Excessive sweating
Excessive sweating is a condition characterised by an abnormal amount of sweating that exceeds the body’s natural cooling needs. While sweating is a normal bodily function, individuals with hyperhidrosis experience profuse sweating even in situations where it is unnecessary. This can significantly impact on quality of life, leading to social, emotional and physical challenges.
One of the primary areas affected by excessive sweating is the underarms although it can also manifest on the palms, feet, face and other body parts. The condition can be primary, with no apparent cause, or secondary, linked to an underlying medical condition. Regardless of its origin, the impact can be substantial, causing embarrassment, discomfort, and anxiety for those affected.
The social consequences of excessive sweating are noteworthy. Individuals may withdraw from social activities, avoid physical contact, or even experience difficulties in personal and professional relationships. Anxiety and stress can exacerbate sweating, creating a cycle that further intensifies the condition.
From a physical standpoint, excessive sweating can lead to skin issues such as rashes, fungal infections and irritation. Constant moisture in specific areas can also result in an unpleasant odour and the discomfort of wet clothing and the need for constant changes can be both inconvenient and costly.
Various treatment options exist for managing excessive sweating. Studies have found that the use of BotoxⓇ can reduce sweating by as much as 90%. Botox injections work by blocking signals from the nerves that stimulate sweat glands and involves injecting small amounts of product into the affected area. The treatment typically works for 3-5 months and repeat treatments will be required to maintain results.
The treatment
As with any aesthetic or medical procedure, it is absolutely essential that a full and comprehensive consultation is performed prior to any treatment. The consultation will always include your past medical and surgical history, lifestyle, allergies and medications. Pregnancy and breastfeeding is an absolute contraindication to Botox.
Your treatment will then be planned and performed. Botox is an injectable and delivered with a very small needle to the identified areas. Discomfort is minimal and the actual treatment generally takes less than 15 minutes to perform. There is very little ‘down-time’ and you can return to your day immediately after your appointment.
Risks
No severe complications after the cosmetic use of Botox have been reported in the literature. There may be some bruising and slight swelling after the treatment. Botox has been regulated for a long time and is a very safe treatment. The best way to minimise risk if you are considering Botox is to have the treatment done by a qualified practitioner.
Botox in the UK
In the UK, Botox is a prescription only medicine, which means that it must be prescribed and given to a patient by a qualified prescriber. If you are not having the treatment done by a qualified prescriber, they should still refer you to a medical professional (the person who prescribes the Botox for them) to check that you are fit for the treatment. By law, the person prescribing the Botox should be a doctor, nurse, dentist or prescribing pharmacist. Guidelines from the General Medical Council (GMC) state that they should meet you face to face and must be present at the client consultation. When the prescriber is happy, you can then be treated.
The prescriber also has responsibility for the outcome of the treatment. Many doctors and nurses are unlikely to want to take responsibility for a non-medical person’s injecting work, so be sure to check that you are happy with the person you have chosen for your Botox treatments.
Botox is a prescribed drug and as discussed must, by law be prescribed by a qualified prescriber. An experienced injector and prescriber will always ensure that a thorough consultation is performed and should be happy to answer any questions you may have. Consider asking the following;
- What is your level of experience and qualifications?
- What is the name or brand of product you are using?
- Are there any risks or side effects I could experience?
- What will happen if anything goes wrong?
- What insurance cover do you have for Botox treatment?
Please see my blog on The Importance of Finding the Right Practitioner.
Pricing
Here at Radiant we use only Botox®
£350 per session