Botox for sweating is a treatment for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in which botulinum toxin is injected into the layer of skin where the sweat glands sit. It temporarily reduces the nerve signals that switch the sweat glands on, so sweating in the treated area can drop noticeably.

Sweating naturally regulates body temperature, but in some people the sweat glands overwork even without heat or exercise. This happens most often in the underarms, palms and soles. Damp clothes, discomfort when shaking hands and odor can affect social and working life.

Excessive sweating is sometimes linked to another cause, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, hormonal changes or certain medicines. That is why the source of the sweating is assessed at the examination before treatment, and tests are requested if needed.

Botox for sweating is usually considered for people whose antiperspirants do not give enough relief and whose sweating affects daily life. It is not surgery, needs no incision, and you can return to your day straight away. The active ingredient is the same as in cosmetic face and neck Botox; what differs is the area and the dose.

Hyperhidrosis Botox can be used wherever excessive sweating is a problem:

• Underarms: the most commonly treated area. Underarm Botox helps reduce sweat stains and dampness on clothing.
• Palms (hand sweating): for sweating that makes shaking hands, writing or using devices difficult. The spaces between the fingers are included.
• Soles of the feet: may be considered for sweating that causes slipping inside shoes and odor.
• Face and scalp: for people with heavy sweating on the forehead and hairline, planned with suitable doses after examination.

The skin on the palms and soles is thick and sensitive, so the plan and comfort measures there are assessed separately. If several areas sweat, which ones are treated together is decided at your consultation.

Underarm and hand sweating, like migraine Botox, cover a large area and need a higher dose; usually a full vial is used. In facial treatments such as Hollywood Botox, the dose is kept much lower and tailored to the area.

Treatment starts with an examination and mapping of the sweating area. If the sweating points are unclear, a starch test may be done: starch is applied to the area and the room is warmed until sweating begins. The areas that change color show where sweating is heaviest. Please come without deodorant or antiperspirant on the day of treatment.

1. A medical anesthetic cream is applied and left for 15–20 minutes.
2. The cream is wiped off thoroughly, and the area is dried and cleaned with alcohol.
3. Botox is injected with a very fine 4 mm needle into the skin layer where the sweat glands sit.
4. Injections are placed roughly one centimeter apart across the whole sweating area, including between the fingers on the hands.

Once fully wiped away, the anesthetic cream does not reduce the effect of the Botox and makes the procedure more comfortable. Tiny spots of bleeding at injection points usually do not affect the result either.

The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on the area. Because the size of the sweating area differs from person to person, the plan is made individually by a doctor who can set the dose and distribution correctly.

The aftercare rules are short-lived. For the first day after treatment:

• Alcohol: avoid it for 1 day.
• Hot showers: avoid them for 1 day.
• Sea and swimming pools: stay out of them for 1 day.
• Exercise: skip it for 1 day.
• Saunas, Turkish baths and tanning beds: avoid them for 10 days.

After that, you can return fully to your routine. If you want to sunbathe, as with all treatments, avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. is recommended.

The most common side effects are mild redness at the injection points, small bruises and brief tenderness. These usually settle within a few days. Serious side effects are rare; tell your doctor if you notice anything unexpected.

The effect usually lasts 4–6 months. The body gradually breaks down the botulinum toxin, and the sweat glands start working again.

How long it lasts varies from person to person:

• Metabolism: the effect may be shorter with a fast metabolism.
• Activity level: in people who exercise very intensely and sweat heavily, it may last closer to 4 months.
• Dose planning: if the effect lasts less than 4 months, the dose is reviewed at the next treatment.

With regular treatments, some people find their sweating becomes less of a problem over time. The next session is planned when sweating starts to return. When the effect wears off, sweating goes back to its previous level; pausing treatment does not make it worse.