I'm So Over Sweating—So I Got Armpit Botox

There isn't really a cute or chic way of putting this, so let me just get this out of the way: I'm a sweaty girl. And it's not just an issue that persists through a humid, congested New York City summer, but throughout the crispest of east coast winters and, ultimately, year-round. I started entertaining the idea of armpit botox years ago, when I had grown beyond weary of avoiding white shirts like my life depended on it. My major hesitation? The concept of shelling out a decent chunk of money and the possibility of receiving subpar results. But, as a beauty editor who has grown more open to trying everything and anything and more curious about the treatment, I figured that this was the perfect time—so, I went to double board-certified, award-winning plastic surgeon Dr. David Shafer.

Some of you might be wondering: how exactly does botox work to prevent sweating? I had the exact same question—I didn't understand how could the treatment that I thought was reserved for wrinkles, lifting, and anti-aging purposes could halt a natural bodily function. "Botox (botulinum toxin type A) works by temporarily blocking the release of acetylcholine from the nerve endings that stimulate the sweat glands," Dr. David Shafer says. "Without that chemical signal, the sweat glands stop producing sweat in the treated area." For all those looking for a one and done treatment to halt sweating forever, Dr. Shafer wants this to be clear: the effect is localized and temporary, and sweating will return after the nerves recover. Armpit botox isn't a one-stop shop for a lifetime free of sweat—but, it will last for 4-6 months.

When I arrived to Dr. Shafer's office, I was met with the expected consulation questions: are you pregnant? are you allergic to any medicines? what medications are you currently taking? Then, I met with Dr. Shafer about the purpose of my visit and was given an open floor to voice any questions and concerns. As someone who has never gotten botox or form of cosmetic injection, I first asked Dr. Shafer if there was any reason why I shouldn't be doing this treatment—after pregnancy, allergies, skin infections/irritations, and certain neuromuscular disorders were listed as the only major deterrents, I was ready to go. The nurse applied a numbing solution, I sat with cotton pads tucked firmly beneath my armpits, and, as the proud Capricorn that I am, I typed away on my computer as I patiently waited for it to take effect.

Once the numbing solution had done it's job, it was time for a series of injections—and when I say series, I mean a lot of pokes to each armpit. Again, I'm both unfamiliar with botox injections and familiar with other medical injections, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I will say this: numbing solution and all, it hurt a lot more than I anticipated. After my right armpit was complete, Dr. Shafer asked if I wanted to take a break before proceeding with the left. My response: "let's just power through it"—my treatment ethos, if you will. His response: "That's the spirit," and I felt like a true champion even though it was just botox.

After the treatment, the soreness was very temporary and I didn't expect immediate results. "Most patients notice a reduction in sweating within 2–4 days," Dr. Shafer says. "The full effect is typically reached in 1–2 weeks." Three days after receiving the treatment, I noticed that I wasn't sweating as much—and in 90 degree weather, no less. Now, more than ten days post-treatment, the results are noticeable. I am definitely still sweating a little bit, which is exactly what the recommended two week follow up is for (touch ups, etc.), but it's truly nowhere near the amount that I was sweating before. I have, actually, been wearing white t-shirts and tank tops more than I have in my entire adult life.

If anything, this treatment made me recognize all of the other parts of my body that sweat a lot—the nape of my neck and forehead might need to be the next treatment locations!

For anyone who sweats excessively or has been diagnosed with primary axillary hyperhidrosis (a medical condition that causes uncontrollable underarm sweating), I think it's certainly worth considering, looking into, and seeing if your insurance will cover it. Without insurance coverage, it's definitely a huge privilege—but if you are able, feel like it's worth it, and have access to a trusted doctor that really knows what they're doing, I think it's a treatment worth trying.

After years of excessive sweating and destroyed white t-shirts, I finally decided to give armpit botox a try. I went in without any botox or cosmetic experience, but with a lot of medical injection experience under my belt. I was immediately made aware of two important timeline factors: results could take up to two weeks and results typically last for a maximum of 6 months. I would be lying if I said the treatment wasn't painful, but it was quick—and, I would advise that you power through and get it over with.

Three days after my treatment, I was sweating so much less. My underarm sweating didn't come to a halt completely, but a follow up appointment is recommended for the sake of touch ups—plus, my doctor assured me that it's best to not overdo it during the first treatment.

Based on my results, I would say that this treatment is worth a try for sweaty folks everywhere who are willing to withstand the temporary pain and have access to botox.