A firm handshake is a universal sign of confidence and an expected way to break the ice with new acquaintances or business partners. Yet, as someone who has suffered from sweaty palms, I’ve always been self-conscious about touching anyone’s hand. When I felt incredibly anxious, it wasn't unusual for me to soak through a sheet of paper during a pop quiz or carry Kleenex in my pocket before holding hands on a date.
My struggle with relentless hand sweating has been a constant source of distress in my life. I've tried various remedies, from prescribed antiperspirants to expensive medical devices, all in a desperate attempt to find a noninvasive solution. The journey has been arduous, but it led me to a breakthrough: Botox injections into the palms.
While the discomfort of Botox injections into the palms was a small price to pay for virtually sweat-free hands for 3-4 months without any other side effects, the financial aspect was a significant consideration. The larger number of units and the off-label injection site meant that I was regularly paying over a thousand dollars per visit, which strained my budget until I found a provider through Certainly Health. Curious about the cost of this procedure? In this article, we’ll break down typical prices and their influencing factors.
What is Hyperhidrosis and How Can Botox Help?
Hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition caused by overactive nerves, leading to excessive sweating. It can be distressing when it affects the palms, underarms, face, or soles of the feet. Sweating may increase with anxiety and is often unrelated to temperature or exercise. For those of us living with hyperhidrosis, this condition can be incredibly disheartening. Excessive sweating can interfere with daily activities and significantly impact the quality of life. Some people report avoiding social interactions as a result of their hyperhidrosis.
Botox has emerged as a viable treatment option for hyperhidrosis. This non-invasive solution temporarily blocks the nerves that trigger sweat glands. It has minimal side effects, such as injection site reactions, sweating in other areas, muscle weakness, headaches, and nausea.
In my experience with hyperhidrosis, the constant feelings of shame and embarrassment have been a lifelong struggle. My sweaty palms often led to uncomfortable situations or spending hours searching for remedies, like talcum powder, which was messy and inefficient. While many doctors originally dismissed my concerns, I finally found a dermatologist who was sympathetic to my problem. He prescribed an antiperspirant, which I didn’t like using, and then suggested I use an iontophoresis machine, a medical device that passes an electric current through water (via pans where you submerge your hands and feet) and through the skin’s surface. This turns off overactive sweat glands temporarily. While the effects from the device were impressive, the setup was messy, and it was hard to find time to use the device for the suggested minimum of 3 times per week for up to 40 minutes per session.
Turning to Botox was the right decision for my lifestyle. This non-invasive solution temporarily blocks the nerves that trigger sweat glands and has minimal side effects, such as injection site reactions (e.g., pain, bruising, swelling), sweating in other areas, muscle weakness, headaches, and nausea. I felt these potential side effects were a small price to pay for stress-free social interactions and dry hands. The difference was remarkable; my hands remained dry for months at a time. Although the iontophoresis machine was effective, it required too much time and effort to use regularly, making Botox a more practical solution for me.
When Does Health Insurance Cover Botox for Hyperhidrosis?
Insurance treatment for Botox treatment of hyperhidrosis can vary widely. Many insurance plans require proof of medical necessity, often only after other treatment plans have failed. Even with coverage, patients may face out-of-pocket costs such as copays and deductibles.
In my experience, trying to get my insurance to cover Botox for hyperhidrosis was a long and frustrating process. Despite providing extensive documentation and proof that other treatments, like the prescription antiperspirants, had failed at effectively reducing my sweaty palms, my insurance company still deemed my doctor’s request for Botox as medically unnecessary. They argued that my hyperhidrosis was not severe enough and was a cosmetic issue. After numerous appeals by my doctor, I was left with no choice but to pay for my treatment out of pocket.
According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, Abbvie (the company behind Botox) offers assistance programs to help hyperhidrosis patients who are underinsured or uninsured.
How Much Does Botox for Hyperhidrosis Cost If Not Covered by Insurance?
The cost of Botox for hyperhidrosis can vary widely across providers and treatment areas. Factors influencing the price include the number of units required, the expertise of the provider, and the clinic’s location. For instance, treating hyperhidrosis in the palms often requires more units, which can drive up the cost.
The average cost of Botox per unit in the United States is $15. Treatments for hyperhidrosis of the palms require approximately 50 to 100 units per palm of Botox, depending on palm size. Axillary hyperhidrosis or underarm sweating typically requires 50 units per underarm or 100 units in total. Some providers determine costs on a case by case basis following a consultation, and some may only treat the underarms since Botox for the palms is not FDA approved. While the average cost for hyperhidrosis treatment with Botox can be upwards of $800, we found a provider offering the service for $595.
How Long Do Results from Botox for Hyperhidrosis Last?
Results from Botox for hyperhidrosis can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the condition, patient expectations, and the area of treatment. Typically, patients can expect the effects to last between 3 and 6 months. A significant reduction in sweating (some patients may not achieve complete dryness) is usually noticeable within a few days to a week after the injections.
For me, Botox results typically last about five months before my hands return to their normal level of sweating. I usually notice a significant reduction in sweating within a week of treatment, but I have occasionally had to get additional units of Botox when I’ve noticed sweaty areas of my hand the injector may have missed, such as the fingertips.
The longevity of your results can vary depending on the treatment area. Underarm treatments often last a little over six months, with some studies reporting up to 14 months of reduced sweating. In contrast, treatments for sweaty palms typically show a reduction in sweating between 25% and 50%, lasting anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months.
Finding the Right Provider
Initially, I tried a dermatologist who charged $1500 per session, which was too expensive to maintain since I needed treatments several times a year. Most providers didn’t advertise Botox for the palms since the treatment is off-label, and the handful of doctors who did were pricey. Searching for alternatives online, I discovered Certainly Health’s platform, which offered a curated list of trusted providers who offered this exact service and were significantly more affordable. I found a great option that fits my budget and haven’t looked back since.
Book and Compare Hyperhidrosis Botox Providers in NYC
If you need to find a qualified healthcare provider in NYC to treat your hyperhidrosis with Botox, use Certainly to compare costs and filter results by location.
Ready to enjoy life with reduced sweating? Find your provider with Certainly Health today.
