Does Botox Treatment for Hyperhidrosis Hurt?

Introduction

Many people considering Botox injections for hyperhidrosis—excessive sweating—wonder about discomfort: is it painful? At Bayswater Dental Clinic, our goal is to make your treatment as comfortable and smooth as possible. Below you will find a transparent explanation of how sensations feel, how we minimise discomfort, and what to expect during and after the treatment.

Why Sensations Vary

Each person’s pain threshold and skin sensitivity differ. Several factors influence how much you feel during treatment:

The area of injection (e.g. underarm, palms, feet)
The number of injections required
Your skin sensitivity or condition (thinner skin is often more sensitive)
Use of numbing or topical anaesthetic
Technique and experience of the injector

What You’re Likely to Feel (During the Procedure)

A slight pinch or stinging sensation as the needle enters
A brief pressure or burning feeling as Botox is delivered
Some tingling or mild discomfort in adjacent areas
In most cases, any pain is short-lived—lasting only seconds to minutes

We often combine a topical numbing gel, careful needle choice, and gentle injection technique to reduce the sensation to a mild prick rather than significant pain.

Treatment Process & Comfort Measures

Consultation & evaluation
Before treatment, we assess your medical history and skin condition, and explain what you may feel. This helps us tailor comfort strategies.
Topical numbing / anaesthetic
A numbing agent is applied to the skin for several minutes to reduce awareness of needle insertion.
Injection with finesse
Using fine gauge needles and controlled depth, injections are placed precisely to target sweat glands while avoiding unnecessary discomfort.
Pacing & reassurance
We proceed in a relaxed manner—pausing as needed, talking you through each step, and ensuring you’re comfortable before continuing.
Final review
After injections, we remain alongside you to monitor how you feel and to ease any discomfort before you leave.

Aftercare & Sensation Post-Treatment

Mild soreness or tenderness can occur at injection points
Redness and slight swelling often appear and fade in a day or two
Tingling or mild itching may arise as the area settles
Discomfort beyond 48 hours is uncommon and should be checked

We advise avoiding pressure, heat, or vigorous activity in treated zones for 24 hours. A cold compress may help ease mild soreness.

Suitability & Precautions

You may be a good candidate if you:

Experience excessive sweating in one or more areas
Are in good general health
Accept that some minor discomfort is part of the process

You may need extra caution if you:

Have extremely sensitive skin or a low pain threshold
Have a skin infection, inflammation, or open wounds in the treatment area
Take medications that make you bruise easily
Are pregnant or breastfeeding

During consultation, we evaluate your skin, nerve history, and health markers to confirm whether Botox is appropriate for you.

Alternatives & Complementary Options

Topical antiperspirants (prescription strength) — first-line for localized sweating
Oral medications (anticholinergics) — systemic approach with more side effects
Iontophoresis — safe electric current method for hands and feet
MiraDry — a microwave-based device for underarm sweat control
Surgical sympathectomy — invasive option for severe cases
Combination therapy — Botox plus topical or other modalities often gives the best control

We’ll review which combination fits your lifestyle and tolerances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it be unbearable?

No — with numbing and precise technique, most people report only a mild prick or brief sting, not significant pain.
How long does the discomfort last?

Any discomfort usually lasts only a few minutes to hours. Mild soreness or redness may remain for a day or two.
Is there any risk of long-term pain?

Long-term pain is rare when performed properly. Most sensations settle quickly.
Can we reduce pain further?

Yes — we use numbing agents, add cooling, and tailor technique to you. Let us know if you're nervous or have very low tolerance.
Should I take painkillers beforehand?

We typically discourage anti-inflammatory painkillers just before treatment because they may increase bruising. We’ll advise based on your medical history.