Hyperhidrosis (excessive armpit sweating) 

We all expect to sweat when exercising or out in the heat…it’s a natural response to cool you down. But if you have Hyperhidrosis ( also known as excessive sweating), you’ll find this happens all the time. Some sufferers tell us they will only wear black or white clothing, as they find the sweating shows up too much when they wear another colour. They might avoid certain events, or take tissues, towels or a change of clothes with them in case of an embarrassing moment. If you find this affecting your lifestyle or your confidence, you might consider what can be done to make it better? In many cases there is no known reason for suffering excessive sweating, but there are a few known causes, including some medication and underlying health conditions such as hyperthyroidism. 

At Glo Aesthetics, you will have a full review to identify any triggers, and to make sure there are no underlying causes that require assessment by your GP. You will find out about the available treatments for excessive sweating, such as: 

• High performing antiperspirants containing aluminum hydroxide available from pharmacies, which are applied daily. 

• Medication prescribed by your GP, which is taken daily. 

• Botulinum Toxin ( also known as Botox), administered by a suitably qualified aesthetics practitioner as little as once per year. 

How does it work?

Botulinum toxin is a muscle relaxing protein which also helps reduce excessive sweating by blocking ‘messages’ from your nerve endings to your sweat glands telling them to produce sweat. The treatment involves several tiny injections into the “hairy” part of your armpits, and can take 20-30 minutes to complete. It starts to take effect within 3-10 days, and the effect can last up to 6-12 months. 

At Glo Aesthetics we use two brands of Botulinum toxin, Botox and Bocouture. 

What will happen at your appointment?

We ask that you shave your armpits the day before coming in for your treatment.  Before the procedure, your Aesthetics Practitioner will fully review your General Medical Questionnaire and may ask some questions to make sure the treatment is safe for you. They will explain to you about possible side effects and aftercare, and will take time to answer your questions. You may have some numbing cream applied to your skin, which will take 15- 20 minutes to start working.  Your skin will be carefully cleaned, and injection sites marked on your skin prior to the injections. These markings will be removed before you leave. The injections are comfortable for most patients. There may be lots of tiny injections in one area. This part will take 10-20 minutes.  

Afterwards your skin will be cleaned again. Your practitioner will explain to you what to do in the next few hours and days, and give you an aftercare leaflet to take with you.  Some people are surprised to hear that they will need to avoid saunas and steam rooms, alcohol and exercise in the days after their treatment, but it’s so important to follow the aftercare guidance to reduce the risk of side effects and to get the best result. You won't be able to wear deodorant until the following day.

Possible side effects

You may have mild redness, swelling, itching, pinprick bleeding,  or skin tightness for a few days following the procedure. It is normal to have some tiny, pale lumps in the areas injected due to the product placed, which needs time to disperse over the next 1 to 6 hours. Bruising can happen. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean something has gone wrong, it just means a tiny blood vessel has burst and the blood has risen to the surface. It will usually fade over 5-7 days. 

You might notice a low grade fever, headache, or cold symptoms in the first 1-2 days, and a mild tingling feeling in the area injected anytime from day 3 to 10, when the botulinum toxin is starting to take effect. 

Some people notice they are sweating more in other areas. This is a reaction your body can have to compensate for less sweat being released under your armpits. This can take a few months to subside and if it’s troublesome, it may affect your decision to have underarm botulinum toxin again. 

Rare side effects include allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, muscle weakness, and there will be information in your aftercare leaflet to help you know what to do. 

Cautions and Contraindications

If you are under 18, or have any of the following conditions, you cannot have Underarm botulinum toxin treatment:

• Pregnancy, or if you are Breast-feeding

• Active skin infection or open skin lesions under the arms

• Allergy or hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin in the past

If you have the following conditions, you MAY not be able to have Underarm botulinum toxin treatment. Make sure your practitioner is aware. 

• A condition or medication that affects your immune system

• A condition or medication that makes you more prone to bleeding or blood clots.

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which can lead to generalized muscle decrease  

• Any disease that disturbs the interaction between nerves and skeletal muscles (peripheral neuromuscular dysfunction) 

• Swallowing difficulties now or in the past

• If you are due to have surgery

Remember- You need to fill out a general medical questionnaire and have a consultation with your aesthetics practitioner before making the decision to have a treatment at Glo Aesthetics. We want to make sure it’s safe for you. We expect you to be open and honest about your medical history, and will give you the chance to ask questions if there is anything you are not sure about. 

Aftercare  - Underarm Hyperhidrosis

Today you may have undergone a treatment in which a tiny amount of botulinum toxin has been injected into your underarm area to reduce sweat production. It will usually take 3-10 days to start to work, and 14 days until the full effect has been reached. The benefits usually start to wear off after 6-12 months.

What’s normal after a procedure?

Injections can cause some redness, swelling, bleeding, itching, or skin tightness for a few days following the procedure. It is normal to have some tiny bumps in the areas injected due to the product placed there, which needs time to disperse over the next few hours. Bruising can happen, but don’t worry, it doesn’t mean something has gone wrong, it just means a tiny blood vessel has burst and the blood has risen to the surface. It will usually fade over 5-7 days. 

Some people notice a low grade fever, headache, or cold symptoms in the first 1-2 days, and a mild tingling feeling in the area injected anytime from day 3 to 10, when the botulinum toxin is starting to take effect. 

How to protect your result and reduce side effects:

• For 24 hours after the procedure avoid alcohol consumption, and exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat i.e. sauna, sunbeds, very hot showers, and strenuous exercise. These activities may increase discomfort, bruising, and swelling.

• Avoid wearing tight clothing in the area that has been injected until the skin feels well recovered. 

How to reduce the chance of infection:

• Avoid touching or washing the area that has been injected for 6 hours.

• If you have to touch the area ensure your hands are clean and sanitized. 

• Avoid applying deodorant or any other products to the skin until the following day.

Follow up:

In rare cases, botulinum toxin can wear off very quickly or not work at all. If this happens to you, we may recommend a “top up” within 4 weeks of your first treatment, which would incur an extra charge. 

When to contact us…

• If you develop twitching, muscle weakness, or numbness in the days following the procedure.

• If you are distressed or worried in any way, or have any other side effects you think are important.

• Redness, tenderness, itching or swelling that develop after 48 hours may mean you need medical assistance from us.  If you cannot reach us and you feel feverish, unwell, or the symptoms are worsening, please contact your GP or NHS 111.

IMPORTANT: Call 999 if you think you are developing Anaphylaxis

This is a life-threatening allergic reaction that may present swelling in other parts of the body ( hands, feet, eyes, lips, throat), wheezing, fainting, and/or difficulty breathing.

Contact us on: 07969821584