On Pits & Needles

I had tried all of the popular remedies, from changing my antiperspirant every few weeks thinking that my body was getting immune, to spreading on all of the special nighttime concoctions that promised to shrink my sweat glands. Nothing worked and it was frustrating, and expensive, to keep discarding expensive shirts because of permanent sweat stains.

Then I had what seemed like a fairly innocent conversation with Dr. Manfred Ziesmann during which I mentioned that it would be great if I could just get rid of my sweat glands altogether. He then nonchalantly said that I could get Botox treatments to correct the problem. Botox? As if. But, after I looked into the procedure, and asked a lot of questions, I scheduled an appointment.

The entire process—entering the office, taking my shirt off, having my armpit cleaned with alcohol, having the injections, and walking out the door—took all of 30 minutes. I worried I’d be sore and uncomfortable—nope. I wondered if I’d have to miss my morning workout the next day—no problem. I figured it wouldn’t last—wrong again (most treatments last for just over 200 days, says Ziesmann). Finally, I wondered how the heck it took me so long to find out about this. It has now been about six weeks since I had the Botox treatment done. All I can tell you is that I wish I had known about this five years ago. It has completely changed my day-to-day routine, my personal level of confidence and my wardrobe. This may not be the answer for everyone out there, but it has certainly worked for me.

According to Manitoba Health, Botox injections are covered so long as: 1) no other treatments for the hyperhidrosis would work; and 2) when a specialist deems it medically necessary. Many physicians in the city will perform this treatment. Speak with your doctor for a referral.

Want to see what a Botox session with Dr.Ziesmann looks like? Check out the photos below.

The process starts with the application of Iodine.

Ensure the entire area is covered.

Apply Corn Starch to  make sweat glands visible.

After wiping off the Corn Starch, the sweat glands appear as dark spots.

Label the area for injections of Botox.

Inject the Botox to the areas of highest concentration of sweat glands.

 And voila! It was that easy!

 Where can you get Botox injections for Hyperhydrosis in Winnipeg? Here's a few places!

Dr. Kenneth Dolynchuk, AgeLess Cosmetic Clinic
405-400 Tache Ave.
231-1542

Dr. R.P. Haydey
425 St. Mary Avenue
957-3318

Dr. Anthony Lockwood, First Glance Aesthetic Clinic
3680 Roblin Boulevard
885-1419

Dr. Earl Minuk’s Laser, Skin & Hair Centre
932 Grosvenor at Stafford
25-166 Meadowood
957-7242

Dr. Shane Silver
203 Edmonton Street
957-0141

Dr. Balbir Singh
444 St. Mary Avenue, Suite 240
944-9982

Dr. Marni Wiseman
205 Edmonton Street
943-4922

Dr. Manfred Ziesman Cosmetic Surgery Clinic
560-201 Portage Avenue
942-5070