Sweat-Free Summer? Yes, Please!

While Botox is best known for smoothing fine lines, there’s another reason people are lining up for the injectable this summer—and it has nothing to do with wrinkles. At FORM Face and Body in Toronto, the Surgical Care and Aesthetics Nursing team is using neuromodulators in a whole new way: to treat excessive sweating. Known as “Sweat Tox,” this highly effective (and Health Canada–approved) solution for underarm hyperhidrosis is helping patients beat the heat and boost their confidence. We sat down with the pros at FORM to talk about how it works, what to expect, and why this might just be the summer game-changer you’ve been waiting for. —Noa Nichol

Most people associate Botox with wrinkle-smoothing—how did it become a go-to treatment for excessive sweating?

Botulinum toxin (the generic name for Botox) actually has many uses, based on its mechanism of action in the body. Simply put, it blocks signals from nerves to structures in the body. In the face, it blocks the muscles that move when you make facial expressions. In the underarms, it blocks the sweat glands from secreting sweat.

Can you walk us through how Sweat Tox actually works to stop underarm sweat—what’s happening beneath the skin.

Botox starts to act on the nerves which cause the sweat glands to secrete sweat (to cool body temperature) or which are affected by emotional responses to stress. Over the 2 weeks post treatment, the Botox gradually causes these nerves to lose “communication” with the sweat glands. This effect is not permanent and does not affect other nerves such as sensory (feeling) or motor (movement) nerves.

How quickly do patients typically see results, and how long can they expect the effects to last through the summer?

Results can be noticed after a few days but are considered to be at full effect after 14 days. The results can last for 2-6 months depending on an individual’s response to treatment.

Is there any difference in how Sweat Tox is administered compared to cosmetic Botox treatments?

Botox for sweating is more dilute than cosmetic Botox. It is administered with very small needles – tiny amounts of the Botox are injected very superficially under the skin in  the underarm or other area of excessive sweating. Multiple injections are done to cover the area.

What are some unexpected ways a treatment like this can improve someone’s quality of life—beyond just staying dry?

People who have this treatment for sweating feel more confident – they don’t have to worry about sweat-soaked clothing from warmer weather or stress. Many business professionals who do presentations in their jobs are relieved that they no longer have to worry about sweat stains in front of an audience.

We hear that it can also reduce body odour—how does that work, and is it an added bonus or part of the treatment plan?

Body odour from sweating is not caused by the sweat itself, which has no odour. It is the bacteria which we all naturally have on our skin, reacting with the sweat, which causes the odour. Therefore no sweat, no odour – so really, a bonus part of the treatment.

Sweating is a natural body function—are there any misconceptions about treating it with Botox that you’d like to clear up?

For many people, their sweating is excessive – called hyperhidrosis – and is not a natural response to warmer temperatures. We have sweat glands in many areas of the body which will respond to heat as needed so blocking underarm sweating will not harm the body. Stress sweating has no physical advantage for the body so there is no disadvantage in preventing this reaction.

For those who sweat excessively due to anxiety, events or workouts, can Sweat Tox provide psychological as well as physical relief?

Absolutely! Not having to feel self-conscious about sweat-stains and resulting body odour is a huge relief for individuals who have had to cope with these issues. They feel more confident and happier in general.

What should someone expect from their first appointment—how do you assess whether they’re a good candidate for Sweat Tox?

We will take a thorough medical history to ensure that there are no contraindications to having the procedure. There are very few for this treatment. If your sweating is affecting your quality of life, you are likely a good candidate.

With temperatures rising each summer, do you think Sweat Tox is poised to become a new seasonal beauty or wellness essential?

This is definitely an elective treatment – it can be done as a one-time treatment for a special event, like a wedding or it can be repeated on an ongoing basis for people with sweating that interferes with their quality of life. Is it essential? I would say that it depends on each person’s circumstances.