The Ultimate Guide to Underarm Botox: Benefits and Cost

Introduction

For some people, underarm sweating goes far beyond the occasional sweat patch after a workout or a warm day. Excessive sweating, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis, can make everyday situations feel stressful.

Underarm Botox is a medically approved treatment used to reduce excessive sweating by blocking the nerve signals that activate your sweat glands. Many people notice an 80% to 90% reduction in sweating within the first week after treatment.

If strong antiperspirants and lifestyle changes do not make any much difference, underarm Botox could give you a safe and effective solution that helps you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Related read: Hyperhidrosis symptoms and causes

 

What Is Underarm Botox?

Underarm Botox uses small amounts of botulinum toxin type A injected into the skin of the underarm area. This is the same Botox commonly used in cosmetic treatments. However, when used under the arms, it helps control excessive sweating.

This treatment is often recommended for people with axillary hyperhidrosis, a condition where the underarm sweat glands are overactive and produce far more sweat than the body actually needs.

Underarm Botox is recognised as a medical treatment for excessive sweating and has been approved in the UK for this specific use.

Related read: Botox for hyperhidrosis

 

How Does Underarm Botox Work?

Botox temporarily blocks the chemical messenger called acetylcholine that tells your brain that it is time to sweat.

When you exercise, feel nervous, or your body temperature gets too warm, your nerves release this messenger to activate the sweat glands. Without receiving this signal, the sweat glands in the treated area become much less active, which means they produce less sweat.

It is important to know that this treatment does not damage or remove your sweat glands, and it does not stop your body from cooling itself down. You will still sweat normally in other areas when needed.

 

The Benefits of Underarm Botox

For people who are living with excessive sweating, the benefits can go far beyond reducing damp patches.

Clinical studies and patient experiences consistently offer benefits like:

• Significantly reduce sweating: there are 80% to 90% reduction in underarm sweating after treatment.
• Quick treatment: appointments usually take between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the clinic and your treatment plan.
• No surgery required: this treatment only involves small injections, no incisions, stitches, or hospital stays.
• Fast recovery time: you can return to your normal daily activities right after the treatment.
• Boost in confidence: reducing excessive sweating can help you feel more like yourself again.

 

Is Underarm Botox Right For You?

No treatment is perfect, and it is important to know what are the advantages and limitations before booking for a session.

Here are the things to keep in mind:

• Results are not permanent: for most people, the effects last around 6 to 9 months, but in some cases, Botox wears off sooner or last longer.
• It can be expensive: costs can add up over time because treatment is done in private clinics.
• You may need ongoing maintenance: if underarm Botox is effective for you, you will likely want future appointments, meaning you will consider long-term financial commitment.
• Side effects can occur: most side effects are mild, but you may experience temporary bruising, swelling, or discomfort.
• It is not suitable for everyone

This treatment is not recommended to those who:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have certain neurological conditions
• Have an active infection in treatment area

Related read: Botox for Sweating and Hyperhidrosis: Does it Work?

 

 

How Much Does Underarm Botox Cost in the UK?

In the UK, underarm Botox treatment ranges from around £500 to £900 or more.

There are several factors affecting the overall cost, including:

• Location: clinics in larger cities especially London, have higher operating costs, which can be reflected in their prices.
• Amount of Botox needed: many practitioners use around 100 units in total, but the exact amount depends on how severe your case is.
• The experience of the injector: a highly experienced doctor or specialist nurse may charge more for their expertise.
• Clinic reputation: clinics who are established with excellent reviews may charge for premium prices.

 

Is Underarm Botox Available on the NHS?

In most cases, underarm Botox is considered a private treatment. But there are some exceptions.

The NHS may consider Botox treatment if:

• The excessive sweating is severe
• It greatly affects your everyday life
• Other strong prescription antiperspirants have not worked
• Other alternative treatments have been unsuccessful

Access can vary depending on your local NHS services and referral criteria.

 

What Happens During an Underarm Botox Appointment?

Here is what you can expect during your appointment:

 

Step 1: Consultation

The first step is you will have a consultation with a qualified practitioner.

During your consultation, your practitioner will check the severity of your sweating.

They will also ask about:

• Your medical history
• The treatments you have tried
• Any medications you are taking
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Any allergies or previous reactions to Botox

You can also ask questions and discuss your expectations.

 

Step 2: The treatment itself

On the day of the treatment, you will be asked to arrive with clean underarms and without deodorant.

Your practitioner will now prepare the area:

1. Small dots may be drawn on each underarm in a grid pattern
2. Your practitioner now applies numbing cream if you are worried about discomfort, and to make you more comfortable.
3. Botox is injected under the surface of the skin. You can expect:

• 10 to 20 minutes per underarm
• Approximately 50 units per underarm
• The process to take about 10 to 15 minutes

 

Step 3: Follow aftercare tips

What you should do

For the first day or two:

• Keep the area clean and dry
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Apply a cold compress if you feel mild tenderness
• Follow any specific advice from your practitioner

 

What to avoid

For the first 24 hours, try to avoid:

• Intense exercise: Heavy workouts can increase blood flow and sweating immediately after treatment.
• Saunas and steam bath: excessive heat may increase irritation and discomfort.
• Applying deodorant too soon: it is recommended to avoid deodorant for the first 24 hours and follow the advice of your clinic.
• Rubbing or massaging the area: avoid excessive pressure on the treated area during the first day or two.

 

When Will You Notice a Difference?

Botox takes a little time to work. Most people notice:

• Some improvement within 3 to 7 days
• Reduction in sweating over the following week
• Full results at around 10 to 14 days

Your practitioner may arrange a review appointment to check your results and see whether you will need any adjustments.

 

How Long Does Underarm Botox Last?

The effects of Botox slowly wear off over time. Most people notice results that last between 6 and 9 months, but everybody respond to Botox differently,

Some people find the benefits last:

• Around 4 to 6 months
• Up to 9 months or longer
• Occasionally close to a year

Many patients choose to book a treatment once or twice a year, depending on how long their results last.

 

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

Common side effects

• Mild redness around injection sites
• Mild swelling
• Tenderness or soreness
• Small bruises
• Temporary itching

These effects generally settle within a few hours or days.

 

Less common side effects

Some people may experience:

• Headaches
• Flu-like symptoms
• Mild muscle weakness near the treatment area

 

Compensatory sweating

Some people worry they will start sweating more elsewhere, This is known as compensatory sweating.

This can happen but it is less common with underarm Botox compared with surgical treatments for hyperhidrosis. If this occurs, it may involve increased sweating on areas such as the back, chest, or the abdomen.

 

When should you contact your clinic?

Call you clinic if you notice:

• Increased redness or swelling
• Severe pain
• Signs of infection
• Allergic reaction
• No improvement after two weeks

Serious complications are rare in underarm Botox, but it is best to get professional advice if you are worried.

 

Final Thoughts

Living with excessive sweating can be exhausting. If you have tried every strong antiperspirant and other measures without success, underarm Botox could be the answer you have been looking for. It is clinically proven to reduce sweating and improve day to day confidence and comfort for people who experience excessive sweating.

You deserve to feel confident in your clothes, your workplace, and your social life. So if excessive sweating has been holding you back, it may be time to explore the treatments that can help you.

 

FAQs

• Is underarm Botox painful?

Numbing cream can be used to make the experience more comfortable. Most people say that the treatment is more uncomfortable than painful.

• How long do the results last?

It lasts between 6 and 9 months, but some people find the effects wear off sooner or last longer.

• Is underarm Botox safe?

Yes, especially when done by a qualified professional. It is considered very safe and effective in treating excessive sweating.

• Can I have this treatment while I am pregnant?

Underarm Botox is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always discuss your medical history with your doctor before proceeding.

• Will my sweating completely stop?

You will reduce the sweating by 80% to 90%, while still maintaining the natural ability of your body to regulate temperature.