frequently asked questions
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WHAT IS BOTULINUM TOXIN?
Botulinum toxin A (Botox^®) is a chemical produced by the Clostridium bacteria. Botox^® is a protein derivative of the toxin, which when injected into a muscle causes it to become weakened or inactivated. It stops the muscle from functioning by blocking neuromuscular transmission i.e. stops the chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle. Likewise, when injected into the skin, it blocks the action of the nerves that supply the eccrine glands thus preventing them from producing sweat.

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HOW DOES IT WORK?
Small quantities of Botox^® are injected into the skin of the affected area. This blocks the action of the nerves that supply the eccrine glands and stops them producing sweat.

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HOW QUICKLY DOES IT WORK?
On average, you will notice a reduction in sweating 3 to 7 days following treatment.

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HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Although the nerve endings are blocked, new nerve endings will begin to grow to replace them, normally after 6 to 12 weeks. Most people notice a slow return to sweating approximately 6-7 months following treatment when it can then be repeated.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF I STOP TREATMENT?
The effects will normally wear off after a period of 6-7 months. If you decide to stop treatment there will be no lasting change in the areas treated. Sweating will gradually return to the level it was prior to treatment.

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WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TREATMENT?
Using a very fine needle, a tiny amount of Botox^® is injected into the skin of the affected site in about 10 to 15 areas spaced approximately 1cm apart. Sometimes an iodine and starch test is used to locate the area where sweating is greatest. Treatment causes only mild discomfort and normally takes about 30 minutes.

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WHO WILL CARRY OUT MY TREATMENT?
Your treatment will be performed by a highly trained medical practitioner who has undergone specialist training in this field.

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ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
In clinical trials a small number of patients experienced increased sweating in other parts of the body. Although the injection is given into the skin it is possible that a small amount may spread into the nerves supplying the muscles. In clinical trials about 0.7% of patients reported a slight weakness in the arm when the armpit was treated. This did not last and got better without intervention.

As with any injection, there may be slight discomfort at the injection site and a small amount of bruising in the area treated.

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HOW SAFE IS BOTOX?
In high concentrations, Botox^® is a potent poison. However, Botox^® used in minute doses, as in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, has a very high margin of safety. Botox^® has been used for over 20 years in adults and children. Over 1400 medical papers have been written on Botox^® showing it to be very safe and effective.

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