Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Sweating is a completely normal way in which the body regulates body temperature, and is generally a very important function of the body. However, some people may have a condition where they actually sweat too much causing them unnecessary anxiety and embarrassment.

What is Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)?

Most people sweat when they exercise or when they feel hot. Some people may also sweat under stressful conditions. These are all common reasons to sweat.

People who suffer from hyperhidrosis however, will begin to sweat excessively, which can cause anxiety and awkwardness particularly in social situations. Excessive sweating is often triggered by the same things as normal sweating such as heat and physical activity, but stressful situations can often increase the probability of an excessive sweating episode. These episodes can come about suddenly at any time during the day or night and can occur at least once a week, if not more.

Those who have hyperhidrosis will typically experience excessive sweating on their hands, feet, underarms, or face, but excessive sweating can also affect other areas of the body such as the scalp or groin for instance.

There are two kinds of hyperhidrosis. The first type of excessive sweating is called essential or primary focal hyperhidrosis, where there is no apparent medical reason behind the abnormal sweating. This type of excessive sweating is primarily due to the nerves that control your sweat glands becoming overactive and not being able to properly regulate the amounts of sweat produced.

The second type of hyperhidrosis (secondary hyperhidrosis) is less common than the first, and is due to an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, thyroid conditions, menopause, and particular infections, amongst other possible conditions.

How is Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) Treated?

Because hyperhidrosis can point to an underlying medical condition it’s always a good idea to have it assessed by your doctor.

At The Plastic Surgery Clinic or MD Beauty Clinic, you will first have a complimentary consultation with one of our expert doctors in order to assess your condition and to take a thorough medical history. We will then schedule you in for treatment if needed.

There are numerous ways in which hyperhidrosis can be treated. If your hyperhidrosis is due to an underlying medical condition, then you’ll be advised to have your family doctor treat the underlying  condition or refer you to the specialist who can treat the medical condition.

If you have the more common form of excessive sweating, essential hyperhidrosis, typically at The Plastic Surgery Clinic and MD Beauty Clinic we will treat it via botulinum toxin (such as Botox or Myobloc) injections, which we have found to be extremely effective in regulating the condition. Botulinum toxin works by temporarily blocking the nerves that regulate your sweat glands in order to keep the glands from overproducing sweat.

Hyperhidrosis treatment via botulinum toxin injections is a straightforward outpatient procedure. Your doctor will give you a local anesthetic so that you do not feel any pain and are comfortable throughout the treatment. He/she will then give you several injections in the affected area.

How Much Does Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) Treatment Cost?

The cost of hyperhidrosis treatment is dependent on the severity of your case and how many injections are needed to treat an affected area, and whether you need treatment for multiple areas of the body. You will receive a firm quote once you have had a consultation with one of our doctors.

In some cases hyperhidrosis treatment might be covered by OHIP. We will send a referral in order to confirm whether OHIP will cover the cost of the treatment.

How Long Does Hyperhidrosis Treatment (excessive sweating) Last?

Hyperhidrosis treatment can last anywhere from 6-12 months, after which the affected area will have to be treated again. For the first few treatments more frequent treatments may be necessary (every 4-6 months) after which patients will be able to take longer intervals between treatments.

To find out more, please contact us by phone or e-mail or by filling out the Request for Information form below.