Botox for Hyperhidrosis: Our Nurse Injector Weighs In

We all love the feeling of getting a good sweat session in. HIIT workouts and spin classes can leave you refreshed, rejuvenated, and glowing! 

But for people who deal with excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, it’s not something to be proud of. It’s a challenge they deal with throughout the day – whether or not they just completed a rigorous workout. 

According to Ada Shim, our Aesthetic Injections Specialist & Skin Clinic Director, Botox treatment can be a game-changer for hyperhidrosis. Although neuromodulator treatments are commonly known for relaxing wrinkles, they can also be effective if you deal with excessive sweating! We sat down with Ada to learn more. 

What Is Hyperhidrosis?

First things first: what exactly is hyperhidrosis? “Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating,” Ada explains. Sweat is a natural response in the body that helps to regulate our temperature. But when it happens in excess, it can have a negative impact on your life.  

Hyperhidrosis Symptoms

As we mentioned, the main symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. The sweat glands in the affected area(s) overreact and, as a result, they produce an abnormal amount of sweat. According to Ada, the most common area this happens is the underarms. It can also affect the palms. 

“I had a patient who was 13 who was a piano player,” she recalls. “She had hyperhidrosis and her hands would slip all over the keys. Even if she wiped her hands down, you’d see the sweat beads coming back. It can really cause people to become self-conscious.” 

Sweating a lot can cause embarrassment, she adds. Some of her patients can take a shower and will sweat through their shirt within 20 minutes. There’s also the odour, which can be uncomfortable to deal with. “It’s a very life-altering condition – it can affect friendships and even employment opportunities.” 

This is why people experiencing hyperhidrosis are often eager to find an effective treatment.  

Botox for Hyperhidrosis

At HealthOne, the treatment we offer for hyperhidrosis is Botox. It’s an injectables procedure that uses botulinum toxin, a neuromodulator that, when injected, temporarily prevents the muscle from moving.  

Botox is commonly used for aesthetic reasons as it can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles in the forehead, crow's feet, and between the eyebrows. When injected into the underarms or palms, it can also work its magic for excessive sweating! 

"Botox, or Botulinum Toxin, works by blocking the nerve signals that regulate the activity of the sweat glands and therefore reduces the amount of sweat produced. The higher the dose, the stronger the block," Ada explains.

She usually starts with 50 units of Botox per underarm and 25-50 units per hand. One of the great things about getting Botox for hyperhidrosis is that the results can last a long time. Other areas (like the forehead) will fade away after 3-4 months, but for the underarms and palms, Botox can last anywhere from 9-12 months!  

Botox for Hyperhidrosis in Toronto

The first step if you’re interested in getting Botox for hyperhidrosis is to book a consultation with one of our experienced Nurses, like Ada. She’ll meet with you to learn more about your condition and come up with a treatment plan for your needs.  

“All the nurses here at HealthOne offer it,” she says. “It’s a very sensitive area, so we always put some topical freezing on it before injecting.” 

Our team is also passionate about making sure you have a comfortable experience from start to finish. If you have questions about your treatment, the downtime, or feel a bit nervous – don’t hesitate to let us know! We’ll do everything we can to make you feel at ease, and we promise you’ll love your results.  

Click here to book a free consultation with Ada Shim, Aesthetic Injections Specialist. 

One Life. Live Inspired.