When we think of Botox our mind always goes to plastic surgery, enhancing our facial features, and reducing the signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines. However, botox can have many applications beyond aesthetic advancements.
In a conversation with the Onlymyhealth team, Dr Nilesh G Satbhai, Head Of Department, Plastic, Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery and Transplantation, Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel said, “Botox injections are also useful in several neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, spasticity, brachial plexus paralysis and others.”
She added, “A rare use of botox injection is in reducing excessive sweating of the underarms, palms and soles, called hyperhidrosis.”
How Does Botox Work?
Botox or botulinum toxin A produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum, is an injection often used in cosmetic surgery to alleviate one’s facial features and physical appearance. “This procedure involves injecting Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A in diluted and purified form, which causes weakening or temporary paralysis of the muscles for a short period,” said Dr Satbhai.
He explained, “When Botox is injected into specific muscles with fine needles, it reaches the nerve endings, blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter mainly responsible for muscle contractions. Without acetylcholine, the muscles do not receive enough signals to contract.”
He added that this helps overcome multiple concerns such as wrinkles, neck spasms, migraines, overactive bladder, and excessive sweating.
Using Botox To Treat Excessive Sweating
Defining hyperhidrosis, Dr Satbhai said, “It is a type of condition where an individual experiences abnormal and excessive sweat which might not be related to heat or physical activities like exercise or walking.”
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the commonly affected areas by hyperhidrosis are the armpits, groin, palms and soles. If you also get excessively sweaty in your armpits, you know just how extremely troublesome and embarrassing it can be at times. It can adversely affect the quality of life and can impact personal, social and professional life.
Explaining the procedure through which a professional will indicate using Botox for excessive armpit sweating, Dr Satbhai said:
- The first step is to consult your doctor to let him assess the severity of your condition. This will help you understand if you are eligible or suitable for undergoing Botox for hyperhidrosis.
- If you are suitable for this procedure, then you will be provided with numbing cream to help reduce the discomfort caused during the injection.
- Later, the doctor will inject small amounts of Botox in your armpit using fine needles.
- Multiple injections are often required to cover a wider area which will block the release of acetylcholine responsible for stimulating sweat glands.
- Without acetylcholine, the sweat glands are unable to receive signals to effectively produce sweat.
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Recent Advancements In Treating Armpit Hyperhidrosis
While botox can be beneficial in helping you get rid of excessive sweating in your armpits, Dr Satbhai shared a few drawbacks of it:
- The effect of botox injections is transient and typically wears off in 6 months.
- The result of botox is variable in different individuals.
- Subsequent injections may not produce a similar response.
Beyond Botox, Dr Satbhai shared another upcoming intervention that can help you get rid of excessive sweating in your armpits. “The RecoSMA laser is a unique technology which we have tried in hyperhidrosis and the response has been excellent. We have attempted this therapy in a few patients and the outcomes are promising. This laser therapy has the potential to be a game changer in treating hyperhidrosis.”
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While Botox is primarily associated with cosmetic enhancements, its applications extend far beyond aesthetics. From managing neurological conditions to addressing excessive sweating, Botox has proven to be a versatile tool in medical treatments. Hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating, can significantly impact quality of life. While Botox offers a temporary solution, the emergence of technologies like RecoSMA laser holds promise for more durable and effective treatments. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable approach for individual needs.