EXCESSIVE SWEATING
TARGETED TREATMENT FOR HYPERHIDROSIS
Hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating beyond what the body needs for normal temperature regulation. Botulinum toxin treatments can temporarily reduce sweat production by blocking the nerve signals that activate sweat glands in the treated area. Treatment may be used for excessive sweating of the underarms, the hands, or feet, with each treatment plan tailored to the area involved and your individual needs.
Before Your Appointment
Medical Clearance
Before treatment, all clients must complete a medical evaluation to review health history and confirm that treatment is appropriate. At Selah, medical clearance is renewed annually and should be updated with any significant changes to your health, medications, or medical history.
Clean + Product Free
Arrive with clean, dry skin and avoid applying deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion, or other products to the treatment area on the day of your appointment.
History
We’ll review where and when your sweating occurs, how long it’s been happening, and how it affects you. Because excessive sweating can sometimes be related to medications or health conditions, your history helps determine whether treatment is appropriate.
At Your Appointment
-
A starch-iodine test may be used to identify the areas where sweating is most active. Iodine is applied to clean, dry skin followed by a light layer of starch. Areas of active sweating become visibly darker, allowing us to map the treatment area and target injections more precisely.
-
Treatment of the hands and feet can be more sensitive than the underarms. When treating these areas, numbing or another comfort measure may be used before injections to make the experience more comfortable.
-
A series of small injections is placed throughout the mapped treatment area. The number and placement of injections are individualized based on where sweating occurs and the size of the area being treated.
-
Selah uses only authentic, FDA-approved neuromodulator products obtained through trusted, authorized sources. Products are handled, stored, and administered according to appropriate clinical standards, with safety and thoughtful treatment planning at the center of every visit.
After Your Appointment
When To Contact Selah
Hands + Feet
Temporary muscle weakness can occur when botulinum toxin is used in the hands or feet. Let Selah know if you experience significant or unexpected weakness or any symptoms that concern you.
The First 4 Hours
Expect a Little Redness or Swelling
Small bumps, redness, tenderness, or mild bruising at injection sites can happen and typically improve quickly.
The First 24 Hours
Avoid Strenuous Activity and Heat
Avoid vigorous exercise, hot yoga, saunas, steam rooms, and other high-heat activities until the following day.
Avoid Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours because it can thin your blood and worsen bruising.
Be Gentle with Skincare
Wash injection sites gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Avoid scrubbing, exfoliating, using harsh products, or deodorant on the treated areas.
The Next Few Weeks
Give Your Results Time to Work
Sweating decreases gradually rather than immediately. Many people begin noticing improvement within 7–10 days, with results continuing to develop afterward.
Contact Selah if you have questions, unexpected symptoms, or concerns about your treatment.
Your Questions, Answered
-
Botulinum toxin can be used to reduce excessive sweating in areas including the underarms, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. Treatment recommendations depend on your symptoms, medical history, and the area involved.
-
Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks the nerve signals that activate sweat glands in the treated area, reducing excessive sweat production.
-
The starch-iodine, or Minor, test helps identify exactly where excessive sweating is occurring. Iodine and starch are applied to the skin, and areas of active sweating turn dark, allowing us to map the area before treatment.
-
The palms and soles tend to be more sensitive than the underarms, so additional comfort measures may be used before treatment. We’ll discuss the numbing approach with you beforehand so you know what to expect.
-
Most clients begin noticing reduced sweating within about 7–10 days, although response time varies.
-
Results vary by individual and treatment area. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that effects may last roughly 3–10 months for the underarms or hands and 3–6 months for the feet.
