Sweatox - Frequently asked questions
How does a Sweatox treatment work?
The treatment works by blocking nerve signals to the sweat glands in the armpit area. This is achieved by using botulinum toxin. By keeping the skin dry, Sweatox has the additional benefit of helping to prevent body odour. (Body odour is formed when bacteria degrade sweat).
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How long do Sweatox treatments last?
Sweatox treatments on average last 4 to 8 months, depending on your metabolism. A repeat treatment can be performed just as safely after this time. You will notice your sweating returning to its previous level as the treatment wears off.
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Will I sweat more elsewhere on my body if I have a Sweatox treatment?
No, although this is a common belief. Just 5% of patients report this phenomenon, known as 'compensatory sweating'.
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What should I do before a treatment?
- Patients should not drink alcohol on the day of treatment
- All patients will need to have waxed or shaved the arm pit regions prior to their treatment, INCLUDING MALE PATIENTS. This allows the sweat test to be performed as well as allowing Botox to be injected as precisely as possible. It also helps reduce the chance of infection.
- It is recommended that patients discontinue any NON-ESSENTIAL medications or dietary supplements as these may increase the likelihood of bruising.
However, if you take any prescription medicines, you MUST seek advice from your GP before stopping these. No responsibility can be held for any adverse effects that occur if you stop these
The main medicines that make bruising more likely are listed below:
- Aspirin. This should be stopped 1 week prior to your treatment. (ONLY if your GP allows this)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, etc.) These should also be stopped 1 week prior to treatment
- Fish oil supplements
- Vitamin E oils or tablets
- Gingko Biloba, ginseng or any other herbal remedies
Patients who take warfarin cannot be treated unfortunately.
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What can't I do after a treatment?
Patients can expect to resume their normal daily activities immediately after their treatment.
There are, however, a few simple rules that MUST be followed after a Sweatox treatment to gain the maximum effects whist also helping to avoid the few potential side effects:
1) DO NOT massage, rub vigorously or wash the areas injected until the next day after your treatment. This also includes the use of deodorants and anti - perspirants.
2) DO NOT use deodorants or anti - perspirants until the following day.
3) DO NOT drink alcohol until the following day
4) DO NOT participate in sports, exercise or vigorous activity until the following day
These rules are designed to prevent Botox spreading to other areas of the body. Failure to follow these SIGNIFICANTLY reduces the effectiveness of the procedure and makes bruising more likely.
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What are the potential side effects?
Side effects include:
- Mild discomfort during the procedure
- Very temporary swelling or bruising
Patients can safely take paracetamol after the treatment if they wish.
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Who should NOT receive treatments?
There are just few but important conditions that are considered unsafe for the use of Botox.
These include:
- Pregnancy (or breastfeeding). Patients trying for a baby or who are unsure if they are pregnant should also avoid botulinum toxin treatments
- Rare neurological diseases such as Myasthenia Gravis, Eaton-Lambert Syndrome, Lou Gehrig’s disease or a previous stroke affecting the face
- ANY bleeding disorder
- Skin allergies affecting the underarm areas (or face for a wrinkle treatment)
Patients taking the following medicines should also NOT receive botulinum toxin treatments:
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics (Gentamycin, Neomycin, Streptomycin, etc)
- Penicillamine (used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis)
- Calcium channel blocker drugs (Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Felodipine, etc)
- A known allergy to human albumin products
You MUST declare the above or any other medical conditions known, as no responsibility can be held for undesired side effects.
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What should I do if I want to have a treatment?
Click here for full contact details
Patients are strongly encouraged to research the credentials of anyone carrying out botulinum toxin treatments. It cannot be stressed more that you must be treated by a doctor who is fully qualified, insured and is trained in the treatment offered.
Botulinum toxin is a medicine and as such needs to be prescribed just as any other medicine, taking into account the patient's medical history first. Please do not compromise your health simply for a cheaper option.
