What it is
Sweat glands are switched on by a nerve signal carried by a messenger called acetylcholine. Botulinum toxin blocks the release of that messenger at the nerve endings supplying the glands, so sweat production in the injected area falls for a limited period.
This is not a cosmetic use borrowed for another purpose; excessive sweating is a recognised medical condition, and it can affect work, clothing and social life daily. People asking for this are usually asking for relief, not for an improvement in appearance.
What it does not do: it does not treat the cause of excessive sweating, and it does not stop sweating elsewhere. Its effect is local and temporary.
Where it is used
- Underarms — the most common, and the most clearly responsive
- Palms
- Soles
- Scalp or forehead in selected cases
When it shows, and how long it lasts
The effect usually begins within days and settles over one to two weeks. How long it lasts varies between people and between areas; underarms usually respond for longer than palms.
Repeating is guided by symptoms returning, not by a fixed schedule. No figure is given before an examination.
Who it suits
- Those troubled by excessive local sweating that affects their day
- Those who have tried medical antiperspirants without sufficient result
- Those who understand the effect is temporary and needs repeating
- Those whose general health allows it
When we advise delaying or not treating
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as myasthenia gravis
- Active infection or inflammation at the injection site
- Known allergy to a component
- Generalised sweating over the whole body, or at night, or with other symptoms — that needs the cause investigated first, not an injection
- Those whose work depends on fine grip strength, when treating palms — the possibility of temporary weakness is discussed before deciding
How the session goes
- Examination and mapping of the area, a review of medical history and medicines, and questions about the pattern and timing of sweating.
- A simple test may be used to define the active area precisely.
- Local anaesthetic, which matters more for palms and soles.
- Superficial injections at closely spaced points across the area.
- Review at around two weeks to assess response and adjust as needed.
Afterwards
- Avoid high heat and strenuous exercise the same day
- Mild redness or small bumps at the injection points settle within hours
- You can return to your day normally
Possible effects
- Pain or discomfort during injection — more pronounced in palms and soles, which is why anaesthesia matters there
- Bruising or local redness
- Temporary weakness of grip when treating palms — uncommon and temporary, but worth stating before deciding for anyone whose work depends on fine hand control
- A mild temporary headache
- Compensatory sweating elsewhere — uncommon with local treatment
A note on darker skin
How the product acts on sweat glands has nothing to do with skin tone. The only consideration is the needle, which can leave temporary post-inflammatory pigmentation in deeper skin tones; that is reduced by treating any bruising early.
See also
Common questions
Is this a cosmetic treatment?
No. Excessive sweating is a medical condition, and this is a therapeutic use for it.
When will I see a result?
The effect usually begins within days and settles over one to two weeks.
How long does it last?
It varies between people and between areas. Underarms usually respond for longer than palms. No figure is given before an examination.
Is the injection painful?
Underarms are usually tolerable. Palms and soles are more sensitive, which is why anaesthesia matters there. We do not describe the procedure as free of sensation.
Will sweating stop completely?
The aim is to reduce sweating to a level that no longer troubles you, not to stop it. Sweating is a function the body needs.
Will I sweat somewhere else instead?
Compensatory sweating is uncommon with local treatment, and where it occurs it is usually slight.
I work with my hands and need precision. Should I treat my palms?
We discuss that before deciding. Temporary weakness of grip is possible, and it may mean postponing or adjusting the plan.
I sweat all over, and at night.
That is a different pattern and needs the cause investigated first. We do not begin with injections here.