Many people consider sweaty underarms to be normal, but that does not mean they are happy about it. What if there was a way to reduce underarm sweat permanently? Traditional measures like Botox, antiperspirants, and medications only offer temporary relief from underarm sweating. Currently there is an in-office underarm treatment called MiraDry offers relief from underarm sweating and odor. This is an FDA approved non-surgical treatment that gets rid of sweat glands under the arms with only one treatment.
What is Miradry?
MiraDry is a non-surgical solution for underarm sweat and odor that offers permanent results. This procedure is performed in the physician’s office in as little as one. Local anesthesia is used to be sure there is no discomfort during the treatment process. Most patients who have undergone this procedure describe it as painless or minimal discomfort. This treatment has also shown positive outcomes in reducing underarm hair. This procedure targets all types of hair regardless of hair color.
How does it work?
The handpiece is placed on each underarm area by the specialist. It delivers a set amount of thermal energy to the sweat and odor glands. This successfully eliminates the glands in these areas. As the underarm constitutes only 2% of the body’s sweat glands, eliminating these glands will not have any influence on natural body cooling. You will continue to sweat in other areas of your body.
Is there downtime?
There is little to no downtime with this procedure. The use of icepacks or Tylenol is recommended if you have minor discomfort. Most patients return to normal activities after the procedure and can continue strenuous physical activities within a few days. Some side effects seen are tenderness to the treatment site, swelling and numbness, however, this resolves in a few days to a few weeks.
You will want to consult with a physician prior to the treatment to be sure it is safe and appropriate. The majority of patients will observe 80% sweat reduction with one treatment, however, some may opt to do a second treatment for improved results.
What causes excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, is a disorder in which a person perspires more than what the body needs. There are two categories for hyperhidrosis:
- Primary hyperhidrosis – occurs without any specific health issue. The patient may have excess sweating in the underarms, palms, feet, face, and scalp. This typically occurs on both sides of the body. Most patients with this type have family members who also have issues with excessive sweating. Studies show that people with primary hyperhidrosis are adults between the ages of 18 to 54 years.
- Secondary hyperhidrosis – develops from underlying health issues such as endocrine disorders, metabolic issues, infection, spinal cord/nerve problems, respiratory issues, cardiovascular ailments, anxiety, or stress. Addressing the underlying issue treats secondary hyperhidrosis effectively.
MiraDry can treat sweating and odor to the underarms, regardless of if it is primary or secondary hyperhidrosis. MiraDry is suited for individuals with the issue of localized sweating to the underarms only. If the sweating is present all over the body, then your doctor may suggest a different type of treatment.
What are the Side Effects of MiraDry?
There will be some swelling and may be mild bruising immediately post procedure. There will also be some tenderness when the local anaesthetic wears off. This will slowly resolve over a few days. There could also be the formation of bumps or lumps that might take a week or two to resolve.
How Quickly Does Mira Dry Work?
Results from this treatment are fast and effective as patients will see a decrease in sweating almost immediately. Even though most patients will see the effect of treatment after a single setting, it is important to visit with your doctor about your results to see if a second treatment is necessary. This can usually be assessed 2-3 months after the first treatment. The percentage of patients that have undergone a second treatment is 10 to 15%.
What is the cost of this treatment?
Price vary depending on the treatment protocol to achieve your desired results. You will get a personalized quote during your consultation.
Bottom–line:
MiraDry is a non-invasive treatment that reduces underarm sweat, odor and hair with long-term results. There is no significant discomfort or downtime and many times you only need one treatment. At the Aesthetic Center of Plastic Surgery we can consult and perform the treatment in the same day, making it convenient for the patient that may be taking time away from work or traveling from a distance. If MiraDry is the procedure for you, please feel free to call 701- 255-3311 to set up a consultation and treatment time.