Botox for Excess Underarm Sweating

What is Botox for Axillary Hyperhidrosis?

Botox® is an FDA-approved treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis. It temporarily blocks the nerve signals that activate sweat glands, reducing excessive underarm sweating.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Your appointment is designed to be efficient and comfortable. Your provider will confirm your medical history, review the treatment map for even coverage, and explain each step so you know what to expect from Botox for axillary hyperhidrosis.

• Preparation: The underarm area is cleansed and marked to guide placement. A numbing cream or ice may be used to reduce sensation.

• Injections: Multiple tiny intradermal injections are placed in a grid pattern, typically 10 to 15 per side, to evenly target the sweat glands.

• Time: Most visits take about 20 to 30 minutes, including setup and brief post-care instructions.

• Comfort: Patients usually describe the sensation as quick pinches or stings that pass within seconds.

After the final injection, the skin is cleaned and you will receive simple aftercare guidance. You can return to normal activities right away, and most people find the process straightforward and well tolerated.

After the Procedure

Recovery is minimal and most patients resume their day immediately. Your provider will review what improvements to expect and how to plan maintenance treatments to keep results steady.

• Downtime: Normal activities can resume right away.

• Onset of Results: Most patients notice less sweating within 3 to 7 days, with full effect at around 2 weeks.

• Duration: Results commonly last 6 to 9 months. Many patients repeat treatment once or twice per year.

• Follow-Up: A brief check may be scheduled to assess results and perform a touch-up if needed.

If you experience mild redness or tenderness, it usually resolves quickly. Consistent follow-up helps you maintain reliable control of underarm sweating with this proven Botox treatment.

How Effective Is Botox for Underarm Sweating?

Botox for axillary hyperhidrosis is well studied and offers predictable relief when placed intradermally in an even grid. Most patients notice a meaningful reduction in sweat within the first week and stable control by two weeks.

• Sweat reduction: Many patients experience a 70–90% decrease in underarm sweating with a single treatment.

• Consistency of results: Outcomes are dose and placement dependent. A touch-up or dose adjustment can optimize results if sweating persists in small areas.

• Quality of life: Patients commonly report improved comfort, fewer clothing changes, and greater confidence in social and professional settings.

• Durability: Effects typically last 6–9 months. Maintenance once or twice per year keeps results steady.

If results vary, your provider may re-map the area, adjust units, or schedule an earlier follow-up to refine coverage.

Possible Side Effects

When performed by a trained clinician, Botox under the arms is considered safe and well tolerated. Side effects are usually mild and temporary.

• Common, short-lived reactions: Redness, swelling, tenderness, or small bruises at injection sites.

• Local effects: Rare, mild muscle weakness or a “heavy” sensation in the treated area that resolves on its own.

• Compensatory sweating: Increased sweat in other body areas can occur, but is less common with underarm treatment than with surgical procedures.

• Infection or allergy: Uncommon. Seek medical care for hives, severe rash, or signs of infection.

• Very rare systemic effects: Trouble breathing, swallowing, or changes in vision require urgent medical attention.

Following your aftercare guidance, avoiding vigorous rubbing of the area, and skipping high-heat activities the same day can help minimize irritation.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

This treatment is designed for adults whose underarm sweating disrupts daily life and has not improved with medical-strength antiperspirants or other non-invasive options.

Generally good candidates:

• Adults with primary axillary hyperhidrosis affecting work, social activities, or wardrobe choices.

• Individuals seeking a minimally invasive, office-based treatment with no downtime.

• Patients open to maintenance sessions every 6–9 months.

You may need a different plan or additional review if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Have an active skin infection in the underarm area.

• Have a history of neuromuscular disorders or prior allergy to botulinum toxin.

• Take certain medications that may interact with treatment.

• Prefer a permanent option; in that case, your provider can discuss alternatives.

A brief consultation helps confirm your diagnosis, review prior treatments, and estimate the number of units needed for even, long-lasting results. If appropriate, your clinician can also discuss insurance requirements or payment options for your hyperhidrosis treatment.