Sweating is normal, even essential. It is the body’s way of cooling down and regulating its temperature. But sweating becomes a problem when sweat glands overproduce beyond the function of thermoregulation. This is hyperhidrosis.
miraDry is the leading treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis (or sweating in the armpits). It is the only non-surgical, FDA-cleared treatment to permanently reduce underarm sweat, odor and hair.
At the Hyperhidrosis Center, our patients treated with miraDry have an average of 82 percent reduction in underarm sweat. To put this in perspective, topical antiperspirants only provide 20 to 30 percent sweat reduction. The sweat reduction achieved from miraDry is also immediate after the treatment, and it’s permanent.
miraDry treatment is a painless procedure to stop sweating before it starts by targeting the sweat glands themselves. The procedure takes about one hour and results can be achieved in as little as one treatment.
At Hyperhidrosis Center, our patients treated with miraDry have an average of 82 percent reduction in underarm sweat. Overall patient satisfaction reaches 90 percent with miraDry.
There are two kinds of sweat glands found in the armpit area: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands cover most of the body and produce a clear, odorless sweat. Apocrine glands (often referred to as “odor glands”) secrete a thick, strong-smelling fluid that is a main source of body odor.
Eccrine sweat glands are activated by nerves that react to changing temperatures. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are activated by the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which makes them responsive to emotional changes such as fear, desire and stress.
miraDry eliminates both types of glands, as well as hair follicles. In addition to being immediate, the results are also permanent—sweat and odor glands are destroyed and do not come back.
miraDry uses microwave technology to remove both eccrine and apocrine glands in the armpit area. Microwaves power cell phones and radar, but can also be used to create heat (microwave ovens).
Here’s the science behind miraDry. Water absorbs microwaves very well, so any tissue with high water content—such as sweat glands, since sweat is mostly water—will absorb a large portion of microwaves directed at it.
Yes, sweat glands are necessary for thermoregulation. On average, the human body contains between two and four million sweat glands. However, only approximately 2 percent of the body’s sweat glands are located in the armpits, so eliminating these will not reduce your body’s ability to cool down.
miraDry is a safe, highly effective, non-surgical procedure that uses electromagnetic energy (or microwaves) to break down sweat and odor glands in the armpits. It has the added benefit of reducing underarm hair by destroying hair follicles as well.
miraDry uses microwave technology (common in everyday use) to remove both the glands and hair follicles in the armpit area.
Water absorbs microwaves very well, so any tissue with high water content—such as sweat glands, since sweat is mostly water—will absorb a large portion of microwaves directed at it. This serves to heat and destroy the glands.
After a thorough consultation with one of our physicians, we are ready to start the miraDry treatment:
- First, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, which makes the procedure painless.
- Next, the miraDry handpiece is applied to the underarm. It first creates suction to bring the sweat glands and hair follicles closer to the skin.
- Then, the handpiece delivers microwave energy which heats and destroys the sweat and odor glands.
- At the same time, the handpiece keeps the skin cool, both for safety and to ensure the microwave energy remains concentrated at the sweat glands.
Results are achieved in as little as one treatment. There’s little to no downtime after a miraDry procedure
miraDry is a safe, FDA cleared procedure with mostly everyone qualifying as a candidate. However, we may want to reconsider or delay treatment for various reasons. Let us know if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are in need of supplemental oxygen
- Have a pacemaker or other electronic device implant
- Have ever had axillary (armpit) surgery
- Have had an adverse reaction to local anesthetic in the past
The miraDry procedure usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. We recommend that patients shave their armpits four or five days before the appointment and then let the hair grow until the scheduled procedure This protocol minimizes any minor cuts in the underarms. We also recommend wearing a sleeveless top with easy access to the underarms (i.e. tank top or camisole). Click here for more information about preparation.
At this time miraDry treatment is suitable for underarms only. If you have hyperhidrosis in any other area—the palms, the feet, the face and head, or generalized throughout the body— we have other options available for treatment.
The most common side effects include temporary:
- Swelling in the armpit
- Mild soreness
- Bruising or skin discoloration
More serious side effects are very rare, but can include:
- Extreme soreness
- Blisters or rashes
- Burns
- Infection
Although these side effects are extremely rare, please note that they are temporary and will resolve with time.
Stop Sweating and Start Living
miraDry is a safe and effective procedure that provides immediate relief from underarm sweat and odor. If you are ready to treat your axillary hyperhidrosis, the Hyperhidrosis Center at Thoracic Group can help. Request an appointment to discuss your treatment today.