Although most commonly known for its efficacy in cosmetic applications, one of the latest approved uses for Botox (Vistabel) is halting underarm sweating. What are the latest developments in this field?

The use of Botox to treat other conditions is a logical evolution in medical research. Although Botox has been used for minimising perspiration for several years now, it is currently a method that is rapidly gaining in popularity.

What are the benefits?

The main benefit is a significant reduction in underarm sweating that will last for approximately six months. An added benefit is the reduction of unpleasant body odour due to underarm sweating.

Is Botox® suitable for everyone?

Absolutely! Botox can not only be used for treating hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating caused by overactive sweat glands, it can also be used by people who simply wish to minimise normal perspiration, for example during the summer months. Celebrities have even been known to have Botox treatments before attending an Oscar ceremony to make sure they don’t have to worry about sweat stains on the big night. In both cases, Botox offers confidence and peace of mind, especially for sufferers of hyperhidrosis, who can get on with living a normal life and wear the clothes they want without having to worry about underarm stains and body odour. Only pregnant women should avoid treatment with Botox.

Which parts of the body can be treated with Botox?

Anywhere on the body where sweat is an issue can be treated with Botox. The most common areas are the underarms and, especially for businessmen, the forehead, which has a tendency to sweat when we are under pressure. Hands and feet can also benefit from Botox treatment, however, this is only recommended for severe cases of sweating, as this procedure requires a local anaesthetic which must be performed by an anaesthetist.

Is there any risk involved in blocking sweat production?

No, none at all. The areas treated only represent a small fraction of the body’s surface. Furthermore, there is no risk of increased sweating in other areas to compensate for blocked sweating in the treated areas.

Botox works on muscles, but in the treatment of sweat management, it targets glands…

Botox actually has an indirect impact on sweat glands. Neurotransmitters are responsible for relaying signals between the nerves and the muscles. By impairing the production of neurotransmitters, thus blocking transmissions from the nerves to the muscles, contraction is inhibited, preventing wrinkles from forming as a result of repeated contraction. Similarly, by blocking the release of the neurotransmitters that stimulate the sweat gland, Botox reduces the production of sweat.

You are an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and participate as an international expert in the Anti-Aging Medical World Congress (AMWC) in Monaco and Paris, which brings together over 3,000 doctors. What are the latest developments in facial plastic surgery?

Non-surgical procedures have experienced strong development

• Using Botox®/Vistabel® in conjunction with dermal fillers can produce optimum results in terms of volume and definition. This enables us firstly to relax continually “tensed up” face and neck muscles, for a more rested, relaxed appearance. We then give the face a more youthful volume with the latest hyaluronic acid treatments (Juvéderm Ultra®, Juvéderm Smile® and Voluma®: effects lasting for one year) and with Sculptra® (polylactic acid: effects lasting for two and a half years).

Facial plastic surgery has also seen significant advancement as a result of:

• The use of ‘twilight’ sedation (a combination of local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation allowing patients to feel more relaxed and comfortable) in more than 90% of facial procedures.
• The development of improved medical instruments for use in endoscopic surgery (where a probe with a tiny camera transmits images from inside the body to a video monitor), particularly for facelifts. In fact, I have just released a DVD about these techniques. These instruments now enable us to carry out extremely precise, localised procedures (such as eyebrow, cheek, eyelid and lower cheek lifts) through tiny incisions, meaning less trauma and faster recovery.
• For nose procedures, this technique allows for greater precision and better balance of facial features.

In summary, the main thing is that people feel happy and confident about their appearance and achieve natural results. A well-balanced face lights up the eyes of the beholder…

➥ Botox for sweat management - prices

Bibliography :

1. H. RASPALDO – LE POINT – 7 Mars 2003 – “Botox, la potion qui deride” (Botox, the youth potion)
2. P. LEVY – “L’Eté sans transpirer” (A Sweat-Free Summer) – ELLE/Switzerland 2005
3. H. RASPALDO – S. FAGIEN Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology May 2007