Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a highly treatable disorder that involves the over-activity of sweat glands under the arms (axillae), palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. An estimated 2.8% of Americans, or 8,400,000 people, have hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is caused by glands that become overactive when the surrounding muscles and tendon sheaths spasm. Physicians use neuromodulator injections to reduce this spasticity because the medicine relaxes muscles under the axillae, limiting the sweat gland activity by almost 70%. The procedure takes only a few minutes and patients generally do not complain of significant discomfort. Results occur within 5-10 days and will last up to 12 months after treatment.

The reason that neuromodulators last longer in this particular area is that they are administered in larger doses than for typical cosmetic treatments.  In the axillae (underarm) area the medicine is introduced in small muscle and tendon sheaths.  Because these muscles are not used as often as muscles within the face, the benefits of the treatment are extended well beyond that of other aesthetic treatments.  Other areas such as the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands require greater dosages of medicine and the efficacy duration is less.

If you feel that you suffer from excessive underarm sweating please feel free to contact us for a consultation to review your options.  Other therapies include higher percentage topical formulations of aluminum chloride and specific anti-cholinergic therapies.