Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a common disorder and can range from moderate moisture to severe, typically occurring under the face, arms, on the palms and soles of the feet. This can result in large wet stains on clothing, damp and smelly feet, or clammy and wet hands that can be both inconvenient and embarrassing.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis; primary and secondary. Secondary hyperhidrosis is usually related to certain medications, anxiety, infection, low blood sugar levels or pregnancy.
Primary hyperhidrosis occurs without a specific cause which can make it more difficult to treat, although there are treatments that can make a significant difference to the problem.
Hyperhidrosis can affect specific areas or the whole of the body. Common problem areas include the soles of the feet, the underarms, palms of the hands and the scalp. Some individuals are affected by hyperhidrosis in the groin or chest region.
Hyperhidrosis can have a severe impact on quality of life. It can influence the affected individuals social, psychological, and physical functioning. Social contact may be avoided due to embarrassment and shame, certain physical task my become difficult to perform i.e. trying to grip certain tools or the steering wheel when driving. In some instances, their can, be a loss of self-esteem due to others perceiving the affected individual as unhygienic.
At Richmond Cosmetic Clinic, we offer Botox® for excessive sweating not controlled by conventional measures. Botox® is a safe and effective treatment that can be injected directly into areas affected by the excessive sweating. The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes to perform. Clinical research has demonstrated that Botox® can achieve an 85% reduction in sweating and a difference can be experienced with two to four days following treatment and full affect within two weeks. The results of treatment can last approximately six months before repeat injections are required.
Possible side effects include bruising and when injected for palmar hyperhidrosis, there can be slight weakness of hand muscles but this complication is rare.
The procedure is performed by Dr Baba, a highly trained and experienced aesthetic doctor who is also a senior trainer for this procedure at London Aesthetic Academy (www.londonaestheticacademy.co.uk)