Botox Q&A
64%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
854 Reviews
Botoxbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Botox Cost: $425

Learn about Botox

3,024 people and 924 doctors are talking about Botox

Get Free Email Updates

Botox for Sweating - Can Anyone Get Botox for Sweating?

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Lori Stetler, MD
Question viewed 11,056 times
Tags: excessive sweating, hyperhidrosis

I know all about Botox for wrinkles, but not for underarm sweating. I’m constantly running late in the morning and always forget to put on deodorant, cause the phone’s ringing and my blackberry is blowing up...then I leave and end up smelly by lunchtime! Is Botox for hyperhidrosis for anyone or just people who sweat too much?  Can I get it even if I haven't been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis?

34 answers to Botox for Sweating - Can Anyone Get Botox for Sweating?

+4

Botox for Hyperhidrosis - deodorant or antiperspirant - Excessive Underarm Sweating -

Botox for Hyperhidrosis - Deodorants or Antiperspirants - Excessive Underarm Sweating One of the things to remember is that hyperhidrosis is a specialty care and one needs to be evaluated by someone with a special interest in this discipline, not just someone who simply injects Botox. Remember that there are two types of sweat glands - eccrine and apocrine. The eccrine sweat glands cause the watery sweat (water and salts, especially sodium) . Apocrine sweat forms in hair follicles and... more
Hratch Karamanoukian, MD

Buffalo General Surgeon
+2

Botox effective but expensive antiperspirant if not medically necessary.

Insurance companies are very reluctant to pay for Botox to control excessive sweating. They require documentation of long-standing abnormal difficulty with sweat levels and other failed methods of treatment, and then they make the process for insurance coverage very cumbersome. Add to that that the Botox does wear off and requires retreatment in a few months. If you have regular sweating and are skipping your antiperspirant in the morning due to being rushed and stressed, you... more
Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH

Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon

www.ArtofDermatology.com

+2

Stop sweaty palms with Botox

Botox is a safe, long-lasting method to treat excessive sweating of the palms—one which can significantly improve your symptoms. When Botox is injected into your skin, it blocks the acetylcholine receptors that activate your sweat glands, disabling your ability to sweat in the areas where the Botox has been injected. This treatment has been in use for many years, and studies that have been conducted on its long-term effects have had very positive results. I attached a video I just... more
Usha Rajagopal, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+2

Only for Hyperhidrosis

     Botox is not meant to take the place of a deodorant or antiperspirant. It is to be used for people with hyperhidrosis, or excess sweating.  Botox does this by blocking  the nerve impulses that lead to sweating,      If you have hyperhidrosis you should be evaluated by a dermatologist to ensure that you have primary hyperhidrosis, rather than sweating from a secondary disorder such  as hyperthyroidism, diabetes or a neurologic disorder... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+2

Botox can be a good treatment for hyperhidrosis

I agree with Dr. Kalitenko that other causes of excessive sweating including thyroid disease, diabetes and other endocrine system disorders first ought to be ruled out (though these are uncommon causes). We have in the past been able to get some insurance companies to pay for Botox injections for hyperhidrosis. Insurance companies usually require documentation that an individual has failed other therapies. As a start, you may wish to consider an over-the-counter product, Certain Dri... more
Bryan K. Chen, MD

San Diego Dermatologist
+2

Botox stops sweating in anyone

Botox is very effective for underarm sweating in people. The procedure takes about 10 minutes, and it not very painful. The effects last about 6 months. As this is a surgical treatment and it is expensive, if you don't have hyperhidrosis I encourage you to try other methods before you get Botox injections. There are a variety of over-the-counter and prescription anti-perspirants that you may find are effective for you.
Jordana Gilman, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

The best results are seen in patients who have a true medical condition with excessive sweating called hyperhidrosis. The most commonly occurs in the underarms, palms and soles. We all need to be able to sweat in order to control our body temperature. In patients with hyperhidrosis, Botox reduces their sweating to normal levels. This procedure can be life-changing for those who suffer from this embarassing and often life altering condition. more
Lori Stetler, MD

Dallas Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Everyone is different

While I agree that Botox is a powerful treatment and should not be used lightly, I strongly feel that each patients experience of "too much" is different. While one amount of sweating may be completely normal for one person, it may be perceived as unbearable by another. The term hyperhidrosis is rather specific, but the person's own experience with any given condition is sometimes more important that what we, as physicians, decide from our own view of the problem. If it significantly... more
Victoria W. Serralta, MD

Arlington Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox is a good treatment for excessive sweating

Botox has been used quite successfully to reduce excessive sweating on the axillae, palms and soles of feet. The effects if Botox when injected for excess sweating may last from 6 to 12 months, longer than its effect on wrinkles. Patients with myasthenia gravis should not get botox injections. Patients with severe bleeding disorders may have pronounced local bruising when Botox injections are done in these areas; although typically Botox injection for sweating is associated with minimal to... more
Leyda Elizabeth Bowes, MD

Miami Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox for Underarm Sweating

The short answer is "yes", anyone can get Botox for underarm sweating (assuming that you have no contraindications to using Botox, and no underlying medical reason for excessive sweating that must otherwise be addressed.) But Botox is an expensive way to treat excessive underarm sweating. I usually start patients on prescription antiperspirants first (which are inexpensive). These are applied at night and therefore might also help your situation (i.e. no time... more
Todd Minars, MD

Miami Dermatologist
+1

Botox Works for Underarm Sweating

Botox is extremely effective for underarm sweating. The distinction between excessive sweating and a clinical diagnosis of Hyperhidrosis is one that is generally not feasible in a doctor's office i.e. requiring a measurement of actual sweat production. Nevertheless, it plain outright works well for 4-9 months in a high percentage of patients with mininal to no side effects and no downtime. This is a homerun in my book.
Ted Brezel, MD

Long Island Dermatologist
+1

Botox very effective for underarm sweating

Botox is a an effective and safe great way to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating). The procedure takes 10 minutes and the results typically last 7 months.
Anatoli Freiman, MD

Toronto Dermatologist
+1

Botox is Very Effective for Underarm Sweating

Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, can be alleviated with Botox Therapeutic or Dysport injections directly into the affected skin. They temporarily block the sweat glands which are responsible for excessive perspiration. These injections are typically done in a single treatment session and can provide months of relief. Treatments can be repeated once or twice a year to maintain dryness. The most commonly treated areas include underarms, hands, feet, and face. Many health insurance... more
Mitchell Schwartz, MD

South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

+1

Botox for hyperhidrosis or sweating

Botox is a wonderful treatment for sweating of the armpits. The amount of money you save from dry cleaning and wear and tear on your clothes will pay for the cost of the Botox. Someone with excessive hyperhidrosis (sweating) may need 200 or more units (total for both armpits) of Botox to give them 6-9 months of being sweat free. Someone with less active sweating may be able to get by with 50-100 units.
M. Christine Lee, MD

Walnut Creek Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox is effective for armpit sweating but is an expensive antiperspirant

Botox is a safe and effective, FDA approved treatment for excessive sweating in the armpit area.  It would work for someone who wants to use it to control normal sweating, too, however, it would be an expensive choice.  Remember, the effects are not permanent so there would be ongoing treatment every 4-6 months.  Use in someone without hyperhidrosis would not be covered by insurance.  In your case, you might consider prescription strength Drysol.  It would... more
Dina D. Strachan, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

BOTOX for underarm sweatling (axillary hyperhydrosis)

BOTOX is a very effective treatment to reduce the amount of underarm sweating.  There are topical medications which may be applied to the hair-bearing armpit skin to reduce sweating; however, sometimes it is not completely effective in achieving the desired result.  You do not have to be diagnosed with axillary hyperhidrosis to utilize these treatments. 
Adam D. Schaffner, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox works well for in selected patients for excessive underarm sweating.

Botox is one of the more effective treatments for excessive underarm sweating, medically known as Axillary Hyperhidrosis. This condition is actually one of the approved indications for the use of Botox. If you are considering this then have a consultation with a specialist who will discuss your concerns, consider investigating medical conditions that can promote excessive sweating and educate you on your treatment options. Over the counter anti-perspirants, prescription anti-perspirants,... more
Mathew C. Mosher, MD

Vancouver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox is a GREAT Treatment for Over-Sweating

Regarding: "Botox for Sweating - Can Anyone Get Botox for Sweating? I know all about Botox for wrinkles, but not for underarm sweating. I’m constantly running late in the morning and always forget to put on deodorant, cause the phone’s ringing and my blackberry is blowing up...then I leave and end up smelly by lunchtime! Is Botox for hyperhidrosis for anyone or just people who sweat too much? Can I get it even if I haven't been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis?:" B more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes Botox for sweating

We treat many clients with botox to the armpit area.  We have be doing the armpit area for several years with great results.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Hyperhidrosis and Botox

Treatment for excessive sweating requires consistent injections in multiple sites to treat the sweat glands. It is not a permanent solution, you will need to get repeated injections every 4-6 months to maintain results.
Peter Schmid, DO

Longmont Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox for Sweating

Hi, Botox can be used for sweating without the diagnosis of hyperhidrosis but you would be paying quite a bit since it is then considered cosmetic.  The amounts of Botox needed for example the underarms, range between 30-50 units per underarm to last 6 months.  Insurance companies require extensive prior authorizations before they will pay for it for hyperhidrosis including multiple trials of strong topicals and oral medications.  Celebrities will occasionally have... more
Grace Liu, MD

Newport Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox for sweating, It works for underarms or palms of hands

The social embarrassment associated with excessive sweating can be profound. Whether the problem is primarily underarm sweating or palmar sweating, or both, the impact on normal social interaction can be significant. Some individuals with excessive underarm sweat production wear special pads and garments to try to 'stem the tide'. Many with excessive palmar sweating avoid shaking hands at all costs. For the first time there is safe, reliable and well-tolerated means of... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+1

Go for it, unless....

Botox is great for sweating, but it is not for everyone. Pregnancy as well as a personal or family history of neurologic conditions like multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) would make you a bad candidate for Botox.
Daniel J. Ladd Jr., DO

Austin Dermatologist
+1

No Sweat! Botox for sweating...

Hyperhydrosis is an extreme sweating condition, but that does not mean that if your excessive sweating is problematic in your life and work it does not merit treatment. Botox is very effective for treatment of excessive sweating of the underarms and also of the hands and feet. Dosage ranges from 20-50 units per underarm. The dose is adjusted to each individual patient based on symptoms. Expect it to last 4-6 months. Alternatively, there is a permanent solution that utilizes... more
Kirk A. Churukian, MD

Los Gatos Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox for sweaty armpits

Botox doesn't recognize whether you make too much sweat or whether you just forgot your deodorant. It would work the same, regardless.  So you would be a fine candidate for the treatment.
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox is great for hyperhidrosis that doesn't respond to conventional (cheaper) treatments

I would agree that you would likely respond well to Botox treatment. However, conventional anti-perspirant or prescription only treatments would likely be much cheaper than 2-3 times yearly Botox treatments.
Stephen Weber, MD

Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox usually works great for sweaty armpits

Botox blocks the sweat glands reliably for 4- 9 months. If your daily activities are disturbed by excessive sweating your dermatologist  can definately treat you with this minimal invasive procedure.  Interestingly, some people experience a reduction of sweating, even after the injections have been discontinued. This is because the vicious circle of sweating, fear of someone noticing it and sweating even more is broken. This treatment gives back self confidence to quite a lot of... more
Robert Kasten, MD

Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox for underarm sweating

Botox treatments for excess underarm sweating is an extremely effective method to treat hyperhidrosis.  Most of our patient require a full 100U (50U per underarm) for a good response.  The treatments typically last form 5 to 7 months.  Although we recommend conventional means to control normal underarm sweating (i.e. antiperspirants) Botox can be used in patients who do not fit the criteria for hyperhidrosis.     Best Wishes,   Neil Zemmel, MD more
Neil J. Zemmel, MD

Richmond Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox for hyperhidrosis

Botox has been approved for treatment of hyperhidrosis .  It is a very simple procedure and lasts quite a bit longer in my experience than when used for wrinkles. In general, treatment with Botox will stop the sweating for many months (some of my patients up to 9 months). Patients are often very pleased with their results and the lack of need to put on antiperspirants. 
Shawn Allen, MD

Boulder Dermatologist
+1

Botox for sweaty armpits, (hyperhidrosis).

If a patient has an issue with sweaty armpits.  We have them try different antiperspirants, (Dry sol, etc).  If these don't work, then we will advise Botox injections.   The patients are usually very happy with the results.
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox works for hyperhidrosis

Botox works quite well for patients with excess sweating. Your insurance provider may or may not cover it so you need to check. Most patients have dramatic improvements that change their lives.
Chris Thiagarajah, MD

Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Botox for Sweating Under the Arms, and Other Personal Hygiene Tips

Hi Smelly, You can have 50 units of Botox under each arm pit that will take care of sweating under your arms for about 6 months. The usual indication is for hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. It can also be used by someone like you who is appartently so busy and caught up in the importance of their Blackberry, phone, computer communications/information that general hygiene sometimes goes by the way side. A little Irish Spring deodorant soap under your pits while in the shower may also... more
Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes, Botox can stop sweating for anyone.

It is a very commonly used treatment for patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis as well as for people who sweat too much but have not been diagnosed with a condition. It is a very common procedure for many patients, including brides in the armpits and grooms in the palms prior to a wedding. The result lasts for 6 months and almost every single patient is very happy with the result. It can get expensive, so people on a tight budget may want to avoid this and try over the counter treatments... more
Sirish Maddali, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question