Hyperhidrosis

Botox

Botox is a well-established treatment for excessive sweating. Placed in the affected area, it blocks the signal that tells the sweat glands to switch on. The underarms are the most common area, and the only one for which Botox carries an FDA approval for sweating. We also treat the palms, the soles of the feet, and the forehead or scalp when appropriate.

Most people are comfortable during treatment, especially for the underarms. The palms and soles are more sensitive, and for those we use ice or numbing. Side effects are usually minor: bruising or temporary tenderness at the injection sites. When the palms or soles are treated, there can be brief, mild weakness in nearby small muscles, which resolves on its own. A common worry is whether sweating will simply shift to another area. In practice, significant compensatory sweating is rare with Botox.

Botox for sweating is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with certain nerve or muscle conditions. We review your health history at your consultation. Insurance sometimes covers severe underarm hyperhidrosis that has not responded to prescription antiperspirants, with proper documentation. We are happy to talk through what your plan allows.