Patients who suffer from excessive underarm sweat (also known as hyperhidrosis) can now take advantage of a new technology that will relieve their symptoms. MiraDry treatment is noninvasive and can significantly reduce excessive underarm sweat in as little as one session. The majority of patients who use miraDry see immediate results that are permanent. If you’re looking for quick, easy relief to underarm sweat, miraDry treatment might be the answer. 

We’ve compiled everything you need to know about miraDry! This information should give you a solid foundation to take into your next conversation with your personal doctor. 

I sweat too much! What is hyperhidrosis?

In short, hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating. Specifically, the sweat glands, also known as eccrine glands, overreact to stimuli, which produces more sweat than is necessary. In other words, patients with hyperhidrosis have sweat glands that are “always on.” There are two types of hyperhidrosis: Primary Focal and Secondary Generalized. 

What is the difference between primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis?

There are a few main differences between these two conditions.

Symptoms of focal hyperhidrosis include the following.

  • The onset of your excess sweat is earlier than age 25.
  • You stop sweating when you’re sleeping.
  • Your sweat is bilateral and relatively symmetrical, meaning you sweat the same on both sides of your body.
  • Your excess sweat impairs your daily activities.
  • You experience at least one episode a week.
  • You have a positive family history of this condition.

On the other hand, if you have secondary hyperhidrosis, it is likely your symptoms are caused by another medical condition. It is also possible the sweating is a side effect of a medication. Unlike with primary focal hyperhidrosis, people with secondary hyperhidrosis experience sweating in larger areas of the body.

Additionally, another key difference between the two types of hyperhidrosis is that people with secondary generalized hyperhidrosis may often experience their sweating symptoms while sleeping. Finally, with secondary hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating usually starts in adulthood. On the other hand, primary hyperhidrosis starts in childhood or adolescence.

There are many treatment options for this condition, however, the most recent scientific developments yielded a simple, immediate treatment option by using thermal energy to remove the sweat glands

miraDry Procedure: What to Expect

The miraDry procedure is simple. The treatment is a straightforward three-step process. A doctor or physician administers miraDry in their office. Treatment occurs in as little as one hour. Some patients will see results with one treatment, however, the best treatment protocol will be determined by your individual doctor. 

How Does miraDry Work?

The miraDry treatment system uses thermal energy to target and eliminates the sweat and odor glands in your underarm. The glands disappear and do not grow back. 

The  miraDry Procedure: Step-by-Step Breakdown

  1. The treatment area is numbed. Your doctor administers local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. 
  2. The treatment area is clearly marked. A temporary tattoo identifies the correct placement of the technology for your doctor.
  3. The treatment area is treated.  MiraDry technology treats the target area. This eliminates the sweat glands in your underarm. 

Then, after your underarm is numbed and the temporary tattoo is placed, a handpiece sits on your underarms and administers the treatment. You will feel a slight suction. The glands in your underarm move closer to the surface of your skin for maximum results. Thermal energy invades the glands while cooling technology keeps you comfortable during the treatment. The treatment takes about an hour and the results are immediate. 

Is miraDry safe?

Yes! MiraDry is very safe. With over 140,000 treatments administered worldwide, the safety record is very high. In addition, the FDA determined that this treatment is safe and effective. 

miraDry Side Effects & Recovery

There are very few miraDry side effects. Reported side effects after the treatment include the following.

  • Localized soreness
  • Localized swelling
  • Bruising 
  • Numbness and/or sensitivity 
  • Altered sensation in upper arms 

All of these side effects are short-term and typically clear up within a few weeks. However, for a timeline specific to your unique recovery, make sure to have a detailed conversation with your personal doctor who can set your expectations. 

Generally, patients report little to no downtime after the treatment. Most patients return to regular activity, including work, immediately. For most patients, exercise resumes within several days of treatment. With little to no miraDry recovery to speak of, this treatment option is proven to be a safe and effective form of treatment for excessive underarm sweat. 

Does miraDry Hurt?

The short answer is no! Treatment with miraDry does not hurt. Thus, most patients report that miraDry does not cause any pain. Patients report little to no pain. Local anesthesia ensures patient comfort.

miraDry Cost

The cost of miraDry treatment is dependent on multiple variables. This includes the office administering the procedure, as well as the patient’s unique needs. Specifically, the treatment protocol determined by you and your doctor will dictate the final price. According to realself.com, miraDry cost is generally about $2,000 nationwide. 

Can I use insurance for miraDry?

The answer to this question is no. Insurance does not cover miraDry treatment. However, you may be able to use HSA/FSA funds for the procedure. Contact your HSA/FSA manager to find out. 

For detailed information regarding the specific costs associated with miraDry, speak to your personal doctor. He or she will be able to walk you through the payment options for your treatment. 

Is miraDry Treatment Right for You?

In conclusion, taking this time to learn about the miraDry treatment option for underarm sweat will help you as you move forward in conversations with your doctor. The small effort you put in now will pay off as you progress along your treatment journey, seeking the right solution for your unique condition. Dr. Anthony Berlet and his team help patients in the northern New Jersey and NYC areas to achieve their body goals. For over 20 years, Dr. Berlet gained experience to ensure the best outcomes for his patients with safe, quick recoveries. To learn more about how miraDry can help you, contact the knowledgeable staff at Berlet Plastic surgery!