Hyperhidrosis

WHAT IS HYPERHIDROSIS?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for sweating in excess of what would normally be expected. It affects up to 3% of the population and can affect both males and females. The highest prevalence is among adults aged 18 to 54 years old.

Excessive sweating can make people feel uncomfortable, resulting in the need for multiple changes of clothing, avoidance of certain clothing such as white shirts, the need for frequent showers and much higher laundry and dry-cleaning costs.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

The most popular longer-term treatment option for excess underarm sweating is the use of a series of tiny microinjections of a solution that blocks the sweat glands from producing sweat.

The same product used to treat wrinkles is also used for hyperhidrosis. The product works by reducing the activity of the sweat glands by stopping the nerve transmission to the glands.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

This non-surgical solution helps people sweat at a normal rate for approximately 8 months. Sweating gradually returns after this time at which stage the procedure can be repeated. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and there is no downtime with people able to return to their normal daily activities straight away.

RETURNING TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES

Normal activities can be resumed soon after your treatment. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise or massaging the area for the first 24 hours after treatment.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Every non-surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated. Majority of patients do not experience the following, but you should discuss each with your physician to ensure you understand.   

Common side effects may occur immediately or may be delayed.   

Pain, burning, stinging, bruising, swelling or redness at the injection site; local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids or eyebrows; swollen eyelids, skin tightness, itching or aching forehead, headaches, nausea and/or flu like symptoms.                                                                                                                   

Although exceedingly rare, in some cases the effect of this muscle relaxant product may be observed beyond the site of injection and the following symptoms may occur – loss of strength and muscle weakness, drooping surrounding facial muscles, double or blurred vision, trouble speaking, constipation, aspiration and trouble swallowing.  These symptoms can happen hours to weeks after injection and are more likely to occur in patients treated with high doses or who have underlying conditions that would predispose to the above.

POST-PROCEDURE CARE

What to Expect  

The following are very common side effects after treatment and should resolve with time.  

• Swelling at puncture sites   
• Bruising 
• Redness at puncture sites  
• Tenderness   
• Tightness  
• You may experience a mild headache; Paracetamol may be taken if required.    

Final Results  

You may notice the effects of your treatment within 2 – 4 days.  It can take up to 14 days for the full effect. You may require further treatments to achieve your desired results.   

Aftercare 

Please contact the clinic immediately 1300 373 662 if you experience any inflammatory reaction and/or side effect.  If necessary, additional treatments, medications and/or surgery may be necessary.   

• If out of hours, please attend your local medical centre or emergency department.  
• You may return to your normal activities (including driving immediately post treatment). 
• We advise no strenuous exercise or alcohol for 24 hours. 
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and extreme temperatures for at least 2 weeks post treatment.

Avoid touching or massaging the treatment area. Avoid facials, waxing, chemical peels, IPL, laser or any other skin treatments for at least 2 weeks after treatment. 

WHAT ABOUT SURGERY?

Surgical options are also available for those who suffer from hyperhidrosis. This can include liposuction which is specifically designed to disrupt the nerves that control the sweat glands. However, whilst this can have an excellent initial result, the level of recurrent hyperhidrosis is unpredictable.