UnionDerm was one of the first dermatology practices in the U.S. to offer the miraDry® procedure, a new treatment that provides a safe and lasting solution to excessive underarm sweating. This same treatment is also knows as miraSmooth, due to the FDA-cleared benefit of underarm hair removal and a reduction of underarm odor that result from the procedure.

If you experience unwanted excessive sweating, stained clothing, or underarm sweat breakouts, then you may be a good candidate for the miraDry procedure. MiraDry is the latest in non-invasive technology that provides a significant reduction of underarm sweat and the only non-invasive technology approved by the FDA for providing lasting results. The miraDry device uses controlled energy to eliminate sweat glands, providing lasting results because the sweat glands do not grow back. Only 2 percent of the 4 million sweat glands in the human body are found in the underarms, and treating these sweat glands with miraDry does not affect the body’s ability to cool itself. MiraDry is designed for patients with excessive underarm sweating (primary axillary hyperhidrosis) over the age of 18 and it cannot be used on minors or anywhere else on the body.

miraDry machine
miraDry machine

The non-invasive miraDry procedure results in a noticeable, drastic reduction of underarm sweat without the pain, risk, and recovery time of invasive procedures. Unlike treatments such as Botox injections that aim to temporarily disable the sweat glands and need continuous maintenance procedures, miraDry only needs two treatments to produce drastic, lasting results.

Prior to the procedure, the underarms are numbed for comfort. During the hour-long in-office procedure, the miraDry system delivers electromagnetic energy to the sweat glands through its unique handpiece. Two treatments are recommended, 3 months apart. Patients will see a reduction in sweat immediately after the first treatment, and achieve an average underarm sweat reduction of 82 percent. After the procedure, there is minimal to no recovery time, and patients can resume their normal activities the same day and can resume exercising within the next few days.

Our verdict: It Works! The commercial device is greatly improved compared to the research prototypes, and our miraDry treatments have provided an effective solution to severe underarm sweating, as well as a reduction in hair growth in the underarm area. At the energy levels that offer the best results, patients often experience localized soreness or swelling, which should be temporary and clear in a few weeks. Some patients experience short-term altered sensation in the skin of their underarms or upper arms, which also should disappear over time. Because of the potential discomfort and temporary side effects, we explain to prospective patients that this is a significant procedure that requires their commitment; however the ones that proceed tend to be very happy with their results. We strongly recommend obtaining treatment at a place where the procedure will be performed by a qualified and properly trained physician, as using too much energy can cause permanent nerve damage in the areas treated while a low setting may not obtain good results.

Dr. MacGregor performs miraDry procedure
Dr. MacGregor performs miraDry procedure

Example testimonial: D.C., male, 41 years old. “All my adult life I had suffered from excessive underarm sweating, especially in hot weather, in stressful situations and after working out. I tried everything, but nothing worked. After the miraDry treatment at UnionDerm the results were dramatic. I haven’t had my second treatment yet, but my excessive sweating is gone and I can even skip the deodorant! My doctor was fantastic, and I feel that her expertise helped get these great results. There was no surgery but this was a serious procedure, and even after a month I still have some leftover swelling and tingling that finally are starting to go away. MiraDry has transformed my life on a daily basis! No more need for prescription antiperspirants, no more ruined shirts and ridiculous dry cleaning bills, no more need to carry an extra shirt in my briefcase, no more self consciousness about my sweating. It was totally worth it!”

miraDRY Q&A

Q: What is miraDry®?

The miraDry system provides a non-invasive treatment that offers a lasting solution for underarm sweat. The handpiece from the miraDry System, when placed on the underarm, delivers precisely controlled energy to the region where the sweat glands reside and eliminates sweat glands non-invasively. Eliminated sweat glands don’t grow back, resulting in a dramatic and lasting reduction of underarm sweat.

Q: Is miraSmooth® a different procedure?

No, miraDry and miraSmooth are the same procedure, the separate names just highlight the different benefits of the treatment. “MiraDry” underscores the benefit of underarm sweat reduction. “MiraSmooth” communicates the benefit of underarm hair removal that results from the treatment. In addition, a third benefit of the treatment is a reduction in underarm odor.

Q: Why choose UnionDerm for miraDry / miraSmooth?

Several practices have a nurse, medical assistant or technician administer the miraDry treatment, but at UnionDerm all our treatments are administered by a board certified dermatologist, who will operate the device throughout the procedure. We believe that this not only maximizes the benefits from your miraDry treatment, but also minimizes the possibility of the complications and side effects that have been reported for this treatment. Dr. Chwalek and Dr. MacGregor have extensive experience with miraDry, going back to testing development prototypes of the device years before it was commercially available.

Q: What is the procedure like?

The procedure involves no surgical incisions or cuts. The treating physician will customize treatment for each underarm area with multiple placements of the miraDry handpiece. Local anesthesia is administered to the underarms prior to the procedure to maintain patient comfort. The office visit typically lasts about 90 minutes.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

Typically optimal results are obtained with two procedures spaced three months apart.

miraDry procedure preparation
miraDry procedure preparation

Q: What happens after the procedure?

There is minimal to no downtime following the procedure. Your treating physician will likely recommend a mild over-the-counter pain medication and use of ice packs for a few days. You should be able to return to normal activities or work right after the procedure, and you can typically resume exercise within a few days. Some localized soreness or swelling is normal, and typically clears within a few weeks. Some patients have short-term altered sensation in the skin of their underarms or upper arms, which gradually disappears.

Q: What results can I expect?

Most patients report a dramatic reduction of their sweat – in a recent clinical study, the average sweat reduction was 86%. Most patients see a reduction in sweat immediately after treatment. In addition, patients are likely to see a reduction in underarm hair growth as well as less underarm odor. As with any medical procedure, results will vary for each patient.

Q: How long will the results last?

The results are long-lasting because the sweat glands do not regenerate after they have been eliminated. The miraDry procedure uses a safe, non-invasive technology that has been cleared by the FDA to eliminate sweat glands in the underarm.

Q: Don’t I need my underarm sweat glands?

Your body contains over 4 million sweat glands, with only about 2% located in the underarms. Eliminating this 2% will not affect the body’s ability to cool itself.

Q: How is the miraDry procedure different from other treatment options?

Other treatment options (like Botox injections) are designed to only temporarily disable the sweat glands, or involve surgery with its inherent risks. Only the miraDry procedure provides a lasting solution with a non-invasive treatment.

Q: Is the miraDry procedure right for me?

If embarrassing underarm sweat outbreaks, stained clothing or frequent antiperspirant application interfere with your daily life, then you may be a good candidate for the miraDry procedure. Schedule a consultation to see if the miraDry procedure is right for you.

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