Sweating is a natural process that helps the body maintain optimal temperature. However, some people suffer from hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating – a relatively common but unpleasant condition that can cause social anxiety. It can affect the whole body or just specific areas, most commonly the armpits, hands, feet, and the face.
The first line of treatment includes prescription antiperspirants and oral medications. If that doesn’t help, patients can try Botox. Widely popular as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, Botox is less known for its use in medicine.
This article explains how the procedure for Botox in the armpits works, how to prepare for the treatment, and what results to expect.
How Does Botox in the Armpits Work?
Botox is an injection containing a small amount of the Botulinum toxin. When injected into the armpits to reduce underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis), it temporarily inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which signals the sweat glands to produce sweat. Receiving no signal, the area stays dry. The results are temporary, usually lasting for 6-7 months, but regular sessions can extend them.
What Are the Benefits of Botox in the Armpits?
Botox in the armpits offers several benefits:
1. Reduced Underarm Sweating
Botox minimizes or completely stops perspiration in the underarm area. The treatment significantly improves the quality of life for patients whose daily activities are disrupted by constant sweating.
2. Safe and Effective Results
FDA-approved and used for decades, Botox is a safe solution for excessive underarm sweating. Studies show the treatment decreases sweating in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis by up to 87%.
3. Non-Surgical, No-Downtime Treatment
As a non-surgical procedure, Botox doesn’t carry the risk of more severe side effects, such as a reaction to anesthesia, nerve damage, and a long recovery. It requires no downtime. Patients who get Botox in the armpits can go back to work or continue with other daily activities right after the treatment.
4. Relatively Painless
Botox in the armpits is a relatively painless procedure compared to Botox in the palms of the hands and especially the feet. In most cases, medical providers use numbing agents to ensure no pain during treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Armpit Botox?
Medical providers recommend Botox to individuals who meet the following requirements:
- 18 years of age or older.
- Suffer from excessive sweating in the armpits.
- Have tried other methods of fighting hyperhidrosis without success, including sweat-proof clothing and prescription antiperspirants.
How to Prepare for Botox in the Armpits?
Preparing for Botox for axillary hyperhidrosis requires making a few changes in one’s lifestyle and medication use. Providers have specific requests that are meant to prevent bruising and other complications.
What to Do Before Armpit Botox?
These are general best “to-do” practices before treatment:
- Drink plenty of water for several days.
- Trim your underarm hair the day before the treatment.
- Maintain adequate hygiene in the target area.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes to the session.
What Not to Do Before Armpit Botox?
Botox providers usually ask patients to avoid the following activities before the treatment:
- Alcohol consumption for one week.
- Shaving for one to two days before the appointment.
- Exposure to the sun and tanning beds for several weeks.
- Body lotions with harsh skincare products like retinol, chemical acids, and vitamin C for several days.
- Medications that increase the risk of bruising, such as blood thinners, muscle relaxants, and allergy medications.
Make sure to inform your injector about any medication, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. They should also know if you received Botox or another Botulinum toxin product in the past several months. This information will help minimize the risk of adverse effects.
Note: Find out more tips and tricks on how to prepare for Botox to ensure optimal results.
What to Expect During Botox in the Armpits?
The medical provider first assesses the area and marks where they will inject Botox. They typically use a topical anesthetic, such as a numbing cream. Then, they clean the area and apply the injection with a tiny needle.
The entire process takes about half an hour.
How Painful Is Underarm Botox?
Botox for underarm sweating is well tolerated because of the topical anesthetic. Patients may feel slight discomfort or a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin, but no pain.
The Results of Botox in the Armpit
In most cases, Botox temporarily resolves the problem of excessive sweating in the armpits. The area remains dry for months.
How Soon Will Armpit Botox Work?
Patients usually see an improvement in their condition within several days, and full results appear after two weeks. Around that time, the patient should return to the clinic for a follow-up appointment, where the injector can perform any “touch-ups” of missed spots.
How Long Does Botox Last in Your Armpits?
The dryness usually lasts six to twelve months, and then it is time for another treatment. Patients who continue with the treatments may go longer between sessions over time. Note, however, that exercise and stress accelerate the body’s metabolic response to Botox, breaking it down faster.
Botox in the Armpits Aftercare
Medical providers advise patients to follow these Botox aftercare tips to maximize the results:
- Refrain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid saunas and hot tanning beds.
- Avoid deodorants and products with perfume for 24 hours.
- Don’t drink alcohol for 24-48 hours.
- Avoid laser and other more aggressive hair removal methods for several weeks.
Can I Take a Shower After Underarm Botox?
Botox providers instruct patients not to bathe or shower for several hours. Rubbing, massaging, and applying pressure on the treatment area can cause the Botox to spread and reduce its effectiveness. It is generally safe to shower after six hours using lukewarm water and making gentle movements.
Underarm Botox Side Effects
Botox for axillary hyperhidrosis is FDA approved, but like any drug, it can cause side effects. They are rare, usually minimal, and patients handle them well.
The most common adverse effects are pain and/or bruising at the injection site. They can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
More severe side effects from Botox include:
- Problems swallowing
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle tiredness or weakness
- Vision problems
- Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, and dizziness
- Loss of bladder control
- Headaches
- Neck pain
Contact your medical provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Should Anyone Avoid Botox in the Armpits?
Botox for sweating is safe for most healthy adults. However, the treatment is not suitable for people with the following conditions:
- Pregnancy or nursing
- Neuromuscular disorder such as ALS
- Allergies to any of the Botox ingredients
- Skin infection at the site of the injection
- Bleeding disorders
Botox in the Armpits FAQ
The following section provides more in-depth information about the procedure, helping you determine if it is suitable for your medical concern.
Is Armpit Botox FDA Approved?
The FDA approved Botox for sweating in the armpits in 2004 and, as of now, it is the only approved area for this procedure. Though doctors perform off-label treatments in other areas with excessive sweating (e.g., palms, feet, forehead), most studies on safety and effectiveness have been conducted on Botox in the armpits.
Where Does the Sweat Go if You Botox Your Armpits?
When patients receive Botox for sweating, the neurotoxin prevents the nerve signals from reaching the glands and signaling them to secrete sweat. Depending on the patient and their unique condition, the body produces less sweat or none at all. Temperature regulation continues through sweat glands in other (untreated) areas.
Do You Still Need Deodorant After Underarm Botox?
While Botox dramatically decreases sweating, the odor will probably stay. The armpits contain apocrine sweat glands that contribute to body odor. They will be mostly dry, but you may still have to use a deodorant. The smell lingers even with minimal or no sweat, as it is bacterial or chemical in origin.
How Much Does Botox in Armpits Cost?
At Vibrant Skin Bar, one unit of Botox costs $14. People usually require about 100 units for both armpits, so the cost of the treatment amounts to $1,400. Results typically last 6-12 months.
The benefit of having the injections in a clinic such as Vibrant Skin Bar is that your injectors are certified medical professionals with vast experience who use the right amount of product, thus minimizing potential risks and side effects.
Will Insurance Pay for Underarm Botox?
Medical insurance companies can cover the cost of underarm sweating if they determine it is a medical necessity. Patients typically need to prove they tried first-line treatments like prescription medications and that the treatment failed.
Insurance companies provide different coverages. Check with your insurance provider whether your specific policy includes Botox for excessive sweating.
Conclusion
For people who suffer from excessive sweating, Botox in the armpits can be a game-changer. Repeated treatments are safe and effective and often result in a significant decrease in symptoms and an improved quality of life.
