Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
For people whose sweating is excessive and troublesome — most commonly under the arms — anti-wrinkle injections (botulinum toxin type A, a prescription-only medicine) can be an effective option. The treatment temporarily reduces the activity of the sweat glands in the treated area, which can significantly reduce sweating for several months at a time. It is a recognised treatment for focal hyperhidrosis when other measures haven't worked well enough. Your suitability is assessed in full at consultation before any treatment is arranged.
Individual assessment & treatment by a Prescribing Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine. Suitability is assessed individually at your consultation.
Areas this treatment can help with
- Excessive underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis)
- Sweating that hasn't responded well to antiperspirants
- Sweating that interferes with clothing, confidence or daily life
The treatment in plain terms
Botulinum toxin type A temporarily blocks the nerve signals that switch on the sweat glands in the treated skin. With the glands at rest, sweating in that area is reduced. The effect is temporary — most people see a meaningful reduction for around four to six months, after which treatment can be repeated. It's a local treatment and doesn't address generalised sweating, which may need a broader medical review.
The Science Behind Hyperhidrosis Treatment
Sweating is a normal and essential function — it's how the body cools itself. In hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands in a specific area (most commonly the underarms) are overactive, producing far more moisture than the body needs for temperature control. The glands are switched on by nerve signals from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch. Botulinum toxin type A is a prescription-only medicine that temporarily blocks the release of the chemical messenger (acetylcholine) that these nerves use to signal the sweat glands. With the nerve signal interrupted, the glands in the treated area switch to rest and sweat production falls — often dramatically — while normal sweating continues elsewhere in the body. The effect is gradual over the first one to two weeks and temporary, typically lasting around four to six months, after which the nerve signals return and the treatment can be repeated. It's important to note that this only addresses sweating in the treated area — generalised sweating across the whole body can have underlying medical causes that need a broader assessment rather than local injections.
What the treatment can help with
From consultation to review
Consultation & assessment
Your clinician takes a full history of the sweating, checks for possible underlying causes, and confirms whether local treatment is appropriate. If there are signs of a generalised cause, further investigation or a referral to your GP may be advised before treatment.
Tailored treatment
A series of shallow injections is placed across the affected underarm area using a fine needle. The appointment is quick, usually well tolerated, and completed with no downtime.
Gradual improvement
Sweating typically reduces over the following one to two weeks as the sweat glands settle. You may notice drier underarms and less interference with clothing and daily activities as the effect builds.
Review & repeat
A review is arranged to assess your response. Repeat treatment is usually planned every four to six months as the effect gradually fades and sweating begins to return.
Getting ready & looking after your treatment
Hyperhidrosis treatment is straightforward, but a little preparation helps it go smoothly and ensures the right area is treated effectively. We'll talk through your sweating pattern, medical history and what you've already tried at your consultation, and only arrange treatment if it's right for you.
- Tell us about any antiperspirants, clinical-strength products or treatments you've already tried
- Let us know if your sweating is generalised (all over) rather than just under your arms — a broader medical review may be more appropriate
- Share details of any medicines and supplements, particularly biotin
- Mention any active infection, rash or broken skin in the underarm area — treatment may need to wait until it has cleared
- Tell us if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive — treatment isn't suitable during this time
- Avoid shaving the underarm area on the day of treatment to reduce skin irritation
- On the day, arrive as normal — no fasting is needed
- After treatment, avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths and saunas for the rest of the day
- Avoid touching or rubbing the treated area for the rest of the day
- Keep your review appointment so we can assess your response and plan any repeat treatment
Is this treatment suitable for me?
Underarm hyperhidrosis treatment is suitable for adults with excessive, troublesome sweating in the underarm area that hasn't responded well to standard antiperspirants, provided there's no underlying cause needing other management. It isn't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with certain neuromuscular conditions, or with an active infection in the treatment area. Generalised sweating across the whole body can have medical causes that need a broader assessment — if your history suggests this, we'll advise you on next steps before offering treatment. Suitability is confirmed at consultation, and treatment is only offered when clinically appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
No. The treatment reduces sweating in the treated area for several months, but it's temporary and the effect fades over time. Many people return for repeat treatment around every four to six months.
You may also be interested in
Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Lines & Wrinkles)
Assessment and treatment for traditional facial areas: 1 Area £150, 2 Areas £180, 3 Areas £210, with a complimentary 2-week review.
Bruxism & Jaw Slimming
Treatment of the masseter (jaw) muscles to ease teeth-grinding tension and soften the appearance of a square jaw.
Chin & DAO Treatment
Softening a dimpled or pebbled chin and gently lifting the mouth corners by treating the chin and depressor anguli oris muscles.
Ready to discuss your treatment?
Your clinician will assess your suitability, answer your questions, and only recommend treatment when it's right for you.