Can Botox Injections Help Alleviate Sweating?

If you’re someone who sweats a lot, you’ve likely tried your fair share of deodorants and antiperspirants to help keep BO at bay. But if over-the-counter (or even prescription) antiperspirants aren’t cutting it, you may want to consider another option: Botox. “Most people think Botox is only for face wrinkles, but there are so many other amazing uses,” says double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Shafer, M.D., FACS. “It’s an incredible treatment to reduce sweating [too].” 

When injected into the skin, Botox (the brand name for an injectable treatment containing botulinum toxin) temporarily blocks the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract. On the face, this typically leads to a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. But if you inject Botox into an area that’s prone to sweating — say, the armpits — it can help block the signals that tell your body to produce sweat. The result: drier pits, fewer stained tees, and a noticeable reduction in body odor. 

While the results aren’t permanent, Dr. Shafer says Botox injections can help reduce sweating for three to five months, give or take. The number of units you’ll need depends on the area you’re getting injected. “The typical starting dose is 50 units of Botox per armpit, so 100 units total,” he says. If you’re targeting a different area, like the hands, feet, or groin, the number of units needed may be higher or lower.

While Botox is FDA-approved to lessen sweating, it’s not always covered by insurance, so if you want to try it for this purpose, you’ll need to budget appropriately. (Some with cases of hyperhidrosis — or excessive sweating — might have luck getting it approved.) The risks of Botox for sweating are the same as Botox for wrinkles: pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. On average, Botox costs $10 to $15 per unit. And, you’ll want to schedule injections roughly every four months to keep the benefits going strong. But if you’re looking for a long-lasting solution to your sweaty hands or pits, it may be worth the investment.