Underarm botulinum toxin: how the procedure is carried out
A step-by-step look at treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis: the mapping test, the injection itself, when the effect begins, aftercare and who it is not suitable for.
In hot regions such as Antalya, excessive sweating of the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis) is a common problem that can affect social life and everyday comfort. Where deodorants and antiperspirant creams fall short, where clothing is marked and the situation becomes psychologically difficult, botulinum toxin is one of the medical methods most often chosen.
How it acts
Sweat glands are stimulated by the nervous system, and in excessive sweating they work harder than usual. Botulinum toxin temporarily halts the transmission of those nerve signals — the release of acetylcholine — and reduces sweat production in the targeted area. The body's overall heat balance is not disturbed; only the excessive sweating in the treated area is brought under control.
How the procedure goes
It is a comfortable procedure, carried out in a clinic setting and over a short time.
- The mapping test. Beforehand, a staining test known as the starch-iodine test may be applied to the underarm to identify precisely where sweating is heaviest. This maps out where the treatment will be delivered.
- The injection. After the area is cleaned, a local anaesthetic cream may be used for comfort. Very fine needles then deliver small doses just beneath the skin (into the intradermal layer) at the points identified.
- Each underarm generally receives treatment at 20 to 30 points, and the whole process is completed in about 15-20 minutes.
When the effect starts, and how long it lasts
A reduction in sweating begins to be noticed within a few days of the procedure — usually 2 to 7 days. How long it lasts varies from person to person, but on average an effect of 4 to 8 months is expected. When it begins to fade, the procedure can be repeated if wished.
Aftercare
Patients return to daily life immediately afterwards. For healing to go well, the following are advised:
- avoid contact with water in the treated area for the first 24 hours
- do not massage the area, and avoid vigorous scrubbing
- avoid public baths, saunas, hot baths and heavy exercise that causes heavy sweating for the first few days
Who it is not suitable for
Underarm botulinum toxin is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, where there is an active skin infection in the treatment area, or in certain muscle and nervous system conditions. Whether the treatment suits you is determined by an assessment beforehand.
Results of any surgical or interventional procedure can vary from person to person.
See also botulinum toxin.