Hyperhidrosis (Sweating Treatment) in Toronto, ON
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is an embarrassing condition for many people which can easily ruin one's social and professional life. The most common areas affected are the hands, feet, face and underarms.
BOTOX has become a breakthrough treatment for these patients. Success was rated at an impressive 83% in 95% of participants in reducing sweating in a clinical study. It typically lasts six months.
Since the treatment of the armpits is virtually painless, it can be easily treated without anesthesia. For treatment of the hands, I will often refer patients to a Thoracic Surgeon for consideration of sympathetic clipping which is a permanent and effective procedure for the hands.
The Hyperhidrosis BOTOX Procedure
Using a very fine needle (the smallest that is currently produced), BOTOX® is injected just below the skin into the hair bearing armpit. Receiving the injections requires no anesthetic and is virtually painless. It requires 10-15 injections per armpit. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last four to six months.
Surgical Hyperhidrosis Procedure
In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the sweat glands themselves. This procedure is usually considered a last resort to be used only after conservative methods have failed. It requires a general anesthetic and patients go home the same day as the surgery. A drain is left in each armpit for 2-3 days. And a transverse scar is required in each armpit at the top of the dome of the axilla. It is a highly successful procedure, although there are potential wound healing complications that are possible given the location and the nature of the skin in this region.