Hyperhidrosis

Nearly 5% of Americans are living with hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. At ShotDocMD, elite physician Grace Kim, MD, has over a decade of experience treating hyperhidrosis through innovative noninvasive methods like Botox® injections. Dr. Kim and the compassionate team treat patients in two offices in San Luis Obispo and Los Gatos, California, so call the one in your area or click the online appointment maker now.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis means heavy sweating. Everybody sweats, and it’s actually important for cooling the body. But, for people with hyperhidrosis, the sweating is so excessive and severe that it can disrupt daily life. 

Hyperhidrosis is most common in the underarms, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and face. Some people experience excessive sweating in two or more areas, but most people with this condition have focal hyperhidrosis, which means it happens only in one area — usually the underarms. 

Many people with hyperhidrosis sweat through their shirts, have restless nights due to sweating, or experience acute social anxiety due to their condition. It may lead you to change your routines, isolate yourself, and feel embarrassed or hopeless. But it’s important to know that there are excellent options for hyperhidrosis treatment. 

What treatments are available for hyperhidrosis?

The first-line hyperhidrosis treatment is usually topical products, like antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride. However, that approach might not give you the dramatic relief you need. That’s where Botox® can come in. 

Botox is widely known as an aesthetic treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. But it’s also FDA-approved to treat focal hyperhidrosis in the underarms for people who don’t get good results from prescription antiperspirants. 

Botox deactivates the nerves that signal your sweat glands, so your sweat glands never get those sweating “instructions.” In this way, Botox can dramatically reduce sweating in the underarms. 

Studies show that Botox is extremely effective, with an up to 87% reduction in underarm sweat. 

How long does Botox last for hyperhidrosis?

According to the official Botox site for hyperhidrosis, a clinical study showed that the average duration of treatment response was 6.7 months. But, individual results may vary, and some patients could experience dryness for as long as 12 months. 

After your first treatment, Dr. Kim will monitor your results, and you’ll decide the optimal treatment intervals together. For uninterrupted dryness, Dr. Kim often recommends retreatment every four to six months. Over time, you’ll likely be able to go longer between treatments.

What is the Botox treatment process like for hyperhidrosis?

ShotDocMD provides topical numbing and ice packs to help ensure a comfortable treatment. Dr. Kim usually injects about 50 units of Botox under each arm. It’s a series of quick stings, but not painful. Treatment only takes about half an hour. 

Schedule your appointment online or call the ShotDocMD office to learn more about Botox today.