Excessive underarm sweat often causes anxiety and embarrassment in social or professional settings and can be very difficult to manage or hide. MiraDry is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) that uses microwave energy to heat and permanently destroy sweat glands in the treatment area. Performed at our Fulton, MD medical spa, MiraDry is safe and effective, requires no downtime and results typically last for several years.
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What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a debilitating condition that can profoundly affect people’s lives in multiple ways. It is characterized by excessive sweating, usually concentrated under the arms, palm of the hands, soles of the feet, and around the face. It is diagnosed when the effects of the sweat cause significant emotional, physical, or social discomfort, impacting the person’s quality of life.
Many treatment options exist to reduce hyperhidrosis, including the use of antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox injections, and surgery, but most of these interventions have short-term results or require significant downtime and possible complications. Various studies found that treating hyperhidrosis with MiraDry is an effective therapy for excessive sweating and has a high degree of long-term patient satisfaction.
How MiraDry Treats Hyperhidrosis
MiraDry is a microwave energy device that treats hyperhidrosis by selectively heating the skin’s lower layer, where the eccrine (sweat) glands are located. The treatment is applied through a handheld device that destroys the sweat glands, resulting in permanent sweat reduction with no plastic surgery.
Unlike antiperspirants or Botox injections, which offer temporary results and sometimes have unwanted side effects, MiraDry is a safe procedure that does not affect your body’s ability to cool itself. Other benefits of MiraDry compared to other treatment options:
- The procedure is quick and pain-free
- The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting so that you can return home the same day.
- There are little or no side effects from the treatment
- Armpit odor is eliminated
- You will feel more comfortable in close-quarter social and work settings
- MiraDry reduces unwanted underarm hair by up to 70% after just one treatment.
Why We Use MiraDry for Hyperhidrosis
Although our facility has other treatment options for hyperhidrosis, MiraDry consistently delivers the best results. Both Botox and MiraDry are FDA-approved to reduce underarm sweating and are safe and effective when administered by a qualified provider. However, there are a few key differences:
- The results of MiraDry are permanent, while the effects of Botox are only temporary, lasting up to six months.
- Because MiraDry destroys the sweat glands, it also reduces armpit odor, but Botox only reduces sweat production.
- MiraDry causes hair removal in addition to sweat and odor, whereas Botox does not.
- Patients only need one or two treatments of MiraDry, while Botox treatments have to be repeated every six months.
- The results of MiraDry are immediate, while Botox takes two weeks to notice its full effect.
- The side effects of MiraDry include temporary swelling and discomfort for a few days following treatment, while Botox treatments can cause temporary paralysis, pain, and tiredness.
Why Choose Pura Vida for Your MiraDry Treatment
Located in Fulton, Maryland, we are well-known for our high level of customer care and personalized treatment plans. Our doctor-led team, run by Dr. Leslie Apgar, a board-certified medical practitioner, carefully evaluates your individual needs and provides treatments tailored to your goals.
One of Fulton, MD’s top medical spas and aesthetic medicine centers, our facilities are world-class, and we have earned top awards from prominent medical associations. We are also dedicated to continuously developing our professional team by providing hands-on training with the latest technology and research to stay ahead as a leader in aesthetic services.
Ideal Candidates for MiraDry Treatment
Do you suffer from excessive sweat stains on your clothing, or do underarm perspiration and odor cause embarrassment in social or work situations? The ideal candidates for MiraDry treatment are those who have excessive underarm sweating and odor, and find themselves applying antiperspirant deodorants several times a day.
Other candidates for MiraDry are those who have tried treatments such as Botox but are looking for a more effective and permanent solution for underarm sweat reduction and those who want to get rid of unwanted underarm hair.
Candidates should also be physically healthy and have realistic expectations about the treatment results.
Before and Afters
During treatment, sweat glands and hair follicles are targeted and eliminated while the outer layers of the skin are preserved. Most people notice an immediate reduction in underarm sweat following the first treatment. After two weeks, the full effect of the treatment will be apparent, and patients report a significant reduction in sweat, odor, and hair regrowth. Some people require a second treatment to see permanent results, but this is relatively uncommon.
See the before and after pictures below:
What to Expect from Your MiraDry Treatment
Pre-Treatment
Our dermatologists will perform an extensive assessment, including your medical history, to determine if MiraDry is the right course of treatment. They will also perform an in-depth skin analysis to determine where treatment should apply.
Before treatment, you will be instructed to shave your underarms and not apply any lotions or deodorants.
Pre and post-treatment photos will also be taken to compare the progress of your MiraDry treatment.
Treatment
The MiraDry procedure typically takes one to two hours to complete. During the treatment, your Pura Vida aesthetician will clean your skin and may inject a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, into the area. Once numbed, the target areas are marked, and the MiraDry device is passed over the treatment area to deliver controlled electromagnetic energy to the skin. This energy penetrates the skin between 2 – 5mm and painlessly eliminates sweat glands and hair follicles. You may feel a bit of warmth and pressure during the treatment.
Post Treatment
After the procedure, your doctor will apply a topical anesthetic cream or cool compress to the treated area. Immediately following a MiraDry treatment, you may experience swelling, redness, and tenderness. These side effects are minor and usually subside within 2 – 3 days. After two to three weeks, you will notice a drastic reduction in sweat, odor, and hair regrowth.
Sometimes it takes two treatments spaced three months apart to achieve optimal results.
Cost of MiraDry Treatments in Fulton, MD
The cost of a MiraDry treatment in Fulton, MD, varies, depending on the individual’s needs, the experience of the provider, and how many treatments are required. The average price of a MiraDry treatment is between $2,000 and $3,000, but may be less if special offers are available.
Book Your MiraDry Consultation at Our Fulton, MD Location
If you are ready for a permanent solution to your underarm sweat and odor problems, schedule a consultation with one of our professional aestheticians at Pura Vida, Fulton, MD, today. We’ll work with your individual needs and desires, tailoring treatment plans that are right for you.
FAQs
Is it Safe to Eliminate Sweat Glands Under My Arms?
Yes. While the ability to sweat is essential for good health, there is no need to sweat specifically from your armpits. In fact, only about 2% of your body’s sweat glands are found under your arms, so eliminating sweat glands here still allows for healthy body temperature regulation.
Does hyperhidrosis fall under dermatology?
Dermatologists are generally the best doctors for treating excessive sweating and have a lot of experience in treating the condition. Depending on your medical insurance, you may be referred to a dermatologist by your regular doctor.
How long do the results of MiraDry last?
MiraDry is a permanent, FDA-cleared solution for excessive sweating. It destroys the area’s sweat glands and hair follicles to reduce sweat production, odor, and hair growth. To achieve optimal results, patients sometimes require two treatments.
What are the possible side effects of MiraDry?
Common side effects of MiraDry treatments include temporary swelling, redness, tenderness, numbness, bruising and minor discoloration in the treated area. Rare side effects include infection or scarring at the treatment site and an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used during treatment.
Is the MiraDry procedure painful?
The MiraDry procedure is not painful. Most people describe it as feeling similar to a hot stone massage. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, which is usually managed with a local anesthetic.
Does a plastic surgeon need to perform the MiraDry procedure?
No the MiraDry procedure does not need to be performed by a plastic surgeon. While the anaesthesia injection should be performed by a doctor, MiraDry can be administered by a trained nurse, esthetician, or medical assistant.