Excessive Sweating Treatments in Launceston, TAS Hyperhidrosis - Overview
The condition of excessive underarm perspiration is called hyperhidrosis. Clients with axillary hyperhidrosis cannot wear light colours or certain types of fabrics such as nylon or silk. Clothes become stained, and fabrics may become ruined. This condition may cause significant social problems in both private and professional life. Profuse sweating may also lead to painful skin maceration, which can result in a secondary infection.
You may have suffered from excessive sweating for years in the belief that the only thing you could do was to keep applying antiperspirant and changing your clothes. Current treatments include topical applications and surgical treatments such as removal of the sweat glands which may provide relief for longer periods of time but these methods carry significant risks. There is now another choice of treatment for this condition.
A series of special injections can be used to target the sweating problem at its source. Once injected by Dr Julie Ostberg, the product enters the specific glands in the underarms responsible for excessive sweating. There it blocks the release of a chemical that signals the perspiration. The procedure itself takes about ten minutes.
This treatment is also becoming popular for the bride to be to enable her to keep that special wedding dress in pristine condition.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. Uncontrolled sweating caused by the overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system can occur in various parts of the body including the hands, feet or underarms. Although high temperatures or stress can increase perspiration, they don´t cause hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis may be an inherited trait that stops the body from properly regulating its temperature.
How is treatment administered?
An initial consultation with Dr Julie Ostberg will asses you as to your suitability for treatment. Providing you meet the right criteria you will then be able to book for your treatment.
At your appointment you will first be asked to exercise to enable the underarms to perspire. Then using a starch iodine test Dr Ostberg will determine the surface area of involvement of the sweat glands. You will then have some local anaesthetic cream applied and left for ½ - 1 hour while this works. Mostly the starch Iodine test is not necessary but will still be done is some cases.
Once the area is numb Dr Ostberg will inject small doses of a Botulinum toxin at spaced intervals under the arms. This medication begins to take effect after 48 hours and can effectively reduce or stop perspiration in this area.
What Side Effects Can I Expect?
This muscle relaxant product has been used worldwide since 1989 to treat a variety of conditions and movement disorders (head, neck, shoulder and face). Recovery is immediate and side effects may be mild temporary bruising and redness.
Generally any other side effects are minimal and temporary. Dr Ostberg will explain these to you on consultation.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
The results are dramatic and can last for as long as 10 to 12 months.
Most of our clients receiving this treatment have been perspiration free for nine months with gradual resumption to their normal perspiration after this time.
Most of our hyperhidrosis clients have treatment so that the summer months are more comfortable for them.
Who Performs This Treatment?
This is a prescription only medicine and therefore should only be administered by trained medical professionals. At Victoria´s Medical Clinic Dr Julie Ostberg has several years experience in performing this very successful procedure.
How Much Will It Cost?
$495.00 per axilla (incl. gst).
There may be some rebate from your private health insurance. You will need to discuss this with your health care insurer.
Also keep receipts as you may be eligible for a tax rebate benefit at the end of the financial year.
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