Ask Dr. Man- Underarm Sweating

Dear Dr. Man, I’m a 28 year old male- I consider myself a handsome guy. However, I have an embarrassing problem. I sweat terribly no matter what I do. I’ve tried deodorants, antiperspirants, powders and creams and NOTHING has worked. I’m very self-conscious when I go out on dates or even when I’m working. I saw on TV something about Botox injections for this problem. Does this work? Can you tell me more about it? It would be a dream come true if it works for me.

First and foremost, don’t be embarrassed. Several people suffer from excessive uncontrollable perspiration, called “hyperhydrosis.” The sweating can occur in the hands, face, underarms, and forehead. It sounds like you have what is called axillary hyperhydrosis, which is excessive sweating in the underarm area.

The nervous system of people with any type of hyperhydrosis is typically overactive. This over-activity produces an excessive sweating response. Excessive sweating can be detrimental in many ways, but typically causes mostly social and work related problems, as you have described.

Recent studies have shown that people suffering from excessive underarm sweating can benefit tremendously from Botox injections under the arm. The FDA has approved Botox in treating this type of severe underarm sweating when it cannot be treated with topical or other medications. The Botox injections reduce over-activity of the nervous system in the underarm area. The treatment usually results in a drastic reduction in sweat production.

Botox treatments in the underarm area have been shown to produce low instances of side effects and reduce sweating for 6 months to 2 years. Botox treatments for hyperhydrosis consist of about 15-20 injections into the underarm. Repeated treatments are required, and their frequency depends on how the patient’s sweating reacts to the Botox. Typical injections occur every 6 to 8 months.

Patients should be examined for the cause of their excessive sweating, which may be the result of a more serious ailment.

Botox injections to treat excessive underarm sweating has shown to increase the quality of life for many people afflicted with this ailment. Be sure to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if this treatment option is right for you.

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.