Botulinum Toxin (Botox) – Excessive armpit sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis)
How Does the Botulinum Toxin Hyperhidrosis Treatment Work?
- Anti-sweat injections work by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate sweating. Stopping these signals, stops the sweating.
What to Expect During and After Your Anti-Sweat Injections?
- You will be given the option of having a numbing cream applied to the treatment areas 30 minutes before the treatment takes place.
- The area will be marked out for treatment. 10 to 20 injections will be administered per armpit.
After the injections are administered icepacks will be applied to the area for 5 minutes.
- Typically, you will be able to return to work and normal activities straight away.
- Most patients notice reduction of excessive sweating within 8 – 14 days.
Is the Hyperhidrosis Treatment Painful?
- The injections are considered tolerable. The injection needle itself is very small, however you will need to tolerate 10 to 20 injections per underarm. For this reason, we do offer you the option of having a numbing cream applied 30 minutes before the treatment is administered.
- The numbing cream is effective in eliminating the pain associated with each injection.
How Safe Is the Treatment?
- Anti-sweat injections are proven to be safe.
- The treatment has been approved by Medicare in Australia since June 2012 (pregnant women excluded).
How Long Does the Result Last?
- This treatment gives a temporary result. 3 treatments per year is a common patient treatment plan.
- Typically, the effectiveness of anti-sweat injections can last between 3-9 months before another treatment is needed to maintain results.
Medicare Rebate Eligibility
To be eligible for the Medicare rebate towards the cost of anti-sweat injections you must meet the following criteria:
- Be over the age of 12 and not pregnant.
- You must have tried using a clinical strength antiperspirant (e.g., Driclor – available at most chemists) for 1-2 months and this has proven unsuccessful in reducing excessive sweating or has not been tolerated.
If you are meet the above eligibility criteria you will be entitled to a Medicare rebate towards the cost of anti-sweat injections 3 times per year with a 4-month gap between each treatment.
Book a hyperhidrosis treatment appointment
You will need to obtain a referral from your GP to access Medicare rebates for any consultation and treatment costs for anti-sweat injections. Be sure that you have read and met the Medicare eligibility criteria listed above.
COST:
Our price for anti-sweat injections is $620.00. If you meet the Medicare rebate criteria for this treatment you will be entitled to a rebate of $216.25. We can submit your Medicare claim at the time of payment and usually the Medicare rebate is issued to you overnight. You will be invoiced directly from Epic Pharmacy ($41.30) to pay for the Botulinum Toxin, this will be mailed to you in the weeks after the treatment has been completed.