Learn more about your area of increased sweating
The type of treatment Dr. Loftus does is considered "focal" hyperhidrosis treatment. It is for increased sweating in a specific area of the body. It is not for someone who has increased sweating everywhere or over a large area of their body.
If you have insurance that will cover the Botox® for hyperhidrosis, our office typically obtains it from a specialty pharmacy who is in-network with your insurance. This may affect your overall cost. Also keep in mind sometimes insurance will only cover Botox® for underarm hyperhidrosis and do not cover other areas. To find out if your plan covers Botox, you can call your insurance and ask them to send you their medical policy for Hyperhidrosis Treatment or Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA).
Learn more about your specific area of increased sweating in the underarms, palms, and other areas pages. Also, if interested, learn how botulinum toxin type A works.
Zytaze
Botulinum toxin requires binding to Zinc in order to function. Dr. Charles Soparker and associates demonstrated that the use of Zytaze®, a combination of Zinc and phytase, resulted in extending the benefit of botulinum toxin typeA. Their study used Botox® brand botulinum toxin and injected it for blepharospasm and forehead wrinkles. Given the low cost of Zytaze compared to the Botox and procedure, Dr. Loftus recommends all of his patients use Zytaze when getting treatment for hyperhidrosis in our office. We sell it in our office or it can be purchased online at Ocusoft.com.
Is using more Botox better for Axillary Hyperhidrosis?
The best dosing for this procedure is not entirely clear. A study published in the April 2002 Journal of American Academy Dermatology suggested that high dose Botox® 200 units per axilla (underarm) produced a longer period of time between treatments. In their study, 1 in 8 relapsed within one year, with 2 out of 3 lasting more than 19 months. The longest effect was seen in one patient who had been followed for 29 months. In contrast, studies with 50 units per axilla varied from 100% relapse after 7 months to a high percentage going beyond 8 months but not one year. In general, the treatment is priced per unit and therefore it appears to Dr. Loftus that the most cost effective dose may be in the 50 unit per axilla range as it is not clear that the 4 times dosing gives a 4 times longer response.
The method used to apply the botulinum toxin varies as well. Various dilutions of botulinum toxin can be used as well as an iodine starch test to identify those areas of maximally sweat output. Treatment cost for both underarms or the forehead typically costs about $1000 total. Treatment of both palms typically runs $1600. Patients preferring the higher dose botox therapy will obviously have to pay more but may feel it is more convenient to do so. Dysport brand of botulinum toxin A is some what less expensive than the Botox brand or Mybloc brand.
Should I do Surgery for Hyperhidrosis?
Patients who want to learn more about hyperhidrosis surgeries can visit many web pages. There are, however, a group of patients who are convinced there is long term harm with these procedures. I do not do surgery myself, I wish only that potential patients hear all sides of the story. Therefore, patients considering surgery are encouraged to read this web site. Potential patients are encouraged to contact Dr. Loftus with questions in advance of an appointment.
Experiencing Hyperhidrosis?
Dr. Loftus treats patients all over Houston, Texas and the surrounding areas. If you want to obtain insurance coverage for the Botox®, an initial visit is needed before the treatment to obtain a prior authorization. This visit can be virtual or in-person.
