BOTOX® COSMETIC - Hyperhidrosis

 Hyperhidrosis is the medical term given to the condition referred to as excessive sweating. One out of every one hundred people suffers from this condition which is caused by hyperactivity of the nervous system which controls sweat production. This causes an over production of sweat that can reach volumes measured in liters per hour. The condition can affect the sweat glands of the hands and feet as well as the axilla. The person who suffers with this condition has to deal with embarrassment and ruined clothing or shoes. Some individuals have to change clothing every hour or wear pampers under their arms.

There have been several options for treatment of this condition. The first step is a medically prescribed antiperspirant containing a powerful chemical called aluminum, chloride. The chemical prevents the sweat from escaping the pores. Many times this treatment is not effective. Primary hyperhidrosis means the cause is not related to another condition such as obesity, menopause, drug use, endocrine disorders (hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma) or neurological conditions involving autonomic dysregulation. Oral medications tried for this condition have not been successful. There are surgical options for treatment of this condition, but they have some drawbacks as well, including increased sweat production in other areas.

Recently the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) approved the use of BOTOX® as a treatment for hyperhidrosis. The Williams Center for Excellence is a National Teaching Center for the use of BOTOX®. BOTOX® prevents the release of acetocholine. If acetylcholine is not released the sweat gland will not be stimulated to produce sweat. This treatment has proved to effectively decrease the production of sweat 95% within the first forty-eight hours and will reach a peak within two weeks. The effects last an average of six to nine months and some patients require only one treatment. Subsequent treatments have longer lasting effects according to studies. Prior to the hyperhidrosis treatment, the area to be treated is identified and then injected with BOTOX® through a small needle. If needed a topical anesthetic can be used, but usually there is minimal discomfort involved. There has been no evidence of compensatory sweating in other areas following the use of BOTOX®. If the sweating returns after treatment with BOTOX® patients report that the sweating decreased in severity. The use of BOTOX® in these patients greatly improves their quality of life and confidence both socially and in their careers.

Botox injections are simple procedures that often take place in a medical office such as the Williams Rejuva Centers. Because there is minimal discomfort involved, no anesthesia is required though a topical anesthetic may be used if desired. Botox is a natural, purified protein that is produced by the Clostridium Botulinum Bacterium and it is administered as a very low dose with a tiny injections. This is a simple procedure that takes about thirty minutes to preform. Patients can typically return to work and other normal activities immediately after treatment, though some localized swelling or bruising may occur at the injection site.

There are few complications associated with Botox. Localized numbness, a burning sensation, bruising or swelling may occur at the injection site. Prior to the FDA's approval of BOTOX ® Cosmetic treatments, BOTOX ® had been used for several different medical conditions including muscle contractions caused by cerebral palsy, incontinence caused by bladder spasms, and migraine headaches caused by forehead tension.

Any authorized health care professional can administer BOTOX® Cosmetic, but Dr. Edwin Williams, recommends those seeking to receive a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment should be treated by a health care professional with experience. Cosmetic physicians and cosmetic nurse specialists are generally more experienced professionals. Dr. Williams has more then 15 years of experience with BOTOX® Cosmetic. Our Cosmetic Nurse Specialists are highly trained registered nurses practicing under the direction of Dr. Williams. The Williams Rejuva Centers perform high volume of BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments daily. We are a National Teaching Center for both BOTOX® Cosmetic and Restylane (a facial soft tissue filler). BOTOX® remains in the treated muscle for only 2 hours. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment results are dramatic and apparent within days. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a natural, purified protein produced by the Clostridium Botulinum Bacterium.

Good candidates for Hyperhidrosis BOTOX®  treatments include physically healthy men and women who are looking to improve excessive sweating under the arms. It's important that patients have realistic expectations because Botox may not be able to completely eliminate your sweating completly. Botox may not be appropriate for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant soon.

Allergan, the company that produces BOTOX® Cosmetic and Prevage MD, preformed a study asking thousands of users how it feels to have a treatment. Most patients that received a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment compare the treatment to a bug bite, similar to the feeling of a mosquito bite. We pride ourselves in providing Hyperhidrosis BOTOX® treatments with minimal or no discomfort. We have researched methods for optimum results with nearly pain free injections.

Only your doctor can decide if Hyperhidrosis BOTOX® treatments are right for you. Notify us if you are taking any vitamin E, aspirin, aspirin like medications, (Celebrex, Advil, Naproxen) herbal supplements or alcohol consumption. Your doctor may recommend stopping any of those at least 2 weeks prior to a treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have any diseases that affect your nerves and muscles. These diseases may increase your chance of side effects with a Hyperhidrosis BOTOX® treatment. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or are planning to become pregnant soon we recommend postponing any BOTOX ® treatments. You should also share with your doctor if you have ever had any surgery ie: Cosmetic or procedures medically necessary.