MiraDry in Fulton, MD
How Pura Vida Approaches MiraDry
One in-office treatment that addresses sweat, odor, and underarm hair at the same time
For people who live with primary axillary hyperhidrosis, the daily routine of layering antiperspirants, hiding sweat marks, changing shirts, and feeling self-conscious in meetings or on dates can be exhausting. MiraDry is one of the only treatments designed to address the cause of underarm sweat rather than mask it. Using non-invasive microwave thermolysis, the device delivers focused energy to the precise depth where eccrine sweat glands and apocrine odor glands sit, heating and permanently destroying them while a continuous cooling system protects the surface of the skin.
At Pura Vida, MiraDry is performed by our medical team in a private, comfortable treatment room. We map your underarm with a temporary grid, deliver multiple lidocaine injections so the procedure is virtually painless, then move the MiraDry handpiece across each square of the grid. Most patients leave the same day with noticeably drier underarms and a clear plan for whether a second session will give them their ideal result. If you also want to reduce stubble and ingrown hairs in the same zone, MiraDry pairs well with laser hair removal on alternate visits.
What Is MiraDry?
MiraDry is a non-invasive, in-office device that uses precisely calibrated microwave energy to permanently eliminate the sweat (eccrine) and odor (apocrine) glands in the underarm, while a hydroceramic cooling layer protects the surface. Because these glands do not regenerate, the result is lasting. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared MiraDry in 2011 for underarm hyperhidrosis, with a later clearance for permanent reduction of underarm hair and odor.
Your body has millions of sweat glands, so removing the small share in the underarm does not affect temperature regulation. Most patients see a dramatic, lasting drop in sweat and odor after one session, with some adding a second about three months later. Unlike temporary options such as Letybo and other neuromodulators used off-label for sweating, MiraDry does not need to be repeated.
Treatment Timeline:
Treatment Time:
60 to 90 minutes per session in office
First Signs:
Noticeable sweat reduction within days of treatment
Full Effect:
Approximately 3 months after the final session
Downtime:
1 to 7 days of localized soreness and swelling
Benefits of MiraDry at Pura Vida
Permanent results from a single in-office visit
Sweat Reduction
Destroyed eccrine glands do not regenerate
Odor Reduction
Apocrine odor glands are eliminated
Non-Surgical
No incisions, no general anesthesia
Hair Reduction
Underarm hair is noticeably reduced
Confidence
Sweat-stain-free, in any fabric
MiraDry vs Other Treatments for Excessive Sweating
How MiraDry compares to antiperspirants, neuromodulators, iontophoresis, and surgery
| Feature | MiraDry | Antiperspirants | Neuromodulators | Iontophoresis | Best For | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longevity | Permanent after 1 to 2 sessions | Daily, only while applied | 3 to 6 months per cycle | Ongoing weekly to monthly use | Long-term, lasting sweat reduction | 1 to 7 days for MiraDry |
| Mechanism | Destroys sweat and odor glands with microwave energy | Blocks sweat ducts at the surface | Blocks the nerve signal that triggers sweating | Electrical current temporarily disables sweat ducts | Treating the underlying gland, not the symptom | 1 to 7 days for MiraDry |
| Targets Odor | Yes, destroys apocrine odor glands | Masks with fragrance, not always effective | Mild indirect benefit only | No direct odor benefit | Patients with bromhidrosis and hyperhidrosis | 1 to 7 days for MiraDry |
Is MiraDry Right for You?
MiraDry is for adults with primary axillary hyperhidrosis, or underarm sweat and odor that interferes with daily life.
Ideal Candidates for MiraDry
- Adults bothered by excessive underarm sweating, regardless of severity
- Patients who soak through shirts, change clothing during the day, or avoid certain fabrics
- Those frustrated with clinical-strength antiperspirants or aluminum-based products
- Patients who want a permanent, non-surgical solution in 1 to 2 visits
Who Should Wait or Avoid MiraDry
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Pacemakers, defibrillators, or other electronic implants in the chest area
- Sensitivity or allergy to lidocaine or other local anesthetics
- Active skin infection, open wound, or significant rash in the underarm
Talk to Us First If…
- You have a pacemaker or other electronic implant
- You've had prior procedures in the underarm area
- You have a known sensitivity to local anesthetic
- You have a known sensitivity to local anesthetic
During your consultation, our medical team will review your sweating history, medications, and medical conditions to confirm that MiraDry is the right fit before scheduling treatment.
Your MiraDry Appointment
A clinically guided, comfortable in-office experience
Consultation and Mapping
Local Anesthesia
MiraDry Treatment
Cooling and Soothe
Follow-Up
Possible Side Effects and Risks
MiraDry has a well-established safety profile when performed by trained clinicians on appropriately screened patients.
Common, Expected Side Effects
Common, expected effects include underarm soreness, swelling, small firm bumps, bruising, and temporary numbness or altered sensation in the underarm or inner upper arm. These effects usually resolve over 1 to 7 days, with bumps and altered sensation sometimes taking several weeks to fully resolve. The American Academy of Dermatology publishes patient guidance on hyperhidrosis treatment options and what to expect.
Less Common Reactions to Watch For
Less common risks include prolonged swelling, prolonged altered sensation in the upper arm, compensatory sweating in nearby areas (uncommon and usually mild), and superficial blistering.
Rare Risks and Important Safety Screening
Rare risks include infection at the treatment site or a small area of post-inflammatory pigment change. Because the body has millions of additional sweat glands across the rest of the skin, the removal of underarm sweat glands does not interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. Following your prescribed aftercare protocol substantially reduces these risks, and our medical team will walk you through every step of recovery.
MiraDry Pricing
Transparent pricing for permanent underarm sweat and odor reduction
MiraDry pricing at Pura Vida Med Spa reflects the in-office nature of the treatment, the use of local anesthesia, and the time required for a careful, comfortable session. The average cost of a MiraDry treatment is between $2,000 and $3,000. Most patients choose either a single-session protocol or a two-session protocol spaced approximately 3 months apart for maximum sweat and odor reduction. MiraDry is offered exclusively at our Fulton (Maple Lawn) location.
Payment and Financing
- Major credit cards accepted
- CareCredit financing available for qualifying applicants
- Cherry financing available for flexible monthly payments
- Two-session bundles discounted versus paying per visit
Financing Options
Pura Vida Med Spa accepts CareCredit and Cherry Financing, both of which offer monthly payment plans so your treatment fits comfortably into your routine.
Your final pricing is reviewed transparently during your consultation, with no pressure and no hidden fees. Call (301) 604-8432 or book online to schedule.
Why Choose Pura Vida Med Spa for MiraDry in Fulton, MD
Founded by Dr. Leslie Apgar, MD, Pura Vida is trained on the MiraDry platform with careful attention to underarm anatomy, anesthesia and comfort. Offered exclusively at our Fulton location.
Physician-Founded Practice
Established and overseen by Dr. Leslie Apgar, MD.
Fulton-Only Expertise
MiraDry performed exclusively at our Maple Lawn location by trained clinicians.
Comfort-First Protocol
Multi-injection lidocaine field block keeps the treatment virtually painless.
Refined, Discreet Experience
Private treatment rooms and a warm, polished environment from start to finish.
Lasting, Proven Results
MiraDry's microwave energy permanently reduces sweat and odor glands.
Comprehensive Aftercare Support
We provide clear post-treatment guidelines covering activity restrictions and what to expect during recovery.
Pair Your MiraDry With in Fulton and Marriottsville
Complement your MiraDry treatment with other Pura Vida favorites.
Letybo
The Newest FDA-Approved Neurotoxin for Smooth, Long-Lasting Results
- Adults bothered by moderate to severe frown lines between the brows
- Patients seeking natural-looking smoothing with preserved expression
- Those in generally good health with realistic expectations
Laser Hair Removal
Permanent Hair Reduction with Motus AX and Soprano Technology
- Adults with unwanted dark hair on face or body
- All Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI, matched to the right device
- Patients with ingrown hairs, razor bumps, or pseudofolliculitis barbae
Emsculpt Neo
Non-Surgical Body Contouring with Simultaneous Fat Reduction and Muscle Building
- Adults with a BMI up to approximately 35 seeking targeted body contouring
- Patients with stubborn fat or weak muscle tone in the abdomen, buttocks, arms, thighs, or calves
- People with mild skin laxity, cellulite, or stretch marks who want a non-surgical option
MiraDry FAQs
Answers to questions we hear most often
01 Is MiraDry really permanent?
Yes. MiraDry uses microwave thermolysis to destroy the sweat and odor glands in the underarm. Once these glands are destroyed they do not regenerate, which is why MiraDry is considered a permanent solution for axillary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis.
02 How many MiraDry sessions will I need?
Most patients see a dramatic reduction after a single session. Some choose a second session about 3 months later to maximize sweat and odor reduction. Our medical team will discuss expected outcomes during your consultation and reassess at the 3 month mark.
03 Does MiraDry hurt?
MiraDry is performed under local anesthesia with multiple precise lidocaine injections that numb each grid square before treatment begins. Most patients describe the procedure itself as comfortable. The lidocaine injections are the part most patients remember, and our team uses techniques to minimize that discomfort.
04 What is recovery like after MiraDry?
Expect localized soreness, swelling, and small firm bumps for 1 to 7 days. Many patients return to desk work the next day and resume strenuous exercise after about a week. Cold packs, gentle motion, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories help during the first few days.
05 Will sweat just move to another part of my body?
True compensatory sweating elsewhere on the body is uncommon after MiraDry and, when it does occur, is usually mild. Because only a small fraction of the body's millions of sweat glands sit in the underarm, removing them does not impair the body's overall ability to regulate temperature.
06 Is MiraDry offered at the Marriottsville location?
No. MiraDry is offered exclusively at our Fulton (Maple Lawn) location. Patients from across Maryland are welcome to schedule MiraDry appointments at Fulton even if they typically visit our Marriottsville location for other services.
Schedule Your MiraDry Consultation
References
- Glaser DA, et al. A randomized, blinded clinical evaluation of a novel microwave device for treating axillary hyperhidrosis (Dermatol Surg 2012). PubMed (PMID: 22289389).
- Hong HC, et al. Clinical evaluation of a microwave device for treating axillary hyperhidrosis (Dermatol Surg 2012). PubMed (PMID: 22288389).
- Lee SJ, et al. Microwave-based device for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis in Asians (Lasers Surg Med 2013). PubMed (PMID: 23740712).
- Chang CK, et al. Microwave-based device treatment for axillary osmidrosis and hyperhidrosis: a single-center retrospective study (Dermatol Surg 2017). PubMed (PMID: 28291049).
- Johnson JE, et al. Long-term reduction in axillary hair after microwave treatment (Dermatol Surg 2015). PubMed (PMID: 26218728).
- Nestor MS, Park H. Safety and efficacy of microfocused ultrasound plus visualization for noninvasive treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis (J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2014). PubMed (PMID: 24765222).