Hyperhidrosis
Excessive Sweating, also known as Hyperhidrosis, in simple terms, can be defined as overly active sweat glands stimulated by the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system which is responsible for releasing perspiration throughout the body. This is the body’s natural method of cooling itself down during active periods (such as exercise) or exposure to warm conditions. A person with hyperhidrosis experiences uncontrolled sweating and/or flushing. Those who suffer from this condition are faced with major challenges every day.
The best treatment against Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) is knowledge. The most common areas of the body affected by Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) are the hands, feet, groin, face and underarms. This Excessive Sweating can have a serious impact on your self-confidence, personal relationships and even professional success.
Through LSG’s search for a therapy that combines effectiveness, safety, and long lasting results, LSG is pleased our clients have been extremely satisfied with BOTOX® Therapeutic and RF Microneedling. The average duration of effect is 7.5 months and some of our clients have had nearly all of their symptoms reduced completely. This has had a large impact on their quality of life: specifically, an increase in productivity, an improvement in their emotional status, a reduction in the number of times they have to change their clothing each day, and an overall ability to participate in daily and social activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hyperhydrosis is a clinical issue that can be treated. Traditional approaches available include prescription drugs like Robinul, clinical strength antiperspirants, and topical aluminum chloride.
- Botox and Dysport are options for treating hyperhidrosis of the underarms, but this is a costly option and requires regular re-treatment to be effective. We can use this option to treat the hyperhidrosis of the palms and feet or underarms, however the Intensif RF Microneedling is not appropriate for palms or feet and best for underarms.
- MiraDry, a device, has been used to more permanently eliminate the issue of excessive sweating of the underarms. However, it is not always effective, and the cost is prohibitive to the patients and to potential providers.
- Radiofrequency microneedling is highly preferred for its amazing anti-aging and rejuvenating results. It is also used for the destruction of the sweat glands due the thermal tissue reaction that can be created with radiofrequency microneedling. This painless, in office procedure involves only local numbing of the underarm and a 30 minute session/s with no downtime and no recovery. This results in a decrease of functional sweat glands ending the embarrassment of excessive sweating.
Patients may require up to three procedures to achieve complete sweat resolution. Some patients will have desired result with only one treatment. This varies based on individual factors and cannot be precisely determined. Patient response to the 3 treatment series is excellent, though, so we highly recommend treatment.
Numbing takes around 30 minutes. The actual treatment takes only 20 minutes. Treatments are spaced 4-8 weeks apart. Results may appear noticeable in days or in the weeks following each treatment. Full results will be achieved after the series is completed.
This treatment produces somewhat permanent damage to sweat glands and is long lasting. Many patients find that they do not require further treatment for years – if ever.
Using a very fine needle, our nurse will inject a small amount of a solution of Botox into 10 to 15 places about 1cm apart and spread evenly in each armpit. A course of treatment takes about 30 min. You should notice some change for the better within a week of your treatment.
Different people have different responses to treatment. In a clinical trial, sweat production was reduced by 83% one week after treatment. Furthermore, sweating was reduced by at least half in 95% of patients. Your next treatment can be given when the effects of the first course wear off, this usually happens after 4 to 7 months.
Side effects include bruising or tenderness at the injection sites and increased sweating at other sites. Rare side effects include itching, muscle aches, allergic reactions and muscle weakness.
Sweat is good! (Most of the time)
Sweating is normal and healthy. In fact, your body has between 2 million and 4 million sweat glands.3 When your body heats up, these glands release sweat to help cool you down.
What’s considered “normal” sweating?
There is no “normal”! Some people just naturally sweat more than others, so try not to compare yourself with other people.
If you do any of the following to cope with sweating, talk to your doctor about severe underarm sweating:
- Change your clothes frequently
- Put absorbent materials under clothing
- Avoid certain fabrics or clothing styles
- Seek medical attention and treatment
Not always. Over-the-counter and prescription antiperspirants are 2 of the first options people with severe underarm sweating try. These products work by blocking sweat ducts and reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches the skin. Deodorants help control body odor and are typically used in addition to antiperspirants. When these products don’t work well enough, it may be time to ask about treatments for hyperhidrosis.
