Do you need to prepare in any special way for treatment of excessive sweating with botulinum toxin?
Special preparation for treatment of excessive sweating with botulinum toxin is not usually required, but there are some tips worth considering before the treatment:
1. Consultation with a doctor
Before the treatment, you should have a detailed consultation with the doctor who will perform it.
2. Avoid anticoagulant medicines
3. Do not drink alcohol
Alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding, so it is best avoided for a few days before the treatment.
4. Hygiene
Before the treatment, wash and dry the area to be treated, but do not apply any antiperspirants or other skin products.
Treatment of excessive sweating: how does botulinum toxin affect the sweat glands?
Botulinum toxin is one of the most effective ways of treating excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis. The main aim of this treatment is to reduce excessive sweat production, which translates into a marked reduction in the unpleasant symptoms associated with excessive sweating. After botulinum toxin is administered, nerve signals can no longer effectively reach the sweat glands, which results in their activity being inhibited. The doctor performing the treatment injects botulinum toxin directly into the areas of the body most affected by excessive sweating. Botulinum toxin works by blocking the nerve signals that stimulate the sweat glands to produce sweat.
Contraindications to treating excessive sweating with botulinum toxin
- pregnancy, breastfeeding
- hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin type A or any other ingredient of the botulinum preparation.
- infection at the planned injection site
- patients taking aminoglycosides (e.g. streptomycin, neomycin)
- patients with blood clotting disorders or taking anticoagulants
- people under 18 years of age
What are the effects of treating excessive sweating with botulinum toxin and how long do they last?
Reduced sweat secretion: The main and most important effect of the treatment is a significant reduction in sweat secretion in the areas where botulinum toxin was administered. It is precisely for this reason that botulinum toxin treatment is an effective way of combating excessive sweating.
Improved quality of life: Owing to its effectiveness, botulinum toxin treatment can significantly improve the quality of life of people who suffer from excessive sweating, eliminating the unpleasant sensations and embarrassment associated with the condition.
As for how long the effect lasts, this is individual and depends on many factors, such as the injection site, the amount of toxin administered, the patient's individual characteristics and the type of botulinum toxin. The effects usually last from 4 to 6 months. After this period, the procedure can be repeated.
It is worth remembering that botulinum toxin is not a cure for excessive sweating – it does not treat its cause, only its effects. Therefore, unless additional measures are taken, excessive sweating will return once the effect of the botulinum toxin wears off.
Is treatment of excessive sweating with botulinum toxin safe?
Yes, treatment of excessive sweating with botulinum toxin is safe, provided it is performed by an experienced, qualified doctor. Botulinum toxin has been used in medicine for several decades and has been well studied. Complications after using the preparation are rare. Possible side effects are usually minor and temporary, such as:
- bruising or bleeding at the injection site
- pain or swelling at the injection site
- fever
- dry mouth
- headache
- tiredness
However, such effects are rare and usually short-lived.
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