Excessive sweating is a source of great discomfort and embarrassment for many Australians. With as many as one in 34 people* suffering from extreme sweating, or hyperhidrosis, many patients are now considering a medical solution using botulinum toxin, says the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA).
Dr Susan Austin, spokesperson for the CPSA says: “Sweating is the body’s way of regulating its temperature and for most people it’s manageable. For others, extreme sweating in a localised area, such as the palms or forehead, or all over, can be a constant concern and affects how some people lead their lives: “We are seeing an increase in the number of people opting for sweat reducing treatments, and in particular treatment with botulinum toxin, which is most often used for anti-wrinkle treatments and commonly known by its brand names Botox or Dysport,” Dr Austin said.
However, treatments for sweating are not just reserved for those suffering from hyperhidrosis. The CPSA has seen a trend in patients seeking this treatment for special occasions such as weddings and birthday parties: “I have had a number of grooms come in before their big day because they want to avoid sweating and
feeling self-conscious on their wedding day. A quick treatment can help them feel more comfortable and focused on their big day rather than worrying about their underarms.
“Celebrities who are in the public eye and constantly photographed are also having injections in high-sweat places such as their arm pits to avoid any embarrassing shots being taken of them with marks on their clothing,” Dr Austin said.
Administered via injection into the armpit, botulinum toxin works by relaxing the muscles in the treated area and blocking the nerves that stimulate sweating. Usually, an area of 10cm by 10cm is treated for maximum effect.
The effects of botulinum toxin reduce over time and most treatments tend to last for four to six months initially, though some patients report effectiveness for up to nine months. Maintenance injections may then continue working for up to 12 months as the body becomes used to the procedure.
The cost of treatment will vary between patients and also depends on the areas to be treated but will generally be based on the amount of botulinum toxin units required. On average, a single treatment for one area will cost between $1,200 and $1,500, depending on the individual doctors’ pricing.
“What many people don’t realise is just how much hyperhidrosis can affect a person’s day-to-day life. Excessive sweating can give the impression of nervousness and simple things like meeting someone and shaking hands can cause stress and embarrassment. It can also affect patients at work if they operate machinery or use their hands for manual labour. In these cases, regular injections of botulinum toxin to
localised areas can have a life-changing impact,” Dr Austin said.
Side effects of this treatment are rare but may include temporary numbness or weakness of muscles in the area of injection. As such, intending patients should consult a cosmetic physician when considering this procedure.
Visit www.cosmeticphysicians.org.au to find out more.
*International Hyperhidrosis Society 2012 website http://www.sweathelp.org/en/