Everyone sweats, but most people can keep it under control with antiperspirants and only have to worry when exerting themselves or in hot weather. Some people, however, struggle with sweating even when they are cool and at rest. Excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis, and many people search for years for a successful treatment. Fortunately, Botox® can effectively stop hyperhidrosis and keep you dry and confident, and it may be covered by your insurance!
What is Botox®?
While you most likely know about Botox® for its ability to treat lines and wrinkles, this injectable treatment has a medical background. It was originally used to treat conditions such as eye muscle problems, but many new uses were quickly found. Botox® works by temporarily relaxing targeted muscles, preventing them from contracting.
How Does Botox® Treat Hyperhidrosis?
You may be wondering what your facial muscles and underarm sweat glands have in common that lets Botox® work on both of them. The answer is a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. When facial nerves release it, the muscles contract, creating wrinkles. When released by the nerves that control your sweat glands, it triggers excessive sweating. Botox® temporarily turns off these signals, keeping your sweat glands from becoming activated.
How Much is Botox® for Hyperhidrosis?
Many factors can affect your overall cost for Botox® as a hyperhidrosis treatment. You should consider:
- Your expert injector’s experience using Botox® for this treatment purpose
- The amount of Botox® injected
- How often you will need treatment
The average Botox® treatment for hyperhidrosis costs $1,000 for both underarms. You will find this cost fairly consistent among providers with minor variations. Providers offering significantly cheaper treatments may not have the skill or experience to use Botox® for hyperhidrosis.
In many cases, your health insurance will cover Botox® as a hyperhidrosis treatment. We can work with you to submit your request for prior authorization.
When considering whether treatment is worth it, balance the stress and frustration your condition causes with the effective, long-lasting relief you can achieve. Most people are very satisfied with their hyperhidrosis control with regular Botox® treatments. You may also wish to consider the costs of clinical-strength antiperspirants, other ineffective treatments, and laundry expenses due to sweat stains.
What Results Will I See After Botox® for Hyperhidrosis?
You may start to see results within about three days of your injections, with full results developing over a week to ten days. How long Botox® lasts for excessive sweating varies widely, with some people getting about six months of relief and others getting up to a year. You can expect significantly less sweating, and what does occur is easily managed with ordinary antiperspirants.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox® for Hyperhidrosis?
Botox® is widely used for medical purposes and has an extremely low risk of problematic side effects. Most healthy adults are good candidates for Botox® to treat their hyperhidrosis. If you have difficulty managing your excessive sweating and other methods have not worked, Botox® offers an excellent option to explore.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning about Botox® for hyperhidrosis? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 380-7320. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction.