Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Expect mild discomfort and stinging which can be reduced by local anaesthetic numbing cream, ice, local anaesthetic nerve blocks or vibration analgesia.

Expect to see a reduction in sweating in the treated area within 4 weeks of the first treatment. Success of the treatment is assessed at a follow-up appointment 2 weeks after the procedure where a small further treatment can be performed if necessary but is generally not required.

Results have been proved to be highly affective in sweat reduction for approximately 7 - 16 months depending on individual results and severity.

Botulinum toxin A has been used worldwide since 1989 for a variety of conditions including cerebral palsy in children and movement disorders (face, head, neck and shoulders).

All medications carry a risk of side effects, but generally any side effects of this treatment are mild and temporary.

The most common side effects of this treatment are:

• Perceived increased sweating in other areas of the body
• Hot flushes
• Transient arm weakness (low risk)
• Mild transient headache in 10% of recipients
• Mild bruising and swelling
• Mild risk of infection due to skin puncture from injections
• Asymmetrical results as sometimes there is asymmetrical sweating prior to treatment

Primary Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes abnormally excessive sweating unrelated to heat, exercise or an underlying medical condition. It can affect the face, underarms, hand sand feet causing the sufferer social anxiety, embarrassment and occupational difficulties.

The condition affects approximately 1% to 3% of the population and usually starts in childhood or adolescents.

Although Diabetes, Menopause, Thyroid Dysfunction, Low Blood Sugar, some Cancers, Heart problems, Infections and Nervous System problems can sometimes causes excessive sweating, most cases occur in individuals who are otherwise healthy. Heat and emotions can trigger excessive sweating in some, some unlucky individuals suffer constantly regardless of mood or weather.

• Over-the -counter antiperspirants containing low dose metal salt (usually aluminium) or aluminium chloride.
• Prescription strength antiperspirants containing chloride hexahydrate.
• Oral anticholinergic medications
• Iontophoresis- a device which passes ionized tap water through the skin using direct electricity.
• miraDry- a microwave device to destroy sweat glands
• Surgery- A procedure called a Thoracic sympathectomy which is usually a last resort measure.

Although higher temperatures and stressful situations can increase perspiration, they don't cause hyperhidrosis. The condition is believed to be hereditary. If you struggle to control your daily sweating, experience clothing type and colour restrictions to accomodate your sweating, are self conscious/embarrassed or are avoiding sporting and social situations then you may be a suitable candidate for this treatment.

The procedure only takes around 15 minutes.