Hyperhidrosis Using Botox® in Manhattan, NYC
Are you are too embarrassed to raise your hand at work or school because you don’t want anyone to notice how much you are sweating? Do you change your shirt several times a day due to sweating? Are you ashamed because you have constantly stained armpits or excessively sweaty hands? If so, you are not alone. Approximately 2.8% of the American population suffers from a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating. board-certified Manhattan plastic surgeon and general surgeon Richard W. Swift, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. uses Botox® to combat hyperhidrosis.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal level of sweating. Although hyperhidrosis can affect any part of the body, it is most commonly found in the hands, feet, and armpits.
Some of the most common signs that you may be suffering from hyperhidrosis:
- Excessive sweating is interfering with your normal daily activities.
- Dealing with excessive perspiration takes up a significant portion of your time and energy.
- You have to carry extra deodorant, towels, or clothes to hide the problem of sweating too much.
- Extra strength deodorants, medications, and other treatments haven’t worked.
- You have to change clothes multiple times a day.
How Botox® Treats Hyperhidrosis?
Many people know that Botox® is a safe, FDA-approved treatment for smoothing out wrinkles, but it also has many other medical uses. Treating hyperhidrosis is now possible with Botox®, as the FDA has approved Botox® as a viable treatment option for the medical condition of excessive sweating. By carefully applying Botox® to the affected area, a drastic reduction in perspiration production can be achieved, with results lasting up to 200 days. When creams, lotions, and deodorants haven’t been able to stop your excessive sweating, Botox® can achieve lasting results by temporarily blocking the signals that your nerves transmit to stimulate your sweat glands. When Botox® blocks these signals from getting to your sweat glands, the sweating will never begin.
At his practice, Dr. Swift will begin your treatment by injecting small amounts of Botox® in the affected area, targeting your sweat glands. Multiple injections using a very fine needle will be given to completely block the affected area’s muscles in the skin that contract your sweat glands. When treating the hands or feet, Dr. Swift may use a mild topical anesthetic to minimize your discomfort.
The injection of Botox® will only affect the area given the treatment injections so the rest of your body will perspire normally. There is no need to be concerned about sweat “backing up” or causing other problems, as only the injected area will have its nerve signals that activate sweating blocked. The injected area will stop producing perspiration, however.
Expected Results for Hyperhidrosis Treatment with Botox®
Patients are advised not to engage in intensive exercise, or spend time in a sauna, on the day of their treatment. Your Botox® injections will be administered in Dr. Swift’s office. Some patients have reported some mild bruising, but this will fade away within a day or two. If some active sweat glands were missed during the original treatment, a second round of treatment might be necessary. Although Botox® cannot offer permanent elimination of sweating, the results of your treatment will last between six and 10 months. Some health insurance plans offer coverage for the use of Botox® to treat hyperhidrosis, so check with your healthcare provider for more information.
When Will I Know if I Need Another Treatment?
Botox® injections will have an immediate effect on the sweat glands, drastically reducing their ability to produce perspiration. Most people who have a Botox® treatment to treat their hyperhidrosis will enjoy the benefits of reduced sweating for up to a year. When your excessive sweating resumes, it will be time for another treatment. Our experienced staff will work with you to recommend a successful treatment strategy to make sure that you get the best possible results from Botox® injections.
How Much Does Hyperhidrosis Treatment with Botox® Cost?
Costs for your hyperhidrosis treatment with Botox® will vary depending on the number of treatments needed to achieve your desired result. Most insurance plans do not cover plastic surgery or specific cosmetic treatments. Dr. Swift accepts payment via cash, check, or credit card, as well as Prosper® Healthcare Lending as a financing option.
For more information on hyperhidrosis treatment with Botox®, contact our Manhattan, NYC office to schedule your consultation today.
