What Is The Cost Of Botox For Excessive Armpit Sweating?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in having botox injections in my armpits to prevent sweating.  I have had sweating issues for years and have tried perscription deodorants and pills but haven’t had any luck.  I have Anthem insurance and wonder if this would be covered.  What would I need to do to get my insurance company to approve this?  What is the cost of the procedure?  Thanks!

A: Botox can be remarkably effective at significant sweating reduction for up to one year after an injection treatment. Typically, I like to start at a dose of about 35 units per armpit (70 units total) and see the response. More units is obviously better but we want to find the minimum effective dose to keep the cost down. At this dose range, the cost of a single treatment is around $950. I can not answer the insurance coverage question as we do not process insurance for these treatments. Some physicians may provide such treatments through insurance but insurance reimbursement , even if approved, is slow and does not usually even cover the cost of the Botox to the physician.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana