Botox / Dysport Treatment for Excessive Underarm Perspiration

Dr. Marcovici's experience treating patients with excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) using Botox or Dysport has proven to be well tolerated, safe, and effective. It offers a viable, minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of hyperhidrosis.

The injections of Botox or Dysport in the axilla is an "off label" procedure. The treatments are localized, prolonged, and decrease the chemical transmission to the sweat glands which results in a diminished sweat production.

Dr. Marcovici offers the Botox or Dysport injection alternative to patients who have failed to respond to topical therapy. The effect of Botox or Dysport lasts for about 6-12 months. Dosages for Botox injection range from 50-200 units/axilla. The usual starting dose is 50 units/axilla. Side effects include rare bruising and minimal discomfort.

The treatment of hands and feet excessive perspiration (palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis) is similar to the axillary approach; however, patients may require regional nerve blocks to minimize pain associate with the injections.

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Perspiration): Botox and Dysport injections have proven to be very useful in diminishing excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Hyperhidrosis is a common and extremely distressing condition with a prevalence of 2.8% of the population. For those affected, the condition is debilitating with serious impairment in activities of daily living, social interaction, and occupational activities.

It is divided into primary, or idiopathic, hyperhidrosis, which is usually focal and limited to axilla, palms, soles and face; and secondary hyperhidrosis which can be local or generalized affecting the entire body. Secondary hyperhidrosis is due to a variety of causes including underlying medical conditions, drugs, or exaggerated physiological responses to heat, humidity, or exercise.

Diagnosis: The most common type is primary idiopathic hyperhidrosis; however, it is critical to be aware of the secondary causes when evaluating a patient with excessive sweating.

Primary hyperhidrosis is defined as focal visible excessive sweating or at least 6 months duration without apparent cause and associated with at least two of the following characteristics:

• Bilateral and relatively symmetrical
• Impairs daily activities
• Frequency of at least one episode per week
• Age of onset less then 25 years
• Positive family history
• Cessation of focal sweating during sleep

Treatment of excessive underarm perspiration:

Topical Treatment: It works only in mild cases of focal hyperhidrosis, aluminum chloride hexahydrate is the most effective topical agent.

Oral Treatment: Anticholinergic drugs are the most effective oral treatment. Because the side effects associated with their use (dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention and palpitations) they are generally not tolerable by most patients.

Surgical Treatment: These include curettage or liposuction to remove glandular sweat tissue, excision of the axillary vault to remove sweat glands, and sympathectomy. Surgical treatments are generally reserved for patients who fail to respond to other noninvasive modalities.

Dysport and Botox treatment are minimal invasive, well tolerated and with excellent results.

Call Aesthetic Medical Center at (860) 409-1933
for your confidential consultation with Dr. Marcovici!
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