Hyperhidrosis Treatment London
Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis means excessive sweating. It is a condition in which the body sweats excessively in areas where there is a high concentration of sweat glands such as the hands, feet, armpits and the groin area.
Excessive sweating can occur when temperatures are cooler or at rest, but is typically worsened in the summer when the temperature rises slightly or by periods of activity and exercise.
Sweating is an important biological function, which enables the body to lose heat; however, people with hyperhidrosis produce sweat in amounts far greater than needed to control their temperature.
There are two main types of hyperhidrosis:
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Focal hyperhidrosis is the more common type involving excessive sweating on the feet, hands and, in about 30–40% of cases, the armpits. Botox® is recommended for the treatment of focal hyperhidrosis affecting the armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis) when other treatments have not worked.
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Generalised hyperhidrosis affects the whole body. This is much less common and is usually caused by another illness such as an infection, diabetes or when the thyroid gland is overactive. The excessive sweating usually stops when the illness is treated.
SELF-HELP METHODS
To help manage hyperhidrosis, the first agents to try are topical products that can help to absorb the excess sweat, such as talcum powder and cornstarch powder (e.g. Zeasorb®). These are usually only helpful in mild cases.
Stronger antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride e.g. Driclor ® and AnHydrolForte® can be used for armpits, hands and feet.
They are applied 2-3 times a week at night and washed off in the morning to avoid damage to clothes.
Application can be effective especially for underarm sweating. However, they can cause the skin to become irritated over time.
BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTIONS
Botulinum toxin injections provide an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis in many people.
Treatment involves injecting small doses of the same agents used to aid skin wrinkles into the skin of the affected areas.
They work by blocking the action of nerves that supply the eccrine (sweat) glands. This stops the glands from producing sweat.
Treatment totally blocks the nerve ending for about 6-12 weeks, but then new nerve endings start to form.
This means the effects of the treatment of hyperhidrosis lasts for several months but will eventually wear off.
It is estimated that 2 - 3% of the population suffers from hyperhidrosis (roughly 1 million people), with less than 40% of those affected seeking medical advice.
Excessive sweating is a common problem that can be solved easily, leaving you with dry, soft skin regardless of the heat.
Many things can trigger normal sweating and this is also true for hyperhidrosis – it’s just the amount of sweating that varies.
Examples of triggers include:
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Exercise/heat or cold/ alcohol,/coffee or tea/smoking/hot or spicy food
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Stress/ anxiety or strong emotions/ certain times of the day
If you have hyperhidrosis, you may produce a large volume of sweat. This means that your hands, feet, chest or armpits (depending on which part of the body is affected) may be constantly damp. This can make normal everyday activities more difficult to carry out and it may be causing you embarrassment at work or socially.
It is not true that hyperhidrosis causes body odour – the smell that some people think is due to sweating is in fact caused by bacteria if sweat remains on the skin for a long time.
FAQs
Find the answers to your questions about excessive sweating treatments with Hampstead Aesthetics.
If you would like to find out more, simply contact us for further information.
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What are Anti-Wrinkle treatments?Botulinum toxin A often referred to as anti-wrinkle or muscle relaxant injections is a prescription only treatment. It works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals to the muscles. The muscle becomes relaxed, in turn reducing the appearance of the lines and wrinkles.
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What do muscle relaxant injections consist of?Muscle relaxants consist of a purified version of a protein and toxin produced by a bacteria found in meat. When injected into targeted muscles, these products work by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscle. This controlled weakening reduces muscle movement, causing the wrinkles over the muscles to become smoother.
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When will I see my results?Initial results start at day 4-5 post injection but the full optimum result typically is seen at 2 weeks. At 2 weeks we offer a review appointment.
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How long will my results last?This depends on the area treated, and the individual client. Muscle relaxants usually last 3-4months, but in some cases can last as little as 8 weeks or can last up to 6 months Over time, you will notice the results of the treatment begin to fade, gradually returning your appearance to its pre-treatment state.
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What is the difference between Muscle relaxant injections and Dermal Filler?Muscle relaxants are used to treat wrinkles and lines caused by repeated muscle movement, such as smile lines and forehead creases. They work by temporarily weakening the underlying muscles. Dermal fillers are used to plump up the skin by adding volume. They may be used to fill in wrinkles caused by sagging skin, to restore volume lost to the ageing process, or to enhance areas of the face such as the lips and cheeks.
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Which areas can be treated?Muscle relaxants have been used successfully to treat most areas of the face, smoothing wrinkles caused by facial muscles. Common treatment areas include forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet and horizontal lines on the forehead.
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What is the ideal time to start?Many clients begin receiving injections of muscle relaxants as soon as they start seeing signs of wrinkles. Others wait until their wrinkles are more substantial before seeking treatment. There is no reason to delay seeking cosmetic injections. Many clients undergo decades of repeated treatments with no ill effects. While most clients begin seeking treatment in their early 30s or 40s, it can be performed safely on clients who are both younger and older. Some patients in their 20’s have injectable treatments to prevent wrinkles and lines from forming.
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Is this Treatment available for men and women?Yes, muscle relaxant treatment works well on both men and women.
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Are there any age restrictions?We do not treat anyone under the age of 18 years.
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Can I have the treatment while pregnant?No, for safety reasons you cannot have this treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Does this treatment hurt?The discomfort during this treatment is minimal. We use a very thin needle and the injection process is over in a matter of minutes. For very anxious clients a topical numbing cream can be applied if desired.
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How long will the injecting take?The injection process itself is over in just a few moments. You can expect to spend half an hour or less in the clinic.
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Can I still make facial expressions?One of the worries many clients express is that the injections will make it difficult for them to move their faces. While muscle relaxants do relax the muscle activity causing wrinkles, when used correctly they will not affect your ability to frown, look surprised, and make other facial movements. When overdone, muscle relaxants can have a tendency to cause a frozen appearance. This is why it is important to choose carefully when considering aesthetic treatments.
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Will people know I have had the treatment?We aim to create a natural-looking enhancement to your appearance. Often, people who know you well will remark that you look healthier, well rested, or refreshed.
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Do results vary from person to person?Yes, individual results can vary. The experienced practitioners at the Clinic can provide optimum results for each client through careful evaluation of their individual concerns and aesthetic goals. This enables us to provide a personalised treatment and use the right amount of product to achieve the results you desire. Choosing an established clinic with highly qualified experienced practitioners is key to achieving the best results possible.
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Are the results permanent?No, the result is temporary. The results last between 3-4 months depending the facial area treated, and your body’s ability to absorb the injected toxin. It can wear off after as little as 8 weeks in some clients and it can last up to 6 months in others. Many patients undergo regular touch-up injections in order to maintain their rejuvenated appearance. If you opt not to have further treatment, the treated area will gradually return to its pre-treatment appearance.
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Will it last longer if I have more product injected?With muscle relaxants it is better not to overdo it. In fact, over usage can increase side effects and lead to an unnatural looking appearance. Because most clients are unaware of how much product should be used to achieve their desired aesthetic result, it is the practitioner’s responsibility to recommend an amount of product that will create subtle yet noticeable results. You can trust the experienced practitioner at the Clinic to achieve optimal results by using the right amount of product to achieve your desired result.
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What happens when the results wear off?The results of muscle relaxant injections generally last 3-4months, depending on the area treated. As its effects wear off, the skin will return to its natural, pre-treatment state. If you decide against further injections, your skin will be left in the same condition it was before treatment; it will not be any more wrinkled than it was before treatment.
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How often will I need treatment?Many clients return for further treatment when they see the results of the initial treatment wearing off. For some clients top ups are sometimes necessary, as everyone is different, but are always free with us as we aim to provide sufficient levels in the first place.
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How often can I have the treatment?You need to leave at least 12 weeks between one full treatment to the next. If you are exposed to the toxin too frequently your body can create antibodies to fight against the treatment resulting in anti wrinkle injections resistance where it no longer works.
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Is the treatment reversible?Anti-wrinkle injections will naturally wear off over time, approximately 3-4 months.
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Will the treatment prevent new wrinkles forming?In addition to smoothing existing wrinkles, muscle relaxant injections have some ability to prevent new wrinkles from forming. They can reduce the repetitive muscle movements that lead to wrinkle formation.
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What can I expect afterwards?Immediately afterwards, minor side effects such as redness, swelling, and bruising are common. The treated area may also feel tender. These effects usually last 2-3 days and do not prevent clients from returning to work and other normal activities immediately after leaving the clinic. Muscle relaxants take 4 10 days for the effects to show, and often continue to improve for up to 30 days following treatment.
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Can I have a Top up?Our bodies response to muscle relaxants can vary. Some of us may need more than others to achieve the desired effect. Here at the Clinic we offer a free top up service. This is offered between 2-4 weeks following your treatment Should you feel you require it. Unfortunately a top up after 4 weeks would not be appropriate.
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Are muscle relaxants right for me?Muscle relaxants may be right for you if you have facial wrinkles such as smile lines or horizontal forehead creases caused by overactive muscles. This treatment does not work on wrinkles caused by loss of skin elasticity or volume.