Botox is the go-to anti-aging solution for millions of women each year. In addition to keeping the face smooth and wrinkle-free, Botox is also given to eliminate the foot pain associated with wearing high heels. However, now it’s increasingly being administered in the hands to combat the effects of sweatiness caused by hyperhidrosis. But with between 50 and 100 units of Botox needing to be injected into each hand, is it safe and does it work?
Understanding excessive hand sweating
2.8% of U.S citizens have hyperhidrosis, according to Science Daily. When you have hyperhidrosis, it’s common for excess sweat to occur all over the body, and its the hands which are frequently affected. As your hands are almost always on show and are continually used throughout the day, more and more individuals are using Botox to keep their hand sweating under control.
How hand Botox works
Before Botox is administered into your hands, the surgeon will spend some time numbing your hands so that the whole process is as comfortable as possible for you. Once you’re both happy with the sensation in your hands, the Botox injections will be placed under the skin. The procedure usually takes no longer than half an hour. From there, the Botox will start to work its magic. This includes stopping the chemicals that work with the sweat glands from reaching them. In just a matter of days, the sweaty hands that you’re used to will start to feel better and within a fortnight, sweating will be reduced to the bare minimum.
Sadly, Botox is not a permanent fix for sweaty palms. While facial Botox usually yields results for at least 12 months, individuals who have Botox in their hands will typically experience just six months of reprieve from sweating. To continue to benefit, you’ll need to regularly have Botox top-ups, and of course, have the funds to cover the cost of it. But, the good news is that research has revealed that Botox can make hand sweating better by an impressive 80 to 90%. So, it’s an attractive prospect for those who battle the condition every single day.
The risks of hand Botox
Like all surgical beauty treatments, hand Botox does come with some risk. Following your treatment, you may experience bruising, loss of movement, and difficulties gripping. The American Medical Association also details the case of a teenager who temporarily lost the use of her thumbs following 30 Botox injections into her hands.
Something else to be cautious of is the fact that hand Botox isn’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for hyperhidrosis. Doctors, surgeons, and aestheticians are, therefore, administering it ‘off-label’. It is perfectly legal for these clinicians to do this as Botox is FDA approved. However, there are not enough studies or analysis into the short and long-term impacts that Botox has on the hands, which is why the FDA has not yet given it its seal of approval.
When you’ve got sweaty hands due to hyperhidrosis, it’s tempting to resort to Botox to resolve your condition. This is especially the case when excessive hand sweating is causing you embarrassment or is impacting your daily life. However, it’s essential you weigh up the pros and cons of this treatment before booking in for Botox shots as they’re not for everyone. To learn more about the pros and cons, find a doctor in Dubai and seek their guidance.
