Hyperhidrosis
Many people suffer from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Sweat is normal when the body needs cooling during exercise or in hot environments. But for some, the body sweats profusely even when it does not need cooling. Often the sweat is on the hands, feet, underarms and head while the rest of the body stays dry. Almost 3% of adults suffer from hyperhidrosis. Of those, about half have axillary hyperhidrosis, or severe sweating in the underarm areas. This can be a devastating problem when you are trying to present as professional and calm or romantic and sexy– and there are giant sweat marks in your underarms.
Before toxin came along, treatments for hyperhidrosis were drastic, expensive, painful and often not all that effective. Sometimes people would have an invasive surgery to stop armpit sweating, only to rebound with severe compensatory sweating in another areas like the chest. Treatment with Botox or Dysport is simple and very effective and lasts usually much longer than the typical 4 months we see for wrinkle treatment– usually between 8 and 12 months. Injections in the underarm are surprisingly painless. Even injections in the hands are tolerated (with ice!) due to the tiny size of the needles.The effects usually set in within a few days, but may take up to 2 weeks to have maximum benefit. We typically see our hyperhidrosis patients back in 10-12 months for repeat treatments.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Do you grind your teeth? Well over half of all adults grind their teeth, especially at night. Most are not even aware they are doing it. Your dentist may tell from examining your teeth and gums, or your spouse may let you know you are noisy at night. Some people grind so much or so loudly that they wake themselves up at night. Waking with aches in the jaw, ear, head or teeth is often a sign of bruxism. If you have linear ridges etched in your cheeks you are likely grinding your teeth at night. Stress is often a factor in making the grinding worse. Many people do it so much their jaw muscles get big and creates a large square jaw. Women in particular often don’t enjoy this masculine look. Teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, damage to teeth and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. Dentists often prescribe mouth guards to wear at night, but many grinders chew right through the plastic! Although night guards for your teeth can protect them from damage, they do not address the root cause of the problem.
Botox can not only stop the grinding but can reduce the jaw muscle size and return your face to its original appearance. The injections weaken the masseter muscle, but do not interfere with talking or eating. The procedure is not painful and lasts approximately four months. Although Botox or Dysport injection is not a cure for teeth grinding, it can successfully control the problem and its symptoms while also improving facial aesthetics.
Contact us today at our Kirkland or Seattle locations to book your consultation!
