Excessive Sweating

Botox – Cosmetic National Physician Training Center and Top 1% In The World! Allergan, Inc., the makers of BOTOX® Cosmetic has awarded the Berman Skin Institute the coveted “Black Diamond” classification, recognizing us as the top 1% of clinics in the world in providing BOTOX® Cosmetic to patients. We are also the area’s designated national physician training center where we train physicians on this wonderful procedure. BOTOX Cosmetic remains the number one most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States.

Excessive sweating is a bothersome problem that results in awkward social situations for those that are affected. Studies have shown that salespeople with sweaty palms are at a distinct disadvantage. Although hyperhidrosis is generally not considered a cosmetic problem, many patients will come to the cosmetic dermatologist for treatment of this embarrassing disorder. Unfortunately, topical and oral medications, iontophoresis, and surgery have not proven to be desirable options for most patients. In fact, surgery can result in compensatory excess sweating in other parts of the body. Today, Botox can treat excessive sweating with good results. Our staff utilize the Starch Iodine Test to identify the location of the hyperactive sweat glands prior to each treatment, resulting in the most effective treatment available.

Benefits

• Reduction or elimination of excess sweat production of the palms, soles, underarms, and/or groin area

Alternatives

Drysol™, Saldrize™, Certain Dry™ and other antiperspirant sticks containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate and aluminum zirconium tetra chlorohydrex glycine prevent sweating by plugging up the sweat ducts in the skin. These products can be irritating with continued use and are largely ineffective in people with excessive sweating. 

Various medications taken by mouth may provide reduction in sweat production, but can result in side effects, such as blurry vision and dry mouth. Additionally, tranquilizers may reduce anxiety, but do not directly act to reduced sweat production. 

Electrical iontophoresis machines are battery powered that use water and electrical gradients to reduce sweat production. These machines require hours of application, and are difficult to use properly. Additionally, they are only marginally effective for a great number of people. 

Surgical alternatives include liposuction of sweat glands, cutting the sweat glands from the skin, as well as neurosurgical procedures which cut the sympathetic nerve responsible for sweat production. Surgery can result in damage to other structures in the neck, resulting in loss of motion of the arm, loss of sensation, and dilation of the pupil of the eye.

How Does it Work?

The Starch Iodine Test is used to localize the hyperfunctioning sweat glands. Next, 10 to 20 tiny drops of Botox® are injected via a very small needle into the treatment area. Botox® is effective in reducing or abolishing sweat production in treated areas because the eccrine glands are innervated by sympathetic nerves that use acetylcholine as the neurotransmitter. As Botox® blocks this neurotransmitter, sweat production declines.

Who is a Candidate?

Most patients with excessive sweating may undergo Botox treatments. Patients with neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis and who are pregnant should not undergo this therapy.

What can I Expect?

Botox® injections to the sweat-producing areas take effect within 48 hours and can frequently provide relief for as long as six months. Many patients have associated reduction of sweat odor, though this may not be as remarkable as the reduction in actual sweat production.

Results may vary.

Safety & Side Effects

With more than 2.0 million treatments performed last year and a superb safety track record, Botox® Cosmetic has rapidly become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Side effects are rare and temporary. Although a bruise is possible, it is seen in less than 5% of our patients and it wanes away in a few days. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally.

Recovery Time

None. You can return to work the same day and resume most of your regular activities.

Does it Hurt?

Underarm areas usually require no anesthetic. The palms and soles require a cooling spray called The Zimmer, sprayed onto the skin during the procedure. Most patients find this very comfortable.

Before Treatment Instructions

None.

After Treatment Instructions

Normal activity can be immediately resumed, while heavy exercise should be avoided for several hours.

Who Performs the Treatments?

Our Physicians, Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses.