What Is Botox for Sweating?
Sweating is necessary to regulate body temperature. In some people, however, the sweat glands work far more than needed even without heat or exertion. This condition is called hyperhidrosis. It is most common in the underarms, palms, soles of the feet and face, and it can noticeably affect daily life, from choosing clothes and shaking hands to using paper and keyboards and social relationships.
Botox for sweating involves applying very small doses of botulinum toxin very superficially into the skin of the area that sweats excessively. The nerve signal that drives the sweat glands is temporarily reduced and sweating becomes noticeably lighter. The sweat glands are not damaged; as the effect fades, they start working again. Because the treated area is small, the body’s overall temperature balance is maintained.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- People who have problems with stains and wetness on their clothes because of underarm sweating
- Those who have difficulty writing, shaking hands or using devices because of sweaty hands
- Those who have slipping, odor or skin problems related to foot sweating
- Those who do not get enough benefit from antiperspirant products
- Those with excessive sweating of the face or scalp (depending on the doctor’s assessment)
Excessive sweating can sometimes be a sign of an underlying cause such as thyroid disease, diabetes, menopause, certain medications or infections. Especially when it begins newly in adulthood, affects the whole body or occurs as night sweats, these causes need to be investigated first.
How Is the Treatment Performed?
- When the sweating started, which areas it affects and how it influences daily life are discussed; tests are requested if considered necessary.
- The treatment area can be mapped with a simple staining test using iodine and starch; the sweating area darkens and becomes clearly visible.
- Numbing cream and cold application are used for comfort. For sensitive areas such as the hands and feet, additional comfort methods are considered.
- Superficial injections are given at many closely spaced points in the marked area.
- A follow-up visit takes place after about two weeks; any small areas that continue to sweat are assessed.
What Should You Keep in Mind Afterward?
- Avoid heavy exercise, saunas, steam baths and very hot environments on the day of treatment.
- Do not massage or rub the area.
- After underarm treatment, it is recommended not to use deodorant on the first day.
- Postpone procedures such as waxing or hair removal for a few days.
- Wait two weeks for the reduction in sweating to become noticeable; do not judge the result before then.
Possible Side Effects and Who Should Not Have It
Tenderness, mild redness and small bruises may occur at the injection points. After palm treatment, a slight decrease in grip strength or some difficulty with fine hand skills may be felt for a few weeks; this effect is temporary. After foot treatment, there may be tenderness when walking in the first days.
Treatment is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if there is an active infection or wound in the area, in neuromuscular conditions, or in the case of an allergy to botulinum toxin. You must tell your doctor about the medications you use.
Dr. Fulya Koç’s Approach
Dr. Fulya Koç sees excessive sweating not only as a problem of one area, but as part of the body as a whole. For this reason, whether there is an underlying cause is carefully assessed before treatment. Sometimes the right antiperspirant product or a lifestyle adjustment may be enough as a first step.
When Botox is considered necessary, the goal is not to eliminate sweating completely, but to bring it down to a level that makes daily life easier. At the first consultation at her Ataşehir clinic, the priority area, how comfortable the procedure will be for you and your expectations are discussed openly. The timing of repeat treatment is also decided together, based on when the effect fades and on your needs.
Fulya Koç
Frequently asked questions
In the underarms the effect usually lasts 6–12 months. On the palms and soles the duration is generally shorter. It varies from person to person and with the dose used.
The treatment temporarily affects the sweat glands in only a limited area. Because the sweat glands over most of the body keep working, temperature balance is maintained.
The palm is a sensitive area, so comfort measures are especially important. Numbing cream, cold application and, if needed, additional methods help the procedure go more comfortably. The discomfort felt varies from person to person.
Sweat odor occurs when sweat interacts with bacteria on the skin. When sweating decreases, odor may also lessen in some people; however, Botox is not a direct treatment for odor.
The information on this page is general. Whether the treatment suits you, its possible risks and the results you can expect are assessed individually at your consultation. Results vary from person to person. Image is illustrative.
