into gear. Normally, these nerves get active when you're too warm, telling your body to sweat. But if you have hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, those nerves are on overdrive. So when Botox® is injected into sweaty areas, like armpits, those nerves can't make your sweat glands work. That means way less sweating.
Some key highlights of Botox® treatment for sweat regulation:
It's a minimally invasive and generally painless procedure.
Takes less than an hour for the treatment process.
The effects last for up to 6-7 months or longer.
Proven efficacy and safety record; Botox® has been shown to reduce sweating by 82-87%.
What is the Treatment Like for Underarm Botox®?
To start off, the procedure focuses on pinpointing the area in your armpit with the most sweat production. Then, the Botox® injections are skillfully administered using a super fine needle, aiming for minimal discomfort. Most patients describe feeling a light pinch or pressure rather than outright pain.
Your practitioner will carefully inject small amounts into 15 to 25 spots about 1 centimeter apart in the armpit area to make sure sweating is well controlled. Typically, you'll need about 50 to 100 units of Botox® per armpit.
The whole process usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes, including the initial consultation. Afterward, you can usually get back to your daily routine right away. But it's a good idea to avoid heavy exercise and keep your underarms dry for at least 24 hours after the procedure to prevent any Botox® spreading to nearby areas.
You might see some swelling or redness where the injections were made, but it's usually mild and temporary. Using ice or over-the-counter anti-inflammatories as directed by your practitioner can help ease any discomfort.
Usually, you'll start noticing improvements a few days after the procedure, with the full effect kicking in after about two weeks. It's important to keep up with regular follow-ups until your sweat reduction stabilizes because everyone's body processes Botox® differently. Over time, you might start noticing sweating returning to the treated area, which means it's time for your next visit!
How Much Does Underarm Botox® Cost?
The overall cost can vary depending on the price per unit at your local Medspa. On average, you might be looking at between $500 and $1,000 per session. But when you consider how long it lasts—up to 7 months—it's not too bad. You might only need treatment once or twice a year, so the yearly cost isn't as high.
Sure, the price might seem like a lot at first, but think about the relief from daily discomfort and the reduced need for frequent antiperspirants. It's an investment in your quality of life that pays off in comfort and confidence.
At Nash Injections by Hannah, we offer flexible payment plans through Cherry.
Is Botox® for Underarm Sweating Covered by Insurance?
Whether insurance will cover this treatment varies based on your insurance company and plan. Some might see Botox® for underarm sweating as just a cosmetic fix, so they won't cover it. But others understand how much hyperhidrosis can negatively affect your daily life, so they might consider it medically necessary and cover it.
One big thing to keep in mind is your diagnosis. If you're getting Botox® for hyperhidrosis, which is a recognized medical condition, you're more likely to get coverage than if it's just for regular sweating. Make sure to double-check with your insurance company and get their approval before going ahead with treatment.
Other Treatment Options for Excessive Sweating
While Botox® has shown positive results in the treatment of underarm sweating, several other medical treatments such as iontophoresis, anticholinergic drugs, and ETS surgery are available for cases of hyperhidrosis.
In 2018, Qbrexza, a towel soaked in glycopyrronium, was approved by the FDA for primary axillary hyperhidrosis and offers an alternate non-invasive treatment. Microwave-based devices like miraDry have also demonstrated effectiveness against excessive underarm perspiration, although it has rare cases of severe side effects like limb paralysis.
Surgical options include endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) and sweat gland removal or destruction via lasers that deliver focused heat to destroy underarm sweat glands. These surgical methods offer a longer-term solution though they carry a higher failure rate in cases of facial blushing or excessive sweating.
Is Underarm Botox® Right for You?
If you're tired of dealing with excessive underarm sweating, Botox® injections might be the solution you've been searching for. Our Nashville Medspa offers expert consultations to help determine if this treatment is right for you. Don't let sweat hold you back—take the first step towards a more comfortable and confident you by scheduling a free consultation with us today.
