Excessive sweating can be emotionally challenging as well as socially and professionally disruptive. Patients afflicted with this disorder can routinely soak through clothing in a matter of minutes and resort to absorbent tissues and frequent changes of clothing or shoes to cope with the disorder. Excessive sweating can give the impression of nervousness and a wet grip can be hazardous at work. In severe cases, sweat runs down the trunk or drips from the hands. Clothing is quickly stained and ruined and thousands of dollars can be spent on dry cleaning and replacement of clothes or shoes.

The pathophysiology of sweating is complex. The sweat glands play an important role in thermoregulation and are located throughout the body, but are concentrated in the hands, feet and armpits. They are situated deep in the skin and secrete a dilute solution containing urea, lactic acid and sodium chloride. The hands, feet and armpits show an exaggerated response to mental stimuli. Local sweating on the cheeks and neck, associated with eating, can also be treated with muscle relaxing toxins. However, it is important to exclude secondary excessive sweating before treatment. Secondary excessive sweating can be associated with many disorders like: obesity, menopause, diabetes, endocrinological and neurological conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Muscle Relaxing Toxins and how do they work?
Why use Muscle Relaxing Toxins instead of other methods?
Do we have any alternative treatments for excessive sweating?
How effective is it?
How long does it last?
What are the possible complications or side effects?
How long will I need off work?
How long does it take?
Does it hurt?
How much does it cost?
Can I have my first treatment at the same time as the consultation?
Are Muscle Relaxing Toxin injections rebatable through Medicare or any health fund?

Why use Muscle Relaxing Toxins instead of other methods?

Blockage of the neurological stimulation with Muscle Relaxing Toxins appears to offer a safe alternative to a surgical operation, or ongoing topical applications to reduce sweating, with no specific complications or side effects.

Do we have any alternative treatments for excessive sweating?

Many treatments for excessive sweating have been described, but few are effective and acceptable, and none have been without possible complications.

• Topical agents may cause irritation and staining, and are not effective.
• Iontophoresis may provide relief, but is time consuming and requires frequent and numerous treatments. It is not effective.
• Tablets frequently have unacceptable side effects, and are only partially effective.
• Surgical Operations often fails to cure excessive sweating and can produce numerous complications.

How effective is it?

All patients get results. Most people can expect an improvement of 85% or more in the sweating. Treatment of the armpits is extremely successful. 99% of patients report they are either happy, or very happy with the results.

How long does it last?

The injections will remain effective anywhere from 2 to 12 months or longer, depending on the patient. However, usually the treatment lasts more then 8 months.

What are the possible complications or side effects?

Only 1% of patients have minor side effects which may include temporary numbness or weakness of muscles in the area of injection (palms and soles). So far we have not seen any complications following injections into armpits.

How long will I need off work?

It is unlikely that you will need any time off work. Straight after the procedure you can have slight soreness of the area for a few hours.

How long does it take?

Your treatment will generally take around one hour. We have to perform some skin tests to assess excessive sweating, apply numbing ice packs or agents to your skin and perform superficial injections.

Does it hurt?

The amount of discomfort varies from patient to patient and depends on the area treated. Some patients prefer the treatment done under local anaesthetic. Usually an anaesthetic cream will be helpful, however some patients require twilight sedation.

How much does it cost?

The cost of a consultation is $60. Treatment costs will vary between patients according to the areas treated. The cost is based on the amount of units of the Muscle Relaxing Toxin it takes to do the treatment. The session would usually cost between $800 - $1000. During one session, a series of injections are placed into the skin, and usually we have to use about 100 units for the hands or feet and 80 units for the armpits.

Can I have my first treatment at the same time as the consultation?

You can have a consultation to gather all the information necessary to consider Muscle Relaxing Toxin treatment for excessive sweating or you can have a consultation with the Doctor and then your first treatment. If the procedure is done at the time of the consultation, the consultation fee would be waived. This option would take one hour.

Are Muscle Relaxing Toxin injections rebatable through Medicare or any health fund?

Muscle Relaxing Toxin injections for excessive sweating are a new procedure so, it is not rebateable at this stage through Medicare or your private health funds.