Hyperhidrosis Treatment & Excessive Sweating
If you are like the 15 million Americans who experience excessive sweating, a condition known as hyperhidrosis, you know this greatly affects your quality of life. Dr. Michele Green has been successfully helping patients suffering from hyperhidrosis in her private New York City office for over 25 years. Severe sweating can occur across your whole body but occurs most commonly in the armpits, hands, feet, and forehead. Hyperhidrosis can dictate how you live your life – keeping you inside during the summer months. It can limit your clothing options for fear of sweating and staining your shirts. It can prevent you from enjoying social obligations to the fullest as you may worry about the potential embarrassment of lifting your arms or shaking hands. There are a variety of causes of hyperhidrosis, and excessive sweating may result from a genetic predisposition, an overactive thyroid, anxiety, neurological conditions, or a side effect of medications. Hyperhidrosis can even put you at an increased risk for skin infections. Living with hyperhidrosis can negatively affect your self-confidence. Luckily, various dermatological treatments are available now to combat excessive sweating.
Treatment options are wide-ranging and work to inhibit the sweat glands by various mechanisms. Many patients begin with prescription antiperspirants like Drysol. There are also oral or topical nerve-blocking medications, which block the eccrine nerve endings chemically to stop excessive sweating. Botox has become one of the most popular and effective methods of addressing hyperhidrosis. Botox works by inhibiting the sweat glands with injecting botulinum toxin directly into the affected area. Other options include systemic treatments, such as antidepressants and beta blockers – which serve to treat hyperhidrosis by interacting directly with the central nervous system. MiraDry® is another mechanism that treats excessive sweating in the axillae through controlled electromagnetic energy, resulting in direct thermolysis of the sweat glands.
With so many treatment options available for hyperhidrosis, it is important to consult with an experienced dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, in NYC. Dr. Green will review your current medical and surgical history and medication profile and create an individualized treatment plan to treat your specific type of hyperhidrosis best. Whether your excessive sweating is limited to your underarms or hands or involves your entire body, Dr. Green will help design the best treatment protocol for you. Dr. Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist that has been a leader in the field in New York City for over two decades and an expert in Botox injections, cosmetic lasers, skin care, dermal fillers, Microneedling and more.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that is characterized by excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis is unrelated to factors that typically cause sweating, such as heat, exercise, or feelings of anxiety or stress. Patients affected by hyperhidrosis typically experience at least one episode of excessive sweating per week. There are two different types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is related to overactive sweat glands and most commonly affects the hands, feet, underarms, and face. Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is associated with other underlying medical conditions, such as menopause, diabetes, some types of cancer, and thyroid issues, among others. Secondary hyperhidrosis may also be a side effect of certain medications. Secondary hyperhidrosis may resolve on its own once the underlying medical condition has been treated; however, primary hyperhidrosis does not resolve without treatment. If excessive sweating is unmanageable with over-the-counter treatments, a dermatologist can diagnose and treat your hyperhidrosis. Dr. Michele Green in NYC is a board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients from around the globe with the best non-invasive treatment options available, including for the management of hyperhidrosis.
What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?
The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is unrelated to exercise, feelings of stress, or heat. Individuals who suffer from hyperhidrosis may experience excessive sweating without any exertion and may develop symptoms such as body odor, skin irritation (itching or inflammation), and frequent skin infection. Patients with primary hyperhidrosis will most commonly be affected in certain body areas, including the hands, feet, face, and underarms. Patients with secondary hyperhidrosis typically experience generalized excessive sweating that is not specific to any given body area. A dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, can diagnose your hyperhidrosis and recommend treatments to help manage symptoms to improve your quality of life.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
The cause of hyperhidrosis varies depending on what type of hyperhidrosis you have: primary hyperhidrosis or secondary generalized hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is when you suffer from overactive sweat glands in specific areas of your body, such as your armpits, hands, feet, or face. The cause of primary hyperhidrosis is still debated, although researchers are beginning to show that there could be a genetic component to this condition.
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of a medication. Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating that occurs over large swathes of the body rather than being confined to a specific area. Conditions that are known to have hyperhidrosis as a side effect include infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV; neurologic conditions such as anxiety, stress, and panic attacks; as well as diabetes, low blood sugar, heat exhaustion, and leukemia. When you meet with Dr. Green to address your hyperhidrosis, it is very important to disclose potential underlying medical conditions to Dr. Green to create the best treatment plan for you.
What triggers hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is good for our health as it is our body’s natural process for excreting toxins and helps regulate our body’s natural base temperature. Your body temperature will rise when you are somewhere warm, exercising, or feeling nervous or stressed. In these circumstances, your sweat glands secrete water and minerals to regulate your body temperature. Once you are removed from the situation (you walk into an air-conditioned building or you finish your presentation), the signal to secrete sweat is turned off. However, for those who suffer from excessive sweating, the signal to “turn off” the sweating never happens. Excessive normal can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. When excessive sweating occurs for an unknown reason, meeting with an experienced healthcare provider, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, is important to analyze the possible causes.
Is hyperhidrosis genetic?
Research has started to emerge suggesting that primary hyperhidrosis is passed down genetically. There are two types of hyperhidrosis: One is generalized secondary hyperhidrosis, which is caused by an underlying medical condition such as hyperthyroidism, menopause, Parkinson’s disease, stress, and anxiety, and is characterized by sweating that can occur across a large portion of the body. The second type is primary hyperhidrosis, characterized by sweating concentrated in one body part – typically the armpits, hands, feet, or face. Primary hyperhidrosis usually begins to show itself during childhood and results from overactive sweat glands. Researchers believe that the condition is genetic and linked to a dominant gene.
What is axillary hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, can be characterized as an uncontrollable amount of sweating that can occur due to hormonal imbalances, menopause, hyperthyroidism, or overactive sweat glands. While it is normal for people to sweat to regulate the body’s temperature, excessive sweating due to hyperhidrosis can occur at any time – not just as a result of heavy exercise or heat – and can be disruptive to everyday living, causing social anxiety and embarrassment. While hyperhidrosis can affect any part of the body, axillary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that occurs specifically in the underarm region of the body.
What is palmar hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating of the hands is also referred to as palmar hyperhidrosis. Palmar hyperhidrosis can be difficult to cope with, especially in professional settings, where shaking hands is often necessary. This issue has social ramifications, and it can be very embarrassing for patients suffering from chronic excessively sweaty hands. Botox is an extremely safe and effective method for addressing palmar hyperhidrosis if antiperspirants do not work to decrease sweating. Patients suffering from excessive sweating of the palms can receive injections of onabotulinumtoxinA (also known as Botox®), which blocks sweat secretion. Botox treatment can keep palms dry for up to 6 months and can be repeated for lasting dryness. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists to incorporate Botox injections for cosmetic and medical use in her private NYC dermatology office.
What is plantar hyperhidrosis?
Plantar hyperhidrosis, or sweaty feet, affects many individuals and can cause fungal infections of the feet. The initial symptoms of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis are a slight foot odor, a white-hued residue on your feet, or damp socks or stockings. This condition can be very embarrassing for individuals who suffer from it. Botox injections are a very effective treatment for plantar hyperhidrosis, and several injections across the foot surface can safely and effectively be used to alleviate this problem. However, Dr. Green does not treat plantar (foot) based hyperhidrosis.
How common is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition affecting nearly 3 percent of people in the United States, equivalent to about 15 million Americans. While individuals who suffer from excessive sweating may feel alone in their embarrassment, there has been an increase in media coverage discussing hyperhidrosis. Prominent figures such as Chrissy Teigen have taken to social media to discuss their experience with hyperhidrosis, increasing the visibility of the condition. Chrissy Teigen revealed how she used Botox to eliminate her severe underarm sweating, which has helped to de-stigmatize the condition and the treatment.
Is hyperhidrosis a disease?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that can be diagnosed by a physician through physical examination and assessing medical history. The level of sweating can be measured by a starch-iodine test, which turns the sweat brown to detect hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can also be assessed using a vapometer, which measures transepidermal water loss and the amount of sweat produced in a certain area.
Is hyperhidrosis a disability?
Hyperhidrosis can be a disabling condition that negatively affects one’s social, emotional, and occupational aspects. Those struggling with hyperhidrosis may feel social isolation to avoid touching others or fear activities that may cause body odor or damp clothing. Hyperhidrosis may even hinder those in professional careers that require frequent hand shaking in fear of having wet hands with palmar hyperhidrosis.
Is hyperhidrosis dangerous?
In general, hyperhidrosis is harmless and not medically dangerous. Those experiencing hyperhidrosis can resume daily activities, but excessive sweating will most likely disrupt daily activities. Primary hyperhidrosis can also increase the risk of skin infections because excessive sweat breaks down the skin (maceration), allowing bacteria and viruses to enter the skin more easily. Excessive sweating can sometimes be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Seek immediate medical attention if the hyperhidrosis is accompanied by chest pain, lightheadedness, or nausea.
Can hyperhidrosis cause dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it gains. Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating can lead to dehydration if you are not drinking water to replenish the fluid loss. Because sweat glands are activated to release sweat to cool the body, fluid intake should be increased in hot environments for those with hyperhidrosis. Signs of mild to moderate dehydration include fatigue, dry mouth, decreased urination, dry skin, constipation, dizziness, and headache. Signs of severe dehydration include lack of sweat, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, dark urine, and shriveled skin. Severe dehydration should be treated immediately by medical personnel.
Types of Hyperhidrosis: Primary vs Secondary
Primary focal hyperhidrosis
Primary hyperhidrosis is defined by excess sweating with no underlying medical cause. This condition usually starts to manifest in early childhood and is typically familiar, with more than 30 percent of sufferers having a family history of excessive sweating.
Primary focal hyperhidrosis mainly arises from the eccrine sweat glands. The eccrine sweat glands account for 2 to 4 million of the sweat glands in the body and are mainly found in the feet, hands, and underarms.
There is no known etiology for this type of excessive sweating. However, most patients who suffer from primary hyperhidrosis typically have a specific area on the body in which excessive sweating occurs.
Examples of primary hyperhidrosis include axillary hyperhidrosis or primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Primary axillary hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive underarm sweating. Other types of primary hyperhidrosis include palmar hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating on the palms, and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating on both the palms and the soles of the feet.
Secondary hyperhidrosis
Secondary Hyperhidrosis, sometimes referred to as generalized hyperhidrosis, is characterized by sweating, which can occur in a specific part of the body but more often occurs in a more generalized way throughout the body. In other words, there is no primary or focal area of the body in which sweating occurs. This type of excessive sweating usually occurs because of an underlying medical issue. For example, if you suffer from hyperthyroidism or Parkinson’s disease, one of your symptoms may be excessive sweating. Excessive sweating can also occur during menopause, other hormonal imbalances, or as a consequence of obesity. Excessive sweating can be a symptom of an underlying health issue, and if you suffer from hyperhidrosis, you should consult with Dr. Green to determine the potential underlying condition. Several other health conditions can cause excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis listed below.
The following conditions are also known to cause hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating:
- Vitamin D deficiency
- High Fever
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Diabetic hypoglycemia
- Endocarditis
- Heat exhaustion
- Leukemia
- Malaria and other infections
- Stress
- Tuberculosis
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Side effects of various medications
Some people have reported increased sweating after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Sweating is a very common and temporary side effect of vaccines. Vaccines are fake versions of the virus that mimic the disease. Diseases cause fevers, which increase body temperature, and the body produces sweat to cool the body. There are also reports of anxiety-related reactions after getting the vaccine, which include excessive sweating.
What is Gustatory Hyper hidrosis?
Gustatory hyperhidrosis is described as sweating while eating, which typically occurs on the forehead, neck, scalp, and upper lip. Gustatory hyperhidrosis can result from parotid gland damage, among other medical causes.
The Best Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis
Does Botox help hyperhidrosis?
Botox, a neurotoxin composed of botulinum toxin, has been approved by the FDA for the medical treatment of excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin injections are used to disable the sweat glands. Botox acts by blocking the release of acetylcholine and shuts down the sweat glands’ action at the injection site. The effects of Botox injections can last from 4 to 6 months, depending on the area being treated. Botox injections have been shown to reduce sweating by 82-87%, according to sweathelp.org.
Botox injections are the preferred treatment by Dr. Michele Green and are widely recommended by experienced dermatologists and healthcare professionals to treat axillary hyperhidrosis or excessive armpit sweating. The typical dosage of Botox injections to treat hyperhidrosis of the axilla is 50 units per underarm. The exact units of Botox injections may vary, depending on the individual patient’s need. Relief from sweating in the treated area will happen in just a few days after your Botox injections, and there is no recovery time following the procedure. You can return to your regular daily activities immediately following the Botox injections. Botox injections have been proven to be a quick and extremely effective means of treating axillary hyperhidrosis. Dr. Green is also very experienced at utilizing Botox injections to treat palmoplantar hyperhidrosis for patients suffering from excessive sweating of the hands and feet.
Myobloc (Botulinum Toxin type B) for the treatment of Hyperhidrosis
Myobloc is another form of botulinum toxin that is used to treat cervical dystonia and excessive drooling. Myobloc has not yet been clinically approved to treat axillary hyperhidrosis.
What is Brella by Candesant Biomedical?
Brella by Candesant Biomedical is a new innovative, non-invasive treatment option for axillary hyperhidrosis that the FDA cleared in April 2023. Brella is the first and only patented medical device that utilizes targeted alkali thermolysis (TAT) technology to affect the sweat glands, effectively reducing excessive sweating in the underarms. TAT technology is based on the principle that heat energy is generated when sodium and sweat come into contact. When the Brella sodium patch is applied to the underarms, the heat energy has a localized effect on the sweat glands to reduce underarm sweating. This unique hyperhidrosis treatment entails a healthcare provider’s professional application of the patch to the armpit, which is removed after approximately three minutes. The treatment is entirely non-invasive and pain-free, meaning patients can easily resume most of their usual daily activities following the procedure. Each Brella sodium patch is single-use and disposable, with results from each treatment session lasting 3-4 months. When you consult with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan for your hyperhidrosis to reduce underarm sweating and improve your quality of life.
Other treatment options for moderate and severe cases of hyperhidrosis
Nerve-blocking medications
Nerve-blocking medications are oral medications that chemically block the nerve endings in the eccrine system preventing excessive sweating. While these medications work well and effectively treat hyperhidrosis, they are not without side effects. These oral medications can cause side effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision, among other medical issues.
Aluminum chloride
When over-the-counter deodorants do not do the trick to eliminate severe sweating and body odor, patients can turn to prescription antiperspirants. The most common ingredients in prescription deodorants for hyperhidrosis include aluminum chloride and aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Drysol Is a topical antiperspirant that is available as a prescription containing 20 percent aluminum chloride. The aluminum chloride is applied at bedtime on clean, dry skin. This prescription antiperspirant works by intercepting the sweat glands in the eccrine system. It is not recommended that Aluminum chloride be used as a long-term solution as it can cause skin and eye irritation in some individuals. If you experience skin irritation from using aluminum chloride, you should discontinue use and consult Dr. Green. In most instances, a prescription for topical hydrocortisone usually clears up the skin irritation in a few days.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergic drugs are often used in the treatment and management of hyperhidrosis. They are not all FDA-approved for this condition, and many of these medications are used in an “off-label” capacity. The most commonly prescribed Anticholinergics include glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin, benztropine, and propantheline. Anticholinergic medications work systemically in the sweat glands to limit overall sweating. Oral anticholinergic medications are usually prescribed for patients who experience excessive sweating on parts of the body, such as the face and scalp, since topical medications aren’t suitable to treat those areas.
Glycopyrronium tosylate
Glycopyrronium tosylate is a topical anticholinergic treatment, which is FDA-approved, under the brand name Qbrexa. Qbrexa can be used to manage hyperhidrosis in children as young as 9 years old. The cloths come in a pre-moistened, individually wrapped, single-use package, making them readily available for use. Qbrexa is convenient due to its packaging, which makes it easy for teens and adults to carry and use while exercising to minimize excessive sweating. The pre-moistened clothes can be used to treat the underarms and groin area.
Iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis
Iontophoresis treatment entails sitting with your hands and feet in a shallow tray of tap water. As you sit with your hands and feet submerged in the tray of water, a machine delivers low electrical currents which travel through the water. Experts believe that the electric currents block the sweat glands and prevent you from sweating. This treatment needs to be repeated several times to be effective.
Microwave therapy for hyperhidrosis
Microwave therapy is not a widely popular treatment due to its availability and cost. This treatment entails using a device that utilizes the same energy as a microwave to eliminate the sweat glands. This treatment is not without side effects, as it can alter your skin’s sensation. The treatment is delivered in two 30-minute interval treatments, three months apart.
Surgical Sweat Gland Removal
Surgical sweat gland removal is a treatment of last resort when all other therapies have failed. Sweat gland removal is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis. The treatment involves using a suction curettage technique to remove the sweat glands. The use of liposuction has also been used in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a surgical procedure for hyperhidrosis. The procedure involves the surgeon making very small incisions in the skin to clamp off or burn the sympathetic nerve endings. These nerve endings cause sweating, and inhibiting their action prevents excessive sweating. While this procedure is effective, it can cause compensatory sweating in other body areas.
Antidepressants for hyperhidrosis
Benzodiazepines are a group of antidepressants that have also been found useful in treating hyperhidrosis. Benzodiazepines work by controlling anxiety which often results in the manifestation of excessive sweating. These systemic medications work by controlling the central nervous system. By doing so, they mitigate the physical aspects of sweating, often seen during episodes of anxiety.
Beta Blockers for hyperhidrosis
Beta-blockers have also been successful in treating excessive sweating. The mechanism of action of beta blockers is similar to that of antidepressants in that its effects work on the central nervous system. The most common beta blocker used for Hyperhidrosis is propranolol. Propranolol is also commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. For individuals who suffer from anxiety, sweating is a common physical manifestation of anxiety, which is why these drugs work well for excessive sweating.
MiraDry
MiraDry® is an FDA treatment approved to treat hyperhidrosis. Miradry utilizes a handheld device that delivers precise microwave energy to the affected areas of the underarms and destroys the sweat glands. Once the sweat glands are destroyed, they do not regenerate, eliminating excessive sweating. MiraDry reduces excessive sweating in the axillae for many patients after only 2 treatment sessions.
Lifestyle and home remedies to control hyperhidrosis
There are lifestyle changes that one can do to control excessive sweating, such as frequent showers and the use of topical creams and antiperspirants. Over the years, there has been great awareness in treating and managing hyperhidrosis, resulting in greater research and the development of new treatments and technologies. Many newer studies in the Journal of Dermatol over the past ten years describe the genetics and new treatments for hyperhidrosis. The International Hyperhidrosis Society is a single global non-profit society aimed at improving the lives of patients who are suffering from hyperhidrosis.
Many new products are on the market, such as Carpe, a topical product developed to treat excessive sweating. The Carpe line of products includes hand creams, antiperspirants, and foot creams, all developed and researched to treat hyperhidrosis. In addition, to Carpe, there are other products, such as Body Glide, among other topical antiperspirants. Body Glide is an excellent product and works well on other body parts that may experience excessive sweating, such as between the thighs and groin area.
What deodorant is best for hyperhidrosis?
Deodorants were initially created to combat body odor. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, work to decrease sweat production in the applied areas. Deodorants should also contain antiperspirant properties to work effectively against controlling sweat. Active ingredients to look for in antiperspirants include aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum zirconium. These ingredients hinder sweat production by combining with moisture (sweat) to form a gel that sits on top of the skin. This gel obstructs the distal sweat gland ducts and forms a temporary plug that blocks sweat from flowing out of the skin. During the 1960s, many people speculated that aluminum was the cause of Alzheimer’s disease; however, this was disproven through various modern scientific studies. Furthermore, according to the National Cancer Institute, there is no evidence that deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer, even though it is often applied on the underarms near the breasts.
Antiperspirant deodorants come in different forms, like sticks, gel, sprays, and wipes. The best method of application depends on personal preference. Sweat Block Antiperspirant is a wipe containing aluminum chloride 14% that can reduce underarm sweat for up to seven days. Vanicream Antiperspirant Deodorant comes in a more traditional stick deodorant form that contains aluminum zirconium 20% without the common irritants like dyes, parabens, ethanol, and formaldehyde.
Does hyperhidrosis go away on its own?
Hyperhidrosis does not typically go away on its own. If your hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication you are taking, it is necessary to address those issues to treat excessive sweating. It is important that you discuss with an experienced healthcare provider, like Dr. Michele Green, to determine the cause of the condition. After a careful medical review, she can recommend the best course of action for your treatment. Depending on whether an underlying medical condition is causing your hyperhidrosis, you can target the symptoms using one of the many available treatment methods. Dr. Green will recommend, based on your individual situation, what would be the best method of treatment for you.
Is hyperhidrosis dangerous?
In general, hyperhidrosis is harmless and not medically dangerous. Those experiencing hyperhidrosis can resume daily activities, but excessive sweating will most likely disrupt daily activities. Primary hyperhidrosis can also increase the risk of skin infections because excessive sweat breaks down the skin (maceration), which allows bacteria and viruses to enter the skin more easily. Excessive sweating can sometimes be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Seek immediate medical attention if the hyperhidrosis is accompanied by chest pain, lightheadedness, or nausea.
Can hyperhidrosis be cured? How to treat hyperhidrosis
Patients often ask how to stop hyperhidrosis, and the answer varies depending on your type of hyperhidrosis. If you are suffering from primary hyperhidrosis, there is no cure. However, the condition’s symptoms can be treated using the treatments described in the section above. This can include prescription antiperspirants, oral medications, Botox injections, or MiraDry to inhibit the sweat glands. If you suffer from secondary hyperhidrosis, which can result from a medical condition or medication, when you address the underlying medical condition, excessive sweating can be better controlled. When you meet with Dr. Green to discuss your hyperhidrosis, she will determine the best treatment method for your specific case.
Do I have hyperhidrosis?
If you find that you are sweating excessively on any part of your body much of the time, even when not working out or experiencing heat, you don’t need a “Do I Have Hyperhidrosis Quiz” to tell you that you are living with hyperhidrosis. If you are experiencing severe sweating on your hands, feet, underarms, face, or across other parts of your body, there is a safe and effective treatment available to reduce your sweating greatly. When you make an appointment with Dr. Michele Green in New York, she will create a treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Does insurance cover Botox for hyperhidrosis?
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis, and some private health insurance companies will cover Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis. If your insurance company does cover Botox injections for excessive sweating, it will typically be for axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) only after you have tried other treatments like prescribed antiperspirants, topical treatments, or oral medications. It is important to consult with your specific health insurance provider to determine if your individual plan covers Botox injections for hyperhidrosis.
How much is Botox for hyperhidrosis?
The cost of Botox for hyperhidrosis varies depending on the units of Botox used, the expertise of the provider administering the injections, and the geographic location of the office where your treatment is performed. A board-certified expert injector will be more costly than a nurse injector at a MedSpa. Receiving injections by an expert, the board-certified injector has been shown to decrease the risk of possible side effects significantly.
What is hyperhidrosis surgery?
Sympathectomy is the name for the surgical procedure used to treat hyperhidrosis. The procedure entails a surgeon cutting specific nerves to inhibit the signals that cause sweating. The effects of the procedure are permanent and irreversible. A sympathectomy is often recommended for individuals with palmar hyperhidrosis or plantar hyperhidrosis. It is also possible to surgically remove the sweat glands from the underarm area, which is ideal for treating patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. As with any surgical procedure, there is some risk of developing an infection. Patients may develop a condition called compensatory sweating, where other areas of the body sweat more than usual to compensate for the areas affected by the surgical procedure. Other potential side effects include nerve damage, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure. Many patients prefer to have Botox injections, as there is little risk and no downtime involved.
Who treats hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis can be diagnosed and treated by a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist in the Upper East Side of Manhattan with over 25 years of experience providing what has been described as the best Botox injections in NYC, including for hyperhidrosis. In addition to Botox, a dermatologist may recommend prescription antiperspirant deodorants or medications. Primary care physicians, internists, surgeons, and neurologists are different types of doctors that may also treat hyperhidrosis.
How do I get started with treatment for my hyperhidrosis today?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that can significantly impact one’s overall quality of life. If excessive sweating interferes with your daily activities, causes frequent skin infections, affects your self-confidence, or otherwise causes you discomfort, Dr. Green in NYC is here to help. Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients worldwide with the best non-invasive treatment options available, including Botox injections for hyperhidrosis. Offering the most cutting-edge treatments and utilizing innovative techniques, Dr. Green is consistently identified as one of the best physicians in New York City by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that is best suited to your unique skin concerns and goals. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about treating excessive sweating with Botox injections, call the NYC office at 212-535-3088 or contact us online today.