Excessive Sweating Treatment in Edinburgh
Excessive sweating can significantly impact daily life, from work presentations to social occasions. At Edinburgh’s Waterfront Hospital, we offer effective treatment using precisely administered injections that reduce underarm sweating for 6-12 months. Dr Katy Nassar, our specialist practitioner with a Master’s in Aesthetic Medicine, provides this NICE-approved treatment in a comfortable, discreet setting.
The procedure takes just 30 minutes, requires no downtime, and offers reliable relief from hyperhidrosis. Our waterfront clinic provides convenient parking and a peaceful environment for Edinburgh patients seeking a proven solution to excessive sweating.
Content
Overview
Excessive Sweating Treatment
- PROCEDURE: Hyperhidrosis Treatment
- KEY COMPONENT: Tailored approach with multiple treatment options available upon consultation
- TREATMENT AREAS: Underarms, palms, soles, face, and other areas prone to excessive sweating
- IDEAL FOR: Significantly reducing excessive sweating, improving comfort, and enhancing quality of life
- PRODUCTS USED: Botox (Botulinum toxin)
- SUITABILITY: Individuals suffering from excessive sweating not controlled by over-the-counter solutions
- PROCEDURE TIME: Varies by treatment; typically take about 30 minutes
What the procedure involves
- Consultation and Evaluation: An initial assessment is needed to confirm the diagnosis of axillary hyperhidrosis. This includes a discussion of medical history, previous treatments, and suitability for injections.
- Preparation: The underarm area is cleaned and prepped for treatment. A small grid may be marked on the skin to guide injection placement.
- Procedure: Botulinum toxin is carefully injected into the marked areas of the underarm skin using a fine needle. Multiple small injections are made to evenly distribute the toxin in the area responsible for excessive sweating. The procedure is relatively quick, typically taking about 30 minutes to complete.
- What to Expect During the Procedure: The injections cause minimal discomfort. A topical numbing cream may be used to minimise pain. No anaesthesia is required, and the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
Benefits and expected outcomes
Benefits:
- Effective Sweat Reduction: One of the most immediate benefits is a notable decrease in sweat production in treated areas, contributing to increased comfort and reduced embarrassment.
- Long-Lasting Results: While not a permanent solution, the injections’ effects can last for about 6 to 12 months, offering a significant period of relief from excessive sweating.
- Quick and Minimally Invasive: The procedure is quick, usually taking about 30 minutes, and is minimally invasive with no need for surgical incisions or extended downtime.
- Improved Quality of Life: By managing sweat production, patients often experience improved social interactions, confidence, and overall daily comfort.
- Safety: When administered by a qualified professional, botulinum toxin injections have a strong safety profile with few associated risks and side effects.
Expected Outcomes:
- Reduction in Sweating: Patients typically see a reduction in sweating within 2 to 4 days after treatment, with the full effect becoming evident within 2 weeks.
- Return to Daily Activities: Most people can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure without needing a recovery period.
- Scheduled Maintenance: As the treatment’s effects gradually diminish, repeat treatments can be planned to maintain the desired results.
NICE Guidelines for Hyperhidrosis Treatment in the UK
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK provides guidelines for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. It recommends Botulinum toxin injections as a treatment option for individuals who have not responded adequately to topical antiperspirants. According to NICE guidelines, this treatment should be considered when excessive sweating significantly impacts a person’s quality of life and after other treatments have been tried without success.
For more detailed information on the NICE guidelines for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, visit their official website at the following link: NICE Guidelines for Hyperhidrosis Treatment.
Ideal candidates
Ideal candidates for Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis are individuals who suffer from excessive sweating that is not adequately managed by topical agents or other treatments. Patients should be in good general health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. A consultation with one of our specialists will help determine if Botox treatment is the right option for you based on your medical history and the severity of your condition.
Risks and Considerations
As with any medical procedure, Botox injections for hyperhidrosis can have potential risks and side effects, including temporary pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. However, these effects are generally mild and resolve quickly. Our team of highly skilled professionals is dedicated to minimising risks and ensuring the safety and comfort of our patients throughout the treatment process.
Aftercare and recovery
Post-procedure care for Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis is minimal, allowing patients to resume their normal activities immediately. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and are available to address any concerns or questions that may arise during the recovery period. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and plan for future sessions if needed.
What does excessive sweating treatment cost?
Our clinic’s guide price for treating both armpits is £450, performed by our expert aesthetic practitioner. This comprehensive package offers a cost-effective solution for those seeking relief from excessive underarm sweating.
This treatment offers a life-changing solution for individuals struggling with excessive sweating. It provides relief and improves quality of life with a simple, quick procedure right here in Edinburgh.
Frequently asked questions
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating beyond what the body needs to regulate temperature. It commonly affects the underarms, hands, feet or face, and can happen even when you are cool or at rest. It is a recognised medical condition rather than simply a response to heat or exercise.
What causes excessive sweating?
Most cases are primary focal hyperhidrosis, where the sweat glands are overactive with no underlying medical cause; this often runs in families and tends to begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Less commonly, sweating can be secondary to another condition or medication, which is one reason an assessment with a clinician is important.
How is hyperhidrosis treated at Waterfront?
Treatment is tailored to you at consultation. For focal hyperhidrosis (most often the underarms), one established option is a course of botulinum toxin injections, which temporarily reduce the activity of the overactive sweat glands in the area treated. Your consultant will confirm the diagnosis and discuss whether this approach is suitable for you, along with the alternatives.
Which areas can be treated?
The underarms (axillae) are the most commonly treated area. Other focal sites such as the hands or feet can also be affected by hyperhidrosis, and suitability for treatment is assessed individually at consultation.
How long does treatment last?
The effect is temporary. Many people find the reduction in sweating lasts in the region of several months before a repeat treatment is considered. Your consultant will give you a realistic idea of timing based on your assessment.
Does the treatment hurt?
Injections are given with a very fine needle and most people describe only brief, minor discomfort. Your consultant can talk through ways to keep you comfortable during the appointment.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Any change is gradual rather than immediate, typically developing over the days following treatment. Your consultant will explain what to expect and when to get in touch if you have questions.
Are there any side effects?
As with any treatment there can be side effects, which your consultant will go through with you in full beforehand so you can give informed consent. A consultation allows any risks specific to you to be discussed.
How do I arrange treatment?
Treatment starts with a consultation, where a consultant confirms the diagnosis, checks the cause of your sweating and discusses the suitable options. You can book a consultation online or contact our team, who will be glad to help.
Authors
Dr. Katy Nassar, BDS, GDC 80528, is an Aesthetic Practitioner at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh. She graduated from the University of Glasgow Dental School in 2002 and worked in general dental practice for fifteen years before moving into facial aesthetics. In 2022, she completed a Master’s degree in Skin Ageing & Aesthetic Medicine at Manchester University, which she was awarded with distinction. Katy is dedicated to expanding the range of non-surgical procedures offered at Waterfront Private Hospital.
Mr Omar Quaba, MBBChir, FRCS (Plast), GMC 4586300, is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery. Based at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh, he is fully accredited on the GMC Specialist Register and specialises in advanced cosmetic procedures. Full member of BAAPS.
