Anti-sweating injections are a simple, long lasting solution for excessive sweating in almost any location in the body.
Many people suffer from persistent, frequent episodes of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) at their hands, under arms or face. This can lead to embarrassment in an attempt to conceal the wet spots and also because excessive sweating is perceived as a sign of nervousness and unkemptness.
Sweating is our body’s way of reducing our body temperature. The odour associated with sweating is due to the action of normal bacteria in our skin. The chemical used in anti-seating injections works by binding to nerve endings to stop the release of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that stimulates seat glands to produce salty water. The medication used in anti-sweating injections has been used to safely treat muscle spasms in adults and children since the late 1960s. For twenty years, muscle relaxing and anti-sweating injections have been used to reversibly control the muscles that produce wrinkles in our face and that release sweat from sweat glands.
While this medication has been safely used for many years, it is not recommended in women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
What does the procedure involve?
The dose and areas to be targeted will be determined in a consultation with one of our surgeons .
The area to be injected will be cleaned and mapped using a special chemical reaction on your skin to identify the specific areas that are abnormally productive of sweat. A topical local anaesthetic can be used or a nerve block will be given prior to anti-sweating injections into the hands. The anti-sweating injections are given using tiny 0.3mL sized syringes, in a series of small injections. The effect of the injection will become apparent after 3-5 days, and will persist for 6-12 months.
What are the risks of anti-sweating injections?
Slight tenderness and bruising can occur at the sight of injection. This usually fades quickly, and can be easily covered by makeup. While other side effects are reported, they are extremely rare, but can be discussed during your consultation.
How long do the results last?
The results vary between individuals, but most experience 6-12 months of effect. Some patients are concerned that there may be a rebound worsening once the injection wears off. This is not the case. Most people are so pleased with the result that they return for annual injections to help control their sweating problem.
Is there a medicare rebate for anti-sweating injections?
A Medicare rebate is available for patients over 12 years of age who have a problem with axillary (under arm) sweating that cannot be controlled with the use of anti-perspirants.