Botox for Excessive Sweating in Ankara | Dr. Armin Müştak

Sweating is a natural process that helps the body regulate its temperature. In some people, however, sweating is excessive and occurs beyond what would normally be expected from the surrounding temperature or level of physical activity. This can affect everyday activities, social interactions, clothing choices and working life.

Excessive sweating is known as hyperhidrosis. It most commonly affects the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, face and scalp. Before treatment is planned, it is important to determine which areas are affected, when the sweating began, whether it occurs during sleep and whether an underlying medical condition or medication may be contributing.

For suitable patients, botulinum toxin may be considered as a medical treatment to temporarily reduce sweating in specific areas.

What Is Excessive Sweating?

Hyperhidrosis refers to sweating that exceeds the body’s temperature-control needs and interferes with everyday life.

It is generally divided into two main types: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis.

Primary Hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis is not explained by an underlying medical condition or medication. It often begins during childhood or adolescence and typically affects both sides of the body in a symmetrical pattern.

The most commonly affected areas include:

• Underarms

• Palms

• Soles of the feet

• Face and scalp

Primary hyperhidrosis usually does not occur during sleep. Some people may also have a family history of similar symptoms.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis develops because of an underlying medical condition, hormonal change or medication. The sweating may be more widespread, begin suddenly in adulthood or occur during sleep.

Possible causes include:

• Thyroid disorders

• Blood sugar disorders

• Menopause and other hormonal changes

• Certain infections

• Neurological conditions

• Certain medications

• Alcohol or substance use

• Less commonly, other systemic illnesses

If excessive sweating starts suddenly, affects the entire body, occurs at night or is accompanied by symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fever or palpitations, the underlying cause should be investigated.

How Is Hyperhidrosis Assessed?

During the assessment, the dermatologist will ask when the sweating began, how long it has been present, which areas are affected, whether it is symmetrical and how much it interferes with daily life.

The treatment plan may be influenced by:

• Whether the sweating is localised or widespread

• The age at which it began

• The presence of night sweats

• Current medications

• Other medical conditions

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Previous treatments and their results

• The effect on work, social activities and everyday life

Primary hyperhidrosis can often be diagnosed from the medical history and clinical examination. If a secondary cause is suspected, laboratory tests or other investigations may be requested according to the individual findings. The same tests are not necessary for every patient.

How Is Excessive Sweating Treated?

Treatment is selected according to the area affected, the severity of the sweating, the underlying cause and the individual’s general health. Options may include:

• Clinical-strength antiperspirants

• Prescription topical treatments

• Iontophoresis

• Botulinum toxin injections

• Oral medication for suitable patients

• Selected device-based treatments

• Surgical procedures in certain severe cases

Not every treatment is suitable for every part of the body. Iontophoresis, for example, may be considered particularly for the hands and feet, while botulinum toxin is more commonly used for excessive underarm sweating.

When selecting treatment, the expected benefits, possible side effects, duration of the effect and the individual’s expectations should all be considered.

How Does Botox Reduce Sweating?

Sweat glands respond to signals from the nervous system. Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces the nerve signals reaching the sweat glands in the treated area, which may decrease the amount of sweat produced there.

Its effect is limited to the injected area. The procedure does not stop sweating throughout the body or prevent the body from regulating its overall temperature.

The effect is temporary. Nerve signalling gradually returns over time, and sweating may eventually increase again.

Botox for Underarm Sweating

Axillary hyperhidrosis, or excessive underarm sweating, can cause visible wet patches on clothing, frequent changes of clothes, concerns about odour and discomfort in social or professional situations.

Botulinum toxin treatment may be considered for suitable patients with significant primary axillary hyperhidrosis that has not been adequately controlled with clinical-strength antiperspirants.

Before treatment, the area of excessive sweating is identified through examination or, when necessary, a specialised sweat test. Botulinum toxin is then injected at multiple small points across the affected area.

The product, total dose and injection pattern are selected according to the size of the sweating area and the particular botulinum toxin product being used. The units used for different products are not directly interchangeable.

Botox for Sweaty Hands, Feet and Face

Botulinum toxin may also be considered for excessive sweating of the palms, soles or face in selected patients. However, the injection technique, level of discomfort and possible side effects differ from those associated with underarm treatment.

Temporary weakness of the hand muscles may occur after treatment of the palms. Injections into the soles of the feet may be more uncomfortable. When treating the face, area-specific risks—including changes in facial expression or temporary eyelid drooping—must be considered.

Approved indications vary between botulinum toxin products. The treatment area, product used, expected benefits, limitations and potential risks should therefore be discussed before the procedure.

How Is Botox for Excessive Sweating Administered?

Before the procedure, the treatment area is identified and the skin is cleansed. If needed, a topical anaesthetic cream, cold application or another method may be used to reduce discomfort.

Botulinum toxin is delivered through multiple small injections into the skin. The injection pattern and dose vary according to the size and intensity of the sweating area.

The duration of the procedure and the number of injections differ from person to person. Aftercare instructions are provided according to the treated area and the individual’s health.

When Does the Treatment Start to Work?

A reduction in sweating is usually noticed within the first few days after treatment. It may take approximately one to two weeks to assess the full effect.

The duration of the effect varies between individuals. The treatment area, severity of sweating, dose, product used and individual response can all influence how long the result lasts.

If sweating returns, repeat treatment may be considered when medically appropriate. The timing should be based on the individual’s clinical response rather than a fixed schedule.

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

Botulinum toxin treatment for excessive sweating is not entirely without risk. Possible side effects include:

• Pain or tenderness at the injection sites

• Redness or mild swelling

• Pinpoint bleeding or bruising

• Headache

• Irritation in the treated area

• A weaker effect than expected

• Uneven reduction of sweating

• Infection, although uncommon

• Temporary muscle weakness, depending on the area treated

Area-specific effects may also occur. Treatment of the palms may temporarily reduce grip strength, while facial injections may affect facial expressions or cause temporary eyelid drooping.

Very rarely, the effects of botulinum toxin may spread beyond the treated area. Generalised muscle weakness, double vision, or difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing requires urgent medical attention.

Who May Not Be Suitable for Treatment?

The doctor should be informed of any of the following before the procedure:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• An active infection, open wound or significant irritation in the treatment area

• A known allergy to botulinum toxin or any ingredient in the product

• A neuromuscular disorder

• Use of certain antibiotics or other medicines that may affect muscle function

• Medicines that may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising

• A previous adverse reaction to botulinum toxin

Prescribed medication should not be stopped without medical advice. Suitability for treatment and any necessary precautions should be determined through an individual medical assessment.

What Should You Do After Treatment?

After the procedure, avoid pressing firmly on or massaging the treated area, and follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your doctor.

Temporary redness, tenderness or small raised areas may appear at the injection sites. Contact the doctor who performed the treatment if you experience severe pain, increasing swelling, signs of infection or unexpected muscle weakness.

The result should not be judged on the first day. Enough time should be allowed to observe changes in sweating. If necessary, the response to treatment and the extent of the sweating area may be reassessed at a follow-up appointment.

Botox for Hyperhidrosis in Çankaya, Ankara

At the dermatology practice of Dr. Armin Müştak, patients with excessive sweating are assessed according to the areas affected, the severity and onset of the symptoms, current medications, other medical conditions and previous treatments.

If a secondary cause is suspected, appropriate tests or further medical assessment may be recommended. For suitable patients, the treatment area, dose and injection pattern are planned individually. The expected outcome, limitations, potential side effects and follow-up process are discussed before treatment.

The practice is located near Turan Güneş Boulevard in Çankaya, Ankara. Appointments are available for the assessment and treatment planning of excessive sweating.