famous beauty aid has other benefits
Camera Iconfamous beauty aid has other benefits Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Botox – beyond the wrinkles

Liam Ducey, Stirling TimesStirling Times

For one Stirling-area patient of Karrinyup Dermatology’s Dr Chris Clay, being treated with the Botox, derived from botulisum toxin type-A, is literally no sweat.

The patient, who asked not to be named, suffers from Severe Axillary Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, which made his life increasingly difficult.

‘It started about seven years ago and I have no idea what caused it, it just came from out of nowhere,’ he said.

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‘It didn’t matter what I was wearing or how hot it was, it just wouldn’t stop and I tried everything.

‘Before I could get the treatment I had to try using a high-concentrate aluminium hydrochloride antiperspirant, but that was just too irritating. I’d be in pain for days.’

While traditional forms of treatment usually involve invasive surgery to cut the nerve, which may result in severe side effects and can even exacerbate the problem, Dr Clay said treatment with Botox had been extremely successful despite being relatively expensive.

But the treatment has been subsidised by Medicare since late last year, making it much more affordable, Dr Clay said.

‘It seems to me a lot of people know about the procedure but they don’t know it is subsidised, which will put roughly $200 back in your pocket when you claim the treatment.

‘In terms of treatment, the Government will subsidise three treatments per year, which is all you would ever need.’