MiraDry is an electromagnetic medical device created by Miramar Labs. It is used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis, a condition in which the sweat glands of the underarms are overactive and produce too much sweat. MiraDry destroys sweat glands without surgery. It is not used to treat hyperhidrosis in the hands or feet, for the procedure was designed with the physical traits of the underarms in mind
How is MiraDry used?
Prior to treatment, our treatment provider examines each underarm to determine where the sweat glands are. She then administers a local anesthetic to numb the area being targeted. She will hold the MiraDry handpiece to the underarm, and it emits precisely controlled electromagnetic energy to the area containing the sweat glands. The energy heats the sweat glands and destroys them. The procedure takes about an hour.
Does it hurt?
Since the patient has been given local anesthetic, he or she will experience little to no pain. Most people do feel some pressure, warmth, and faint pulling on the skin. A few may have a brief “hot spot,” but most people can tolerate it.
What happens afterwards?
The patient will not need any downtime and can resume their daily activities immediately following treatment. We usually recommend using ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication for the next few days. The patient will notice an immediate reduction of underarm sweat they produce. One study reported that the average patient saw an 82 percent decrease of underarm sweat they produced.
The decrease is permanent since the sweat glands do not grow back. Nor do glands elsewhere on the body start to produce more sweat to “compensate” for the missing sweat glands. From a physiological standpoint, while sweat is necessary to cool the body, underarm sweat glands make up only two percent of the sweat glands on the body. Therefore, the body is still able to cool itself even without the underarm sweat glands.
The most common side effects are mild. Many patients experience swelling or soreness that can last a few weeks. Some have altered sensations in the skin of their underarms or upper arms, and this is temporary.
Who should undergo the procedure?
The MiraDry procedure is for adults over 18 suffering from axillary hyperhidrosis. The chief symptom of the disorder is excessive underarm sweat. People with the condition find themselves reapplying deodorants and antiperspirants throughout the day. They also have to change clothes at least once a day. In the worst cases, the excess sweat ruins clothing.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re suffering from hyperhidrosis, MiraDry treatments at Mariposa MedSpa could be the perfect solution. Our team will work with you to determine if MiraDry is right for you. Contact Mariposa MedSpa today to schedule your consultation.
