Excessive sweating in the underarm area can be uncomfortable in social interactions and is often perceived as very distressing by those affected, especially when they are under professional stress or in the public eye. The good news: sweat glands can be specifically treated with botulinum toxin.
Botulinum toxin is a type of muscle relaxant. When injected under the skin, it relaxes the fine musculature. Apart from treating excessive sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis), we also use this substance for wrinkle treatment.
Our specialists inject the substance with fine needles directly into the underarm area. The botulinum toxin blocks certain nerve impulses that cause increased sweat production. This muscle relaxant has been used successfully in dermatology for many years against heavy sweating – its effectiveness has been confirmed in numerous studies.
The substance is broken down by the body's metabolism within a few months. Therefore, it makes sense to refresh the treatment, which can be done regularly. The effect of a muscle relaxant treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis lasts on average seven months.
Today, treatment with the muscle relaxant is one of the most effective methods against excessive sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis). Our specialists, Dr. Georgouli and Dr. Hatzipouflis, will provide you with detailed information about the advantages and disadvantages before the first treatment and will conduct a thorough examination to ensure that no other condition is causing the excessive sweating.
The substance is injected into the area of the sweat glands with the finest needles under the skin. To minimize the sensation of the injections, we treat the relevant skin areas with an anesthetic cream or with local anesthesia (similar to an injection at the dentist).
For underarm treatment, a superficial cream is usually sufficient. The session lasts only 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the skin area). Post-treatment is generally not required. You can resume your desired activities immediately after the botulinum toxin treatment.
Usually, one session is enough. The effect begins after approximately one to two days. The duration of the effect varies between seven and nine months and is different for each individual. You can repeat the application anytime if you feel the effect is diminishing.
The Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich applies botulinum toxin treatment in the following cases:
For this, we apply several small injections precisely into the area where sweating occurs.
Most of the time, no post-treatment is needed, meaning you can resume your usual activities immediately. Your ability to work remains unaffected. However, you should avoid intense physical activities, sauna, or solarium visits for a few days.
Minor bruises, swelling, or redness may occur at the injection sites in the underarms. These usually subside within a few days. Once the anesthesia wears off, you can gently cool the treated skin area. Note: Do not use overly cold compresses and only leave them on the skin for a few minutes.
We use very thin needles for the injections with the muscle relaxant. Since our specialists work with special Japanese needles that are very delicate, the injections are usually not painful, only slightly uncomfortable. If desired, we can pre-treat your skin with a mild anesthetic cream. This takes effect within a few minutes, so you will barely feel the injections.
The costs for your treatment with botulinum toxin depend on the amount of the substance used and the treated skin area. In the Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich, the expenses for underarm treatment start at 700 CHF. An extensive consultation with our specialists is important before the first session. For this, please arrange an appointment at our clinic in Zurich.
Other treatments:
