What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a disorder marked by excessive sweating. It usually begins at puberty and affects the palms, soles, and armpits. Severe hyperhidrosis is a result of hyperactive sweat glands. Sweat is your body’s temperature regulator. In cases of hyperhidrosis, sweating significantly exceeds the body’s normal requirements.
What is the treatment?
Botox® has been approved by the FDA for excessive sweating. Botox® treatment helps control this condition by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. The effects of Botox® for this problem last an average of six months. 
What is involved with the treatment?
After consultation, a topical numbing cream can be applied. The area will be cleaned prior to the injections. The treatment is fast and afterwards ice packs can be applied.
Normal activity can be immediately resumed, while heavy exercise should be avoided for several hours. Sweating will be decreased within 48 hours and full effect will be seen within one week. There is little to no downtime associated with Botox®, and most patients are able to return to their normal routine immediately.
Who are the Ideal Candidates for Hyperhidrosis Treatment?
Criteria used to diagnose hyperhidrosis include having 2 of the following symptoms or factors:
- Excessive sweating for more than 6 months, occurring at least once a week.
- Sweating impairs daily activities.
- Excessive sweating is bilateral, occurring on both hands, feet, or armpits.
- Onset before age 25.
- Family history of excessive sweating.
- Excessive sweating stops while asleep.
If you have tried the best antiperspirants and still struggle with excessive sweating, and you are willing to get injections every few months to maintain your results, you may be a good candidate for hyperhidrosis treatment.
What is the Recovery from Hyperhidrosis Treatment?
After receiving Botox® injections for hyperhidrosis, you may experience pinpoint bleeding at injection sites. Injections can also result in mild, temporary sensitivity or bruising. Immediate redness and swelling typically resolve in about an hour. Tenderness to the touch can take up to a week to fully subside.
To manage the temporary side effects of Botox® hyperhidrosis treatment, you can:
- Apply a small ice pack to the area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Take care to place a thin layer of fabric between ice and the skin.
- Postpone exercise and excessive heat for 48 hours after treatment.
- Avoid rubbing, poking, or massaging the area.
- Take Arnica tablets. Some say this can help reduce swelling and bruising.
Is Hyperhidrosis Treatment Safe?
Botox® injections have been common for the past 30 years. The substance is manufactured with meticulous care to ensure proper purification and concentration of the active ingredient. Patients should be aware that treatment risks could be increased if they take blood thinners, have a blood clotting disorder, or have an underlying medical condition. We perform a thorough health history during our consultation visit to make sure each patient seeking Botox® is a good candidate. 
Is Hyperhidrosis Treatment Painful?
Botox® injections for hyperhidrosis can be uncomfortable due to the areas commonly affected by this condition. To reduce this, we apply a strong topical anesthetic 20 to 30 minutes before commencing with treatment. Injections take about 10 minutes to perform. Afterward, we can apply ice to the treatment area to “trick”pain receptors in the brain to feel the cold sensation instead of pain.
How much does Hyperhidrosis Treatment Cost?
The cost of treatment can vary. One factor involved is the number of units used to temporarily stop sweat glands from overworking. The average range is 50 to 100 units on each side. The other is the cost-per-unit of Botox® Cosmetic. Based on the average number of units used to treat hyperhidrosis, the cost of treatment is comparable to the popular aesthetic uses of Botox®.
Does insurance cover Hyperhidrosis Treatment?
Insurance typically does not cover treatment for hyperhidrosis because, although the condition causes unnecessary frustration and can affect quality of life, it is not deemed medically necessary for insurance purposes. Patients may explore ways to finance treatment. However, with a low number of units needed, Botox® hyperhidrosis treatments are usually quite affordable.
If you are seeking hyperhydrosis treatment in NYC, our staff at Sobel Skin offers honest, human, forward-looking skin care to help you be your best, most refreshed self. Call 212.288.0060 fill out a form in the right-hand column of this page to book an initial treatment consultation with Dr. Sobel.