Injections with Botulinum Toxin or Botox. Botox is increasingly used in the treatment of certain conditions. This also applies to the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), which occurs in approximately 3% of the population. With regard to hyperhidrosis, it is even considered the best treatment because it is the easiest and best treatment where very good effects can also be achieved through injections into the skin.
Injections with Botulinum Toxin (Botox)
Botox is a very suitable and effective remedy for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. After an injection, Botox bonds specifically between the nerve endings and the sweat glands in the skin. At the start of the treatment, it will first be determined where the most important areas are that cause excessive perspiration. This is done by means of the iodine-starch test: the patient lies down with his hands behind his head so that the armpit is clearly visible. When the armpit is dry, an amount of iodine will be applied, when it has dried, a starchy powder will be applied to the armpit. Then we wait until the armpit becomes wet again and the places where the sweat appears will turn a blue-black color. The area that becomes visible here will be central during the botox treatment.
After the Botox has been introduced into the relevant areas, it will take several hours before a so-called blockage occurs that prevents the release of neurotransmitters to the area where perspiration takes place. These neurotransmitters ensure the communication of signals to the muscle in question. But the moment this communication is blocked, paralysis or relaxation of the muscle in question will occur, which can then no longer perform its function. The resulting effect is noticeable from a few days after the treatment up to a variation of 4 – 13 months afterwards, after about five weeks the maximum result of the treatment is noticeable. The effect of the inserted Botox is limited because the function of the nerve in question will restore itself after a number of months. After all, new branches will grow into the (treated) muscle, which will, as a result, function normally again over time. The more Botox is administered during the treatment, the stronger the effect will be and the weaker the muscle will ultimately become. For successful results in the longer term, the treatment with Botox injections will have to be repeated several times.
The Botox that does not adhere to the nerve during and after the treatment will be broken down within 24 hours and disappear from the body. This will not have any adverse effects on the health of the body.
After treatment with these injections, no additional measures will be necessary to achieve the desired result. The patient will also have no limitations (barring pain).
The treatment of hyperhidrosis by applying Botox is considered the easiest and best treatment against excessive perspiration. Very good effects can also be achieved through these injections into the skin. The disadvantage is that the treatment due to the injections can be very painful and must be repeated a number of times to achieve the desired result.
Duration of treatment
The treatment of injecting the Botulinum Toxin will last 30 minutes. The degree of repetition of this treatment varies from person to person and must be determined individually. This of course also depends on the results achieved with previous treatment.
For whom is the treatment not suitable?
Botulinum Toxin should not be used if you have certain conditions or if there are circumstances under which you need to be extra careful. Some of these may include:
- if you think you are allergic to Botulinum Toxin, or one of the products in the preparation
- if you are pregnant, considering becoming pregnant or if you are breastfeeding
- if you suffer from muscle problems
- if you are taking medicines that enhance the effect of Botulinum Toxin or that have a muscle relaxing effect
- if you have a condition or are taking medicines that affect blood clotting
- if you have had problems with Botulinum Toxin in the past
- if you have recently had a tetanus injection
- if you have had surgery on your armpits
