Loss of movement? Botox for palmar hyperhidrosis.

Question

Hi, a week ago I got botox injections on both of my hands to help treat my excessive sweating. It has worked amazingly! My hands hardly sweat at all anymore. However, my grip strength is very weak, and I can't move my left pinky side to side anymore, though I can with my right! Is this normal? Or should I be more concerned? I was warned I would lose some strength in the hands, I just find it odd that I'm stronger in my right hand. Could it be because I'm right handed?

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Botox works well for exesssive sweating. It can cause temporary weakness of the hands which often is felt to be asymmetric. This will likely resolve. Inform your doctor if it does not improve or worsens.  Good luck,

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

If botox caused weakness of hands it could be from botox being injected too deep.  The side effects for sweaty palms and hands are as follows:
Temporary weakness- this is quite rare and to date none of my patients have experienced this.  since botox is a neuromodulator it can impair muscle movement.  Patients who rely on their hands for a living should be cautious and weigh the risks with the benefits.
Bruising and swelling- Bruising and swelling is the most common side effect.  Patients should consider ceasing blood thinners.

Bhavlene Panesar, MD · Answer

Hyperhidrosis of the hands is a common and frustrating problem.  
Botox injection have a great impact on reducing sweating of the palms.  However, if injected too deeply it can affect the intrinsic muscles of the hand.  Thankfully, this should not progress and should gradually improve over the next few weeks. 
Do let your injector know about your reaction to prevent this from happening again in the future. 
Best of luck,
Dr. Bhavlene Panesar

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Even though I have not seen this, it is most likely from the Botox being injected too deeply when your hands were treated. The Botox will wear of in 3-4 months. I advise you to share your concern with your treating physician.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Botox works miraculously for hyperhidrosis but it can have these side effects. It has only been a few days so some of this will correct itself over the next few days. The fact that you are right handed has no effect--it is merely the dose and placement of the toxin

Loss of movement? Botox for palmar hyperhidrosis.

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Answer: Botox in Hands

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Answer: Hyperhidrosis and Botox

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Loss of movement? Botox for palmar hyperhidrosis.

Answers (9)

Answer: Botox in Hands

Answer: Botox in Hands

Answer: Hyperhidrosis and Botox

Answer: Hyperhidrosis and Botox

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox for Hyperhidrosis

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.