Underarm Botox
Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD
Excessive underarm sweating, known as axillary hyperhidrosis, can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition for many people. Patients often complain to us that it disrupts their daily life. Our patients love underarm Botox as an effective solution for axillary hyperhidrosis. Botox is FDA approved for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, making it a safe and reliable option for reducing sweat production in the underarms. Botox works by blocking the chemical signals that stimulate sweat glands, providing long-lasting relief from excessive sweating. Whether you’re struggling with visible sweat stains, odor, or the discomfort of constantly damp skin, Botox on underarms can help you regain confidence and enjoy a more comfortable, sweat-free life.
We also offer Botox for sweating in other areas of the body such as the hands, groin, and feet, as well as, of course, Botox treatments for cosmetic purposes.
Effects of Botox on Underarms
Botox is a very effective and proven treatment for excessive underarm sweating. Clinical studies have shown that Botox injections can lead to an 82% to 87% reduction in underarm sweating. Patients typically begin to notice results within 1 week, with the full effect evident within two weeks. The benefits of the treatment generally last for approximately four to six months, after which repeat injections may be necessary to maintain results.
Alternatives to Botox for Underarm Sweating
While Botox is a popular and effective option, there are other treatments that are available for managing excessive underarm sweating, including:
- Topical Antiperspirants: Over-the-counter antiperspirants, including "prescription strength" preparations, containing aluminum chloride can be applied directly to the underarms to reduce sweating. Products that contain higher concentrations of aluminum can cause skin irritation for some people.
- Oral Medications: Anticholinergic drugs, such as glycopyrrolate, can decrease sweat production by blocking nerve signals to sweat glands. However, they may have side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinea retention.
- Iontophoresis: This older treatment involves using a device that passes a mild electrical current through water and into the skin's surface, temporarily shutting down sweat glands. It's more commonly used for sweating of the hands and feet but can be adapted for underarm use.
- Microwave Therapy (miraDry): This procedure uses microwave energy to destroy sweat glands permanently. It requires local anesthesia and may cause temporary swelling or discomfort.
- Surgical Options: Procedures such as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) involve cutting nerves that trigger sweat glands. Surgery is generally considered only when other treatments have failed due to potential risks and complications.
- Qbrexza: A Topical Prescription Option Qbrexza (glycopyrronium) is an FDA-approved topical anticholinergic medication specifically designed to treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis. It is a medicated cloth that is applied once daily to clean, dry underarm skin. Common side effects may include dry mouth, blurred vision, and skin irritation at the application site.
Underarm Botox at Our Clinic
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we always prioritize safety, efficacy, and comfort with every procedures. When it comes to underarm Botox, we take steps to ensure that your treatment is as quick and comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect during your Botox treatment for underarm sweating:
Step 1: Consultation and Preparation
Before your procedure, we’ll have a thorough consultation to discuss your goals, answer any questions, and confirm that Botox is the right treatment for your excessive underarm sweating. Once the treatment plan is confirmed, we begin by cleansing the area to ensure a safe and hygienic procedure.
Step 2: Numbing the Area
We then apply a prescription strength numbing cream to the underarms.
Step 3: Further Comfort-Enhancing Devices
During the injections, we use special skin cooling devices and vibrating tools to trick your nerve endings to not feeling the injections. This combined with the prescription numbing cream really makes the procedure very comfortable.
Step 4: Precision Injections with the Smallest Needles
In addition to all of the above, we also use the smallest needle size available to administer the Botox. The needles are so thin that patients do not even really bleed from the injection points. This is just one of the many extra steps we take to make sure that Botox doesn't hurt too much. The entire injection process takes only a few minutes per underarm.
Step 5: Post-Treatment Care
After your treatment, you can resume most daily activities immediately. We just ask that you do not exercise, use the steam room or sauna, or do any other activities that increase sweating above your baseline, for the rest of the day. We will always review Botox aftercare with you during your appointment.
There are many uses of for Botox at The Dermatology and Laser Group. Controlling underarm sweating with Botox injections is one of the most popular uses of the medication, and yet another example of a Botox treatment we have great expertise in.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
By Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | | Categories: Surgical Dermatology