Sweating is completely normal when it is hot outside. It is an essential process of cooling down and regulating body temperature. Sweating excessively can be problematic and cause visible stains, which can be embarrassing. When sweat glands overproduce beyond the function of thermoregulation, it leads to a condition known as hyperhidrosis.
If you are tired of living with embarrassing underarm sweat stains, and looking for an effective solution, then miraDry is just what you need. It is a safe, non-invasive, and simple cosmetic procedure for treating hyperhidrosis (sweating in the armpits). At Tacoma Laser Clinic, we proudly offer miraDry, a lasting solution for underarm sweating. The treatment is FDA approved and the leading treatment for permanently reducing underarm sweat, odor, and hair.
miraDry for Eliminating Excess Sweating
Excess sweating affects multiple areas in the body, including the armpits, feet, hands, and forehead, or stays concentrated in one area (focal hyperhidrosis). There are medical conditions that can trigger excessive sweating, such as:
- Overactive thyroid
- Obesity or excessive weight gain
- Menopause
- Gout
- Diabetes
- Hormonal imbalances
Other causes of overactive underarm sweating include excessive caffeine intake, stress, and anxiety. The body contains between four million sweat glands regulating your body’s temperature. The sweat glands in your underarms consist of only one to two percent of that. The sweat glands can cause problems because of the extremely visible stains caused by the overactive sweat glands. Not all sweat glands are similar. Most of your body contains eccrine glands, which secrete an odorless liquid. The embarrassing odor from the sweat in your armpits results from the apocrine glands. In the grand scheme, you do not need the sweat glands in your armpits because your body has two million of them. After your MiraDry treatment, the sweat glands in your entire body will continue functioning normally. The only difference is that you do not have to deal with excessively sweaty underarms anymore because they will remain dry.
miraDry was cleared by the FDA in 2015 to permanently eliminate underarm hair (all colors) while also eliminating odor-producing glands to stop underarm sweating.
What to Expect During the Procedure
miraDry uses a noninvasive handheld device to deliver precisely controlled electromagnetic energy beneath the underarm skin. The handheld device (“wand”) gently heats the water in the sweat and odor glands causing damage to them and resulting in thermolysis (decomposition by heat). During the treatment, the top layers of the skin are not harmed; instead, they are simultaneously cooled and protected.
The destroyed sweat glands do not regenerate, leading to an average of 82% underarm sweat reduction in one treatment. The effects of the treatment are seen almost immediately and are long-lasting. The treatment is painless, but local anesthesia is injected before beginning the procedure to minimize any discomfort. The procedure takes one to two hours, and you can bring your headphones, enjoy your favorite hits, and relax during the treatment.
You may only require one treatment, but two treatments spaced over three months apart are recommended for the best results. A third treatment may be required depending on the severity of your condition. However, to receive the third treatment, you will have to undergo a simple starch-iodine test to identify the remaining sweat glands for precise targeting. This is because some sweat glands are too deeply rooted to treat. In rare cases, some sweat glands do not respond or resist the treatment.
After treatment, you may return to normal activities and work, although most people take the day off. Apply ice packs or a cold compress on and off for the first 24 hours. Keeping the treatment area clean is essential by using hot water and mild soap. You can resume exercises within a day or two.
Possible side effects of the procedure include the following:
- Underarm redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Nodules and bumps
These effects fade within a few days to a couple of weeks. Some people may experience numbness and tingling sensation in the armpits and upper arms lasting between a month to five weeks. After two weeks, you will experience some sweating in your underarms. This occurs due to the swelling you experienced after the procedure, as it dissipates.
In some cases, a few people may experience short-term altered sensations in their underarm or upper arm skin, which disappear shortly. It is crucial to obtain treatment from qualified and trained physicians to avoid adverse effects such as permanent nerve damage in the treatment areas. This can be caused by too much energy use, while low-energy settings may not provide satisfactory results.
miraDry Benefits
miraDry benefits include the following:
- Non-surgical and non-invasive treatment
- Long-lasting effects (permanent reduction in sweating and odor)
- Improved self-esteem
- Quick results
- Fewer pit stains on clothing (shirts and dresses)
- It works no matter what color your skin or hair is
- A wider selection of clothing options
- Immediate relief
- A “needle-free” and “toxin-free” alternative to Botox for hyperhidrosis (Botox has to be repeated several times in a year for it to be effective)
- Recovery is easy for most patients since the skin is not cut, so there is little to no downtime
- A safe, natural, and reliable solution to underarm sweat
- No more antiperspirants and deodorants- you can save money and avoid the allergens and harmful ingredients that are often included in them
- You can feel cleaner for longer
- Anyone can enjoy the full benefits of MiraDry regardless of your gender, age, or skin type,
Who’s A Good Candidate for miraDry?
You can benefit from MiraDry treatments if you:
- Have episodes of annoying and frustrating excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Want to decrease or stop underarm sweating
- Want to stop using antiperspirants and deodorants
- Your underarm sweat outbreaks interfere with your daily activities
- Suffer from the underarm odor that cannot be controlled by other means
- Do not want to undergo a surgical procedure to fix the problem
Who Is Not a Candidate for miraDry?
miraDry is ideal for patients with excessive underarm sweating and cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18. The treatment cannot be used on minors or anywhere else on the body. Currently, MiraDry is only FDA-approved for treating excessive sweating in the underarm area. Treating other areas like the feet and hands has not been approved. However, there is ongoing research to receive approval for treatment in other body areas.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact Tacoma Laser Clinic today to know if you are suitable for miraDry and more information about the treatment. You do not have to live with embarrassing sweat stains and odor anymore. Our experts will listen to your needs and concerns and personalize treatment suited to your skin needs and concerns.