Treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is available at our clinic in Richmond Hill.

Cause of Hyperhidrosis
Treatment of Hyperhidrosis
Antiperspirants
Medications
BOTOX^®
Iontophoresis
Surgery
Dr. Robertus Solution
How It Is Done?
How Effective Is This Procedure?
Is It For Me?
How Much Will It Cost?
Book Your FREE Appointment

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a quite common condition in which an individual suffers from increased sweat production in certain areas of the body - typically in underarms, palms and feet.  It is rarely connected to any medical conditions but it may cause serious social, emotional and professional difficulties.

Excessive sweating is the root of major discomfort in hyperhidrosis, as sweat promotes growth of odour-producing bacteria.  Sweaty hands and body odour diminishes self-esteem and hurts social interactions.

Cause of Hyperhidrosis

It is estimated that 1 to 3 percent of all people suffer from hyperhidrosis, however the exact cause of this condition is unknown.  It is often runs in families, so genetics may play some role in causing excessive sweating.

Excessive sweating that is not limited to local areas may be a sign of a serious illness. People with drenching night sweats or profuse general sweating must seek medical attention as soon as possible to find the cause of such sweats.

Treatment of Hyperhidrosis

Antiperspirants

Application of over-the-counter or prescription strength antiperspirants may help in decreasing sweating.  Antiperspirants are usually effective for mild to moderate cases of hyperhidrosis.  Antiperspirants are easy to apply and they are relatively inexpensive.  Unfortunately, the use of strong antiperspirants is often limited due to skin irritation they can cause.

Medications

There are few medications that can help to reduce sweating (with brand names like Ditropan, Robinul, Probanthine), however, development of unpleasant side-effects like dry mouth and blurry vision makes the use of these medications quite limited.  Another group of medication that can help with excessive sweating symptoms is sedatives.  This group includes such drugs as Xanax and they have a general calming effect and beneficial for people who have their hyperhidrosis associated with stress level.  Drowsiness and fatigue are the main side effects of these drugs.

Botulinum toxin, or BOTOX^®

Sweat glands produce sweat in response to the nerve signal from the autonomous nerve system.  BOTOX^® can effectively help diminish excessive sweating.  Several studies shown up to 80% reduction in sweat production after Botulinum toxin was injected in problem areas. The decreased sweating can last of up to 12 months, depending on an individual and the area treated.

Regulations

As BOTOX^® is a prescription medication, its injections must be administered only by a qualified physician. Health Canada approved BOTOX^® for the treatment of hyperhidrosis of the underarms in patients 18 years of age or older.

Benefits and Side Effects of BOTOX^® in Hyperhidrosis Treatment

The effectiveness in hyperhidrosis is one of the greatest benefits of BOTOX^®. Botulinum toxin is a temporary solution and the effect wanes with time. Several decades of use of BOTOX^® for hyperhidrosis proved this procedure to be very effective and safe.  Because Botulinum toxin is injected locally, its action is limited to the injection site and most of the side effects reported are associated with injection itself, like pain, especially when injected in palms and feet. Local numbing is often used to minimize discomfort in these cases.

There might be a period of thumb muscle weakness (up to 3 weeks) when the procedure done for palms.  There was a report of a US teenager who temporarily lost an ability to text on her cellphone after she had the procedure done.

Some studies suggested that BOTOX^® may shift and affect muscles far from the injection site.  In very rare cases Botox injections may cause difficulty swallowing, breathing or speech problems.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a simple procedure that uses regular tap water and electrical current to control hyperhidrosis in feet and palms.  The mechanism of action for iontophoresis is unknown. While quite effective, this treatment is time consuming (takes at least 30 minutes 3 times a week), and it is often the biggest issue for the patients.

Surgical treatment

Surgery is one of the options for treatment of hyperhidrosis and it involves cutting the nerve path that is responsible for sweating of the respective area.  The benefit of this treatment is in its permanent solution, however some side effects like increased sweating in other areas "to compensate" the broken path or, very rarely, face asymmetry may be a significant stopping point to some patients.

Dr. Robertus Solution

At Dr. Robertus Laser & Cosmetic Clinic we offer Botox^® injections for control of hyperhidrosis.  All injections in our clinic are performed by a qualified physician and close follow-up is done to assess effectiveness of the treatment and safety of our patients.

How the procedure is done?

Injections are done with very fine needles directly in the problem areas. You may feel the prick of the needle, as no anesthesia is used. Ice packs are applied to the treated area for 10-15 minutes at the end of the procedure. Local skin numbing cream could be applied prior to injections to decrease patient's discomfort.

How Effective Is Injection Treatment For Excessive Sweating?

There were several trial studies showing decrease in sweating on average from 80% to 90% depending on an individual. You may expect to see decrease in sweating within two weeks after injections. The studies showed that decrease in sweating was still significant in 12 months after injections. While individual results may vary, you still can expect good reduction of sweating for the period of up to a year.

Is This Procedure For Me?

Suitability for this procedure is determined by a physician during your visit to our clinic, however, you should bear in mind that you cannot have have this procedure if:

• you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• you have been diagnosed with myastenia gravis or Eaton-Lambert disease
• you have hypersensitivity to albumin, botulinum toxin, or any component of the formulation;
• the skin in the sites of planned treatment is infected.

What To Do And Expect After Injections?

Following the procedure you

• must avoid touching and should not massage injection points for 24 hours;
• must stay upright for 4 hours;
• must not take hot bath, showers or be in sauna for 24 hours;

You will see the medication working in 2 to 4 days after injections with peak of effect in about 2 weeks. With time the medication will loose its strength and sweating may gradually return. Repeated injections advised to continue controlling sweating. Generally, effect of injection lasts for about 6 to 9 months.

How Much Will It Cost?

Price of injections depends on the amount of the medication used during the procedure. To receive individual pricing information, please make an appointment with our staff.

This treatment for hyperhidrosis uses prescription medication. It may partially be covered by your medical drug benefit program. Please check with your insurance company.