MiraDry®
miraDry® is a safe, effective, non-invasive procedure designed to treat patients who experience excessive underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis). miraDry®, which was approved by the FDA in 2011, uses microwave energy to destroy the glands (apocrine and eccrine) that produce sweat and odor in the underarm area. miraDry® is clinically proven to reduce sweat by 82% and odor by 89%, on average, however patient results and experiences may vary.
During the miraDry® treatment, a hand piece is applied to the skin surface that delivers timed microwave energy to the underarm area. The microwave energy heats and destroys the sweat and odor glands (apocrine and eccrine) below the skin’s surface. Once destroyed, these sweat glands do not regenerate in adults4, making miraDry® a long-lasting solution for the reduction of underarm sweat and odor.
How Does MiraDry® Work?
Preparing for MiraDry®
The week before the treatment, patients should shave their underarms 3-4 days in advance of the procedure. Sweat glands mirror the shape of the hair growth pattern, so having a few days of hair growth allows the practitioners to easily identify the location of the patient’s sweat glands.
The day of the treatment, while a blanket will be provided, most patients find it more comfortable to wear a sports bra or sleeveless T-shirt during the procedure, so they remain covered but with easy access to the underarm area.
To begin the miraDry® procedure, the treatment area is cleansed and then we utilize a local anesthesia using a syringe adapter to numb the underarm area prior to the procedure. The syringe adapter technique creates a “cooling pillow” to assure maximum comfort during the treatment.
Next a “temporary tattoo grid” is applied to the underarm. This grid marks the precise areas where the microwave energy will be delivered during the treatment. The miraDry® hand piece is positioned on the temporary tattooed grid and suction is applied to secure it in place. Timed microwave energy is delivered to the area and, once complete, the suction releases and the hand-piece is moved to the next section of the grid. This process continues until the entire underarm is treated.
What to Expect During the MiraDry® Procedure
MiraDry® Recovery Time
At the completion of the procedure a band-aid will be placed on the patient’s incisions in each underarm. Patients will need to apply ice packs to the areas in intervals of 30 minutes (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) for the remainder of the day to help reduce swelling. These ice packs will be provided to the patient the day of their appointment.
Most patients experience some swelling and tenderness in the treated area anywhere from 3-7 days. Results are immediate, and patients should experience continued improvement in sweat and odor reduction the coming weeks. Final results are assumed at 3 months.
We believe consultations are very important to help patients understand miraDry®. Our consultations give us the opportunity to get to know the patient and understand their individual case.
At WIFH, consultations are done with a member of our clinical team. During the consultation, the patient’s medical history and underarm areas will be reviewed by the practitioner. We recommend wearing a tank top or camisole to make for easy evaluation of the underarm area. Patients will also be provided with a realistic expectation of results.
MiraDry® Consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
Actually, no. The body contains over four million sweat glands, and only about 2% of them are located in the underarm areas. Eliminating this 2% does not affect the body’s ability to cool itself.
No. The underarm sweat glands do not regenerate once they have been destroyed.
No. When underarm sweat glands are destroyed with microwave energy, the sweat glands are no longer able to produce sweat. Unlike other treatments, miraDry® has not been shown to cause compensatory sweating in other parts of the body.
Currently no, it is only designed and calibrated to treat underarm sweat glands for axillary hyperhidrosis. It cannot be used to treat sweating in other areas of the body such as hands, feet, forehead or knees.
Yes! Because the sweat glands don’t regenerate or grow back the reduction or elimination of the sweat production achieved with miraDry® is long-term.
According to miraDry®, the procedure has been performed over 140,000 times worldwide, and has been proven to be highly safe and effective.
Following the procedure, patients will experience localized soreness and swelling in the treated area, which should dissipate within a 2-3 weeks. Some patients experience temporary, short-term changes in sensation, which may include tingling or numbness, in the skin of their underarms or upper arms, which also dissipates gradually over time.