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Can Botox Help Reduce Arm Pit Sweat?

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Originally published July 28, 2022. Last updated May 20, 2024.

Underarm sweating can be an inconvenience for many people and embarrassing when you’re out in public. While sweating under your arms when you’re nervous for a first date or spending time in the sun is expected, sweating for no identifiable reason can be a nuisance. 

If you struggle with unexplained arm sweat or experience it as a symptom of a medical condition, you may have tried over-the-counter treatments. While these work for some people, others find little success. Botox treatments can reduce your armpit sweat and help you find relief. Learn more about Botox treatments to stop sweating and where you can find this treatment.

Can Botox Treat Underarm Sweating?

Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, can be treated using Botox injections. Botox is a neurotoxin that targets neurotransmitters in the brain and releases signals to cause various muscles to relax.

Botox is a medication that’s best known for its cosmetic treatment against fine lines and wrinkling. While most people use Botox for its anti-aging benefits, the medicine has other applications, including fighting against underarm sweating. You also won’t have to worry about body odor as much since you’ll reduce the amount you’re sweating. 

Sweat allows bacteria to thrive, creating an unpleasant smell. When your sweat glands stop producing excessive moisture, you’ll also reduce the amount of bacteria under your arms and eliminate pungent body odor.

There is ample evidence to suggest that Botox for hyperhidrosis effectively reduces at least 50% of underarm moisture. Some individuals see even more significant improvements, but the evidence shows that most individuals can benefit from Botox to stop sweating, especially when combined with additional treatments. Consistent treatments can eliminate abnormal sweating and help improve a person’s quality of life.

How Does Botox Stop Sweating?

Botox for underarm sweating works by blocking the chemicals in the body that signal sweat production from the glands in the armpit. Ordinarily, your body’s nervous system will send signals to activate your sweat glands when your body’s temperature rises, helping you cool down. Individuals with hyperhidrosis have an overactive sweat gland, regardless of body temperature. People with this condition will have Botox injected directly into both armpits, paralyzing the nerves and preventing excessive sweat production.

Botox can only stop sweating in the location where it’s injected. The Food and Drug Administration approved Botox for the treatment of hyperhidrosis in 2004 for individuals who haven’t found relief using other methods or treatments. While Botox is only officially approved to treat underarm sweat, other locations are sometimes treated using the medication, referred to as “off-label” treatments. These locations include the following:

  • Face
  • Palms
  • Feet

Some people also worry that Botox injections for the underarms will prevent them from sweating in other locations. Sweating is necessary to cool yourself down and numerous sweat glands exist throughout your body. Armpit Botox injections only target the sweat glands in your armpits, so you’ll still sweat in other areas when you work out, get nervous or spend time in the sun. 

You’ll also still have feeling in your armpit despite the nerves in these glands being paralyzed. These injections will only stop your armpit’s sweat glands from producing excessive moisture and body odor, improving your quality of life.

How Long Do Underarm Botox Injections Last?

Botox injections can be a long-term solution for people who haven’t found relief from over-the-counter or prescription treatments. Botox is a minimally invasive procedure and requires only a single visit for underarm sweating. People with excessive underarm sweating can significantly improve their quality of life with Botox injections. If you’re looking for an alternative to help you find relief, talk to your doctor.

People who need Botox injections to stop underarm sweating only need one office visit every six months to see results. Individuals will need to return at the end of the six months to sustain their results. A medical professional will inject about 25 individual injections into each armpit during treatment. Each needle is small and only contains a small amount of Botox — some individuals don’t even notice the injections, and those that do usually only feel slight discomfort. 

The procedure is generally quick and easy. Before your treatment, your doctor may ask that you don’t shave under your arms for at least two to three days and wear a short-sleeved shirt when you come into the office. Your doctor may also ask that you stop taking blood thinners a few days prior to your treatment to prevent bruises. If you’ve been prescribed any medications, you’ll need to talk with your doctor first before ceasing use.

Once you complete treatment, you should start to notice some improvement within the first few days. The most significant changes occur around the two-week mark, but the exact timing will vary for each person. 

Is Botox Safe for Underarm Use?

Botox injections for underarm sweating are not only effective but safe for the vast majority of individuals. People generally tolerate Botox injections well and experience minimal side effects and symptoms. However, some people can still experience some minor side effects, which include:

  • Bruising or pain at the injection site
  • Headaches
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Skin irritation
  • Bleeding at the injection site

Some people will experience minor side effects, while others won’t experience any side effects after treatment. Those who encounter side effects will start seeing them dissipate shortly after treatment. 

There’s also a possibility of severe side effects from Botox use, but these are extremely rare. These severe side effects include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Inability to control bladder
  • Vision problems
  • Muscle weakness throughout the body

While Botox injections are safe for most people, there isn’t enough evidence to prove that Botox treatments are safe for pregnant and nursing individuals. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should wait until after birth and breastfeeding to look to Botox to control excessive sweating. 

Reduce Excessive Sweating With Synergy Wellness

If you’re struggling with excessive underarm sweat, Synergy Wellness is here to help. Our Precision TX™ laser treatment can help reduce perspiration production by using controlled lasers to target specific sweat glands. This treatment will destroy sweat glands and our professional technicians will ensure your safety during the procedure. With these sweat glands no longer in the picture, you won’t have to worry about excess sweat production. 

Precision TX™ is an excellent alternative to Botox injections, and it’s a one-time treatment that can provide lasting relief to individuals with hyperhidrosis. You’ll no longer need to worry about sweat stains, odor or spending excessive amounts of money on ineffective antiperspirants. If you’re ready to revolutionize your life, contact us to get started.

Picture of Dr. Jan Trobisch

About the Author:

President, Medical Director: Jan Trobisch, MD

Dr. Jan Trobisch graduated from the esteemed Freie Universität Berlin in 1999 and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California, by 2004. After his residency, Dr. Trobisch worked as a hospitalist and served as an attending physician for the residency program. He founded Synergy Wellness Center in 2009.

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