Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Articles

Botulinum toxin type A—better known by its brand names, Botox, Jeuveau, Dysport, and Xeomin—is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the United States. But, as much as it continues to find new audiences (the number of procedures performed grew 845% between 2000 and 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons) and new uses, including the treatment of migraines and hyperhidrosis, there remains some trepidation (and a little confusion) among those still wondering, “Is it right for me?” So, here, I’ll answer the questions about Botox that are difficult to Google—and sometimes even harder to ask in person.

Will Botox make my face look frozen?

It’s a concern that comes up more often than you may think. Botox is designed to soften or temporarily erase horizontal forehead lines, vertical frown lines, and crow’s feet—essentially, the creases that form from squinting, frowning, and smiling as the skin begins to lose its natural elasticity.

Yes, it does paralyze the muscles responsible for those expressions, but it will not affect the nerves that cause sensation. So, you shouldn’t feel any numbness. Nor should your face look like it’s frozen. I know there’s no shortage of images online of women and men who obviously look frozen following treatment, but that’s the result of poor technique, not the Botox itself. Which is why it’s important to be treated by a board-certified plastic surgeon who can accurately gauge the size of your muscles and how much Botox you’ll need.

Does it hurt?

Like most injections, you’ll likely feel a short-lived pinch, especially between the eyebrows. Some doctors apply numbing cream 10 minutes before the procedure or ice the area to numb it. Either is usually enough to minimize any sensation during the injection.

What can I expect the day after my procedure?

Generally, not much of anything. Everyone’s a little different, but, for the most part, you should experience little to no discomfort, and there’s no downtime. Results will usually begin to show within four to five days after the procedure. After that point, they’ll continue to develop gradually over the course of the next two weeks. If you’re planning to get Botox before a big event, schedule your procedure about two weeks ahead of time.

Will my friends and coworkers know I got Botox?

Possibly. Once you see the full effects of your results, you’re going to look undeniably fresher and perhaps younger. As long as you’re happy with the results, you’re probably going to find that it won’t matter to you as much as you think it will if your friends, family, and coworkers can tell. Much of the stigma that once surrounded Botox has fallen away, which is one of the biggest reasons for its surge in popularity. Every day, men and women are turning back the hands of time, and they don’t care who knows it.

With warmer weather on the horizon, many of us are weighing the same concern: Where exactly do you draw the line between normal and excessive sweating? And, is it safe to get sweat-halting Botox injections before a big occasion, like your wedding? As it turns out, excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is more common than you think.

Unpacking hyperhidrosis

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary is the more common of the two. It’s a result of overactive signaling from the sweat glands to secrete sweat. In other words, your body starts sweating without any clear reason. Primary hyperhidrosis can occur at any time and during any point in the year. You don’t necessarily need to feel warm. You can even be asleep when it happens.

Most commonly, it’s seen in the underarms, palms, and soles of the feet, though it can happen pretty much anywhere on the body, including the face.

Secondary hyperhidrosis, by contrast, is excessive sweating that’s brought on by an external factor, like medication or a physical condition, such as diabetes or a thyroid issue. With both types, there are also different degrees of hyperhidrosis: mild, moderate, and severe. Sweating through your shirt without doing much of anything on a temperate day would usually be classified as moderate hyperhidrosis. Severe is something along the lines of pouring sweat from your hands and feet when you’re at rest without any triggers.

When to be concerned

Now that we have a clear idea of how excessive sweating is defined, let’s get back to our original question: When is it time to start worrying about your sweat levels?

There’s an aspect of hyperhidrosis I neglected to mention before: It’s a relative disorder. Basically, how you perceive your sweating is very personal. What might be excessive to you is normal to somebody else. So, hyperhidrosis is harder to define than it first appears.

Generally, though, if it’s something you’re thinking about and it’s caused you some level of embarrassment, it’s worth mentioning it to your doctor. There’s no such thing as an overreaction here.

Does Botox really help?

Botox—yes, the same injectable that could help fend off wrinkles between your brow—is the longest-lasting nonsurgical treatment for hyperhidrosis. It’s most effective in the underarm area, where it can work for up to 14 months.

Botox works by paralyzing the nerves responsible for activating your sweat glands, but only in the specific area where it’s injected. You’ll receive several injections with a fine needle that’ll form a sort of grid pattern around the area of concern. It’s a relatively simple procedure that can be done during an office visit. And you’ll be able to resume your day as soon as it’s done.

While sweating does help eliminate waste from the body, it’s safe to get Botox in your underarms (or elsewhere) before a big event, or even to continue the treatment indefinitely. It’s important, though, to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon who can rule out any underlying medical causes.