A common treatment for hyperhidrosis involves temporarily blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands, thereby reducing sweat production. This is often achieved through Botox injections.
The effects typically last for around 4-7 months, depending on the area treated. However, the effects tend to be shorter-lived on the palms compared to the armpits.
The timing of subsequent procedures can vary depending on individual circumstances, and it is common to adjust the schedule based on the doctor's assessment.
➊What is hyperhidrosis treatment?
A common treatment for hyperhidrosis involves temporarily blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands, thereby reducing excessive sweating. Botulinum toxin injections are a popular method for this purpose.
Many people seek treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) after repeatedly experiencing situations in their daily lives where their hands become slippery due to sweat, or the underarm area of their clothing becomes easily soaked.
Hyperhidrosis is often viewed as a condition where excessive nerve stimulation of sweat glands occurs, rather than solely due to heat or stress. Botox is known to work by reducing this nerve stimulation signal.
However, the procedure does not eliminate the sweat glands themselves, so its effects are not permanent and gradually diminish over time.
This is a crucial point that must be understood and addressed before making a decision about the procedure.
➋How does Botox for sweaty palms differ from Botox for underarm sweating?
While Botox injections for underarm sweat and Botox injections for hand sweat share the same overall goal, the approach differs depending on the specific area being treated.
The palm contains a high concentration of nerves and muscles, which can make injections feel more painful. Additionally, some patients may experience temporary weakness in their hand after the procedure.
By contrast, underarm treatment covers a relatively broad area but tends to involve less pain.
| Category | Hand sweat Botox | Underarm sweat treatment with Botox |
|---|---|---|
| Severity of pain | Relatively strong | Relatively weak |
| Duration of effect | Tends to be somewhat shorter | Tends to be somewhat longer |
| Returning to normal life | Be cautious about hand strength for a few days | Usually possible immediately |
Because of these differences, even individuals with the same type of excessive sweating may require different treatment approaches depending on the affected area.
“With Botox for hyperhidrosis, pain and the duration of effects differ by treatment area.”
➌Which part should I consider first?
Since the areas affected by excessive sweating vary from person to person, the decision of which area to address first is often based on the area that causes the most discomfort in daily life.
For example, if you experience significant discomfort in situations where you frequently use your hands, such as writing or shaking hands, you might consider hand sweat injections. Conversely, if you are more concerned about issues like clothing or body odor, you might initially consider armpit sweat injections.
While it's possible to consider both areas simultaneously, in practice, adjusting the dosage and order of treatment is typically done through consultation with the doctor.
When considering your lifestyle and the degree of inconvenience, the choice becomes much clearer.
- ✓ Botox for sweaty palms: focus on daily activities involving frequent hand use
- ✓ Armpit Sweat Botox: Focus on Outfit and Odor Concerns
- ✓ Both: Adjust the order based on your lifestyle.
➍What is the duration of the effects, and how does recovery occur?
The effectiveness of treatments for excessive sweating is typically maintained for 4 to 7 months, although the duration may vary depending on the affected area and the individual's sweat gland activity.
| Category | Palm | Armpit |
|---|---|---|
| Timeframe for noticing the effects | Gradually noticeable from a few days to 1–2 weeks after treatment | |
| Returning to normal life | Use your hands cautiously for a few days | Usually possible immediately after treatment |
➎What are the potential side effects and precautions?
Although Botox injections for hyperhidrosis are generally considered a safe procedure, some side effects may occur, such as swelling, bruising, or temporary pain at the injection site.
After treatment of the palms in particular, hand strength may temporarily decrease or gripping objects may feel different, so caution is needed for a few days.
Occasionally, there may be a temporary feeling of unnaturalness around the injection site, which usually resolves on its own over time.
If you are currently taking any medications or have any known allergies, it is essential to inform your doctor before the procedure.
➏Who is hyperhidrosis treatment suitable for?
I often provide consultations to patients who experience recurring discomfort due to sweating and for whom other methods have not been effective.
If sweaty palms or underarms make meeting people itself feel burdensome, many people experience a practical improvement with this treatment.
Conversely, if excessive sweating is only temporary and occurs during specific seasons or situations, or if secondary hyperhidrosis due to another condition is suspected, it is important to first investigate the underlying cause before considering Botox.
Before determining the appropriate treatment, I want to emphasize this distinction to you. I carefully consider both the characteristics of your sweat and your lifestyle patterns to make the best decision for you (individual results may vary).
"It is more important to first determine the nature of the sweat before performing any treatment, rather than proceeding with treatment without understanding the underlying cause."
QFrequently asked questions
It is primarily applied to areas with high sweat production, such as the palms, soles of the feet, and armpits.
Due to the different injection methods and volumes required for each body part, it is necessary to confirm the appropriate application range through consultation with a healthcare professional.
Generally, it is known that the underarm area tends to have a slightly longer-lasting effect compared to the palm.
However, there may be variations depending on the individual's sweat gland activity.
Most patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately after the procedure.
However, when undergoing hand-based treatments, you may experience a temporary decrease in hand strength, so it's important to take precautions for a few days.
The time when the effects begin to diminish varies from person to person, but most people consider a repeat procedure between 4 and 7 months.
The timing of repeat treatment is usually adjusted during consultation while monitoring the pattern of sweating.
First, the doctor will assess the level of sweating and the affected areas. Based on this assessment, they will determine the optimal injection site and dosage before performing the procedure.
The principle is to assess your condition through consultation and proceed with a suitable approach (individual results vary).
Treatment for hyperhidrosis is not about completely eliminating sweating, but rather about temporarily suppressing excessive sweating signals.
Treatment for hyperhidrosis involves temporarily blocking nerve signals to reduce sweating in the hands and underarms. The duration of effectiveness and the suitability of the treatment can vary depending on the individual's condition.
If you've been struggling with excessive sweating, especially from your hands or armpits, I recommend getting an accurate diagnosis first.
If you would like to schedule a consultation at LUNN Clinic, located in Cheongdam, please use the link below.
Dr. Park Hyungkwon, Director and Dermatologist at LUNN Clinic
This procedure is a medical intervention, and may result in pain, swelling, bruising, and temporary muscle weakness depending on the area treated.
Treatment and procedure results may vary depending on the individual’s condition.
This column is intended to provide medical information.
