Allergan Corp., the makers of both BOTOX® COSMETIC and the facial filler, JUVEDERM™ awarded The Berman Skin Institute the coveted "Diamond" classification. Allergan can detail physician experience on the basis of amount of medication administered to all patients annually, and their Diamond classification for the Berman Skin Institute thus recognizes this center as one of the most experienced in the world for administering the combination of BOTOX® COSMETIC and JUVEDERM™ facial filler.
Excessive sweating is a bothersome problem that results in awkward social situations for those that are affected. Studies have shown that salespeople with sweaty palms are at a distinct disadvantage. Although hyperhidrosis is generally not considered a cosmetic problem, many patients will come to the cosmetic dermatologist for treatment of this embarrassing disorder. Unfortunately, topical and oral medications, iontophoresis, and surgery have not proven to be desirable options for most patients. In fact, surgery can result in compensatory excess sweating in other parts of the body. Today, Botox can treat excessive sweating with good results. Dr. Berman and staff utilize the Starch Iodine Test to identify the location of the hyperactive sweat glands prior to each treatment, resulting in the most effective treatment available.
- Reduction or elimination of excess sweat production of the palms, soles, underarms, and/or groin area
Drysol™, Saldrize™, Certain Dry™ and other antiperspirant sticks
containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate and aluminum zirconium tetra chlorohydrex
glycine prevent sweating by plugging up the sweat ducts in the skin. These products
can be irritating with continued use and are largely ineffective in people with
excessive sweating.
Various medications taken by mouth may provide reduction in sweat production, but can result in side effects, such as blurry vision and dry mouth. Additionally, tranquilizers may reduce anxiety, but do not directly act to reduced sweat production.
Electrical iontophoresis machines are battery powered that use water and electrical gradients to reduce sweat production. These machines require hours of application, and are difficult to use properly. Additionally, they are only marginally effective for a great number of people.
Surgical alternatives include liposuction of sweat glands, cutting the sweat glands from the skin, as well as neurosurgical procedures which cut the sympathetic nerve responsible for sweat production. Surgery can result in damage to other structures in the neck, resulting in loss of motion of the arm, loss of sensation, and permanent dilation of the pupil of the eye.
The Starch Iodine Test is used to localize the hyperfunctioning sweat glands. Next, 10 to 20 tiny drops of Botox® are injected via a very small needle into the treatment area. Botox® is effective in reducing or abolishing sweat production in treated areas because the eccrine glands are innervated by sympathetic nerves that use acetylcholine as the neurotransmitter. As Botox® blocks this neurotransmitter, sweat production declines.
Most patients with excessive sweating may undergo Botox treatments. Patients with neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis and who are pregnant should not undergo this therapy.
Botox® injections to the sweat-producing areas take effect within 48 hours
and can frequently provide relief for as long as six months. Many patients have
associated reduction of sweat odor, though this may not be as remarkable as the
reduction in actual sweat production.
With more than 2.0 million treatments performed last year and a superb safety track record, Botox has rapidly become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Botox injections can result in small bruises at the injection sites, lasting five days or so. Weakness of the hand can occur with high doses. Such weakness is rare, and recedes away within days to a few weeks. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally.
None. You can return to work the same day and resume most of your regular activities.
Underarm areas usually require no anesthetic. The palms and soles require a cooling spray called The Zimmer, sprayed onto the skin during the procedure. Most patients find this very comfortable.
None
Normal activity can be immediately resumed, while heavy exercise should be avoided for several hours.
