Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. Uncontrolled sweating can occur in various parts of the body including the face, hands, feet, or underarms. Although high temperatures or stress can increase perspiration, they do not cause hyperhidrosis. Rather, hyperhidrosis may be an inherited trait that stops the body from properly regulating its temperature. Or it may be a symptom of other conditions such as anxiety disorders, thyroid malfunction, nerve damage, or menopause. It can also occur as a side effect of medication. It is therefore important to get a proper diagnosis by an expert to rule out any underlying cause before starting treatment.

BOTOX is the only prescription medicine approved by Health Canada for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, which means it is deemed safe and effective when used correctly by a specifically trained doctor.

BOTOX is a purified natural protein obtained from the bacterium clostridium botulinum. It is cultivated through modern methods, not unlike many common antibiotics, such as penicillin, which is obtained from micro-organisms.

BOTOX works by blocking the chemical signal from the nerve to the target tissue, which in the case of hyperhidrosis is the sweat gland. As the sweat gland is no longer stimulated by the overactive nerve, the sweating stops. Since the drug only works in the area where it is injected, sweat glands in other parts of the body function normally. There is no risk of getting overheated.

BOTOX is highly effective. In a clinical study that involved 240 patients with excessive underarm sweating, 95% of patients responded to the treatment, with an average reduction in sweating of 83% in 1 week. The effect is also long-lasting. On average, each treatment will effectively reduce sweating for 7 months.

BOTOX is very safe. For the treatment of excessive underarm sweating, the only drug-related side effect is a perceived increase in sweating in other parts of the body, which happens in only 4.5% of patients. BOTOX has been used for many years to treat other diseases. It is approved by Health Canada to treat muscle spasms affecting the eyes, neck (cervical dystonia) and limbs (spasticity from a stroke). BOTOX is also used to relieve muscle spasms in children as young as 2 with cerebral palsy. The long-term safety of the drug is well proven.

The procedure is very simple- a small volume of the drug is injected intradermally to the affected area with a very fine needle. That means the needle is placed just under the skin, and the discomfort is therefore quite minimal. Most patients report that it is very tolerable. You can also opt for some local anaesthetic cream if you are really concerned about needles.

BOTOX treatment for excessive sweating is often covered by private health plans. For patients who are not insured, the cost of a typical treatment is around $500. Some patients may need a higher dose and the cost may increase accordingly.

You should notice a significant reduction of sweating from the treated areas within a week of your treatment. There is a possibility that some sweat glands may be missed and that you may continue to experience some sweating from the untreated areas, If you do not get significant relief, you should contact the doctor who performed the treatment and ask for a follow-up consultation or possibly a “touch-up” treatment. Your excessive sweating will slowly return over a number of months. Each person is different, but on average, patients require another treatment in about 7 months. When you feel it is time for another treatment, simply call the doctor for an appointment.

The effects of BOTOX wear off over a period of several months. If you decide not to have any further treatment, there will be no lasting change in the treated areas. Sweating will gradually return to its original level.

You can expect to see results within days after your treatment. The appearance of wrinkles and lines may continue to diminish for up to one week.

You should not have BOTOX treatment if you have conditions requiring special care:
• You are allergic to BOTOX or anything in the preparation
• You suffer from neuromuscular disease
• You have an infection at the intended site of injection
You should take special care if:
• You are taking antibiotics which may interfere with neuromuscular transmission
Make sure you tell your doctor if you are taking any medications. Your doctor should also know if you are pregnant, are planning to be pregnant soon, or are currently nursing a baby.

During consultation Dr. Arora will assess each patient and recommend a personalized treatment option including the cost of treatments.