Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be an incredibly frustrating condition. It affects an estimated 3% of the adult population and can cause embarrassment in both personal and professional settings.
While sweating is a natural process that helps regulate the body’s temperature, excessive perspiration far beyond what’s needed can create uncomfortable situations. Fortunately, there are treatments available to manage this condition, including our excessive sweating service, which offers BotoxŪ injections to significantly reduce excessive sweating.
If you’re dealing with hyperhidrosis, you’re not alone. Many people find that excessive sweating impacts their confidence, social life, and work environment. It can be particularly frustrating in situations where sweat is highly visible, such as handshakes or wearing certain types of clothing. Our non-surgical treatment offers relief, making life much more comfortable.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that leads to more sweating than is necessary to cool down the body. While sweating is essential for regulating temperature, people with hyperhidrosis sweat even in cool environments or when they’re not active. This excessive sweating can affect specific areas of the body, most commonly the underarms, hands, feet, and face. In some cases, it can also be a generalised condition where the person sweats all over.
For some people, hyperhidrosis can be linked to underlying health issues. For instance, conditions like diabetes or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can trigger excessive sweating. In these cases, treating the underlying cause can sometimes alleviate the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. However, for many others, the cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown. Studies have shown that the condition may run in families, suggesting a genetic factor.
If your hyperhidrosis is not linked to another medical condition, BotoxŪ treatments are a highly effective way to manage the problem. In fact, BotoxŪ has been approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for use within the NHS in treating excessive sweating, although not all NHS services offer it. Luckily, this treatment is widely available in private clinics.
What is BotoxŪ?
Botulinum toxin type A, more commonly known as Botox, is a well-established treatment used for various medical and cosmetic conditions. BotoxŪ is widely known for its use in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, but it also has important medical applications, such as treating excessive sweating, muscle spasms, and even foot problems in children with cerebral palsy.
When used to treat hyperhidrosis, BotoxŪ is injected directly into the affected area to temporarily block the nerves responsible for activating sweat glands. This stops the glands from producing sweat in that specific area, helping to manage the symptoms of hyperhidrosis for several months.
BotoxŪ injections do not cure hyperhidrosis permanently. However, they can provide long-lasting relief from the symptoms, with results lasting anywhere from 6 to 12 months. After this period, patients will need to have the treatment repeated to maintain the effects.
How Does it Work?
The glands responsible for sweating are located within the skin. When the body needs to cool down, it sends chemical signals to the sympathetic nerves that control the sweat glands, activating them and causing sweating.
BotoxŪ works by blocking the chemical signals that are sent to the sweat glands. When injected into the skin, BotoxŪ prevents these signals from reaching the sweat glands, effectively “turning off” the glands and stopping them from producing sweat.
Within 6 to 12 weeks after the BotoxŪ injection, your body will start to produce new nerve endings that can send the signals to your sweat glands again. This means that some mild sweating may return as the new nerve endings begin to take over. Eventually, after 4 to 12 months, all the new nerve endings will have regenerated, and sweating will return to its previous levels.
What Is Involved in The Procedure
Before the treatment, our trained pharmacists will conduct a consultation with you. This will involve identifying the areas where your sweating is most severe and reviewing your medical history to ensure that BotoxŪ is a safe and suitable treatment for you. During the consultation, we will also discuss the potential side effects of the treatment, so you are fully informed before proceeding.
The procedure itself is quick and straightforward. You will remain awake throughout, and the injections will be administered into the areas where excessive sweating occurs.
Pre-Treatment Advice
Two weeks before treatment:
If you take blood-thinning medications or anti-inflammatory drugs, you should avoid these for two weeks before your BotoxŪ treatment. These medications can increase the likelihood of bruising or swelling after the injections. Always consult with your doctor before stopping any prescription medication.
Two days before treatment:
For the best results, consider taking a zinc supplement for two days before your BotoxŪ treatment. Research has shown that people with zinc deficiencies may not experience the full benefits of BotoxŪ, as the mineral is required for the body to process the treatment effectively.
One day before treatment:
If you are having BotoxŪ injected into your underarms, it’s a good idea to shave the area at least 24 hours before the procedure. This will help ensure that the area is clean and ready for treatment.
Post-Treatment Advice
After your treatment, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results and avoid any complications.
For the first 12 hours after treatment:
Avoid making extreme facial expressions, drinking alcohol, and applying makeup to the treated area. If you’ve had your underarms treated, avoid using deodorant or antiperspirant until the following morning.
For the first 48 hours after treatment:
Avoid strenuous physical activity, such as going to the gym or engaging in sports. You should also avoid travelling by plane during this period, as changes in air pressure can affect the treatment area.
Within one week of treatment:
Avoid beauty treatments such as microdermabrasion, electrolysis, or laser treatments in the area that received BotoxŪ. These procedures can interfere with the treatment and may reduce its effectiveness.
Is BotoxŪ Right for You?
There are certain conditions and situations where BotoxŪ should not be used. You are not a candidate for BotoxŪ if you have any of the following:
. Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome
. A neuromuscular disorder
. An allergy to botulinum toxin or human albumin
. You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Pricing
The cost of hyperhidrosis treatment at our pharmacy is Ģ250 per session, which includes treatment for both underarms. Most patients find that they only need one or two treatments per year to manage their symptoms.
If you are a new patient, we will also carry out an initial 30-minute consultation, which costs Ģ30. This consultation helps ensure that the treatment is safe and appropriate for you based on your medical history.
Benefits
. No more carrying extra clothes to change throughout the day.
. No more worrying about embarrassing sweat stains or handshakes.
. Feel more comfortable and confident in social and professional situations.
Service Availability
Choose your preferred pharmacy to visit their page and make an inquiry about the service. Alternatively, pop into the pharmacy when it’s convenient for you to discuss the treatment further.