miraDry for Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Cost, Side Effects and Results
For those who have axillary hyperhidrosis, there is no escaping armpit sweat marks.
But when everyday sweat solutions like antiperspirant don't work, you might turn to medical treatments like miraDry for hyperhidrosis.
If you're considering this procedure, it's important to know how miraDry works, how much it costs and common side effects to determine whether it's the right treatment for you.
miraDry for Hyperhidrosis
miraDry is a newer, noninvasive axillary hyperhidrosis treatment. Using microwave technology, miraDry targets and eliminates sweat and odor glands from the armpits. The procedure was cleared by the FDA in 2015 for axillary hyperhidrosis.
The treatment uses a handheld device to deliver electromagnetic energy below the skin, targeting sweat glands. The device heats and destroys the underarm sweat glands while cooling and protecting the top layers of skin.
The procedure is relatively painless, but it does require local anesthesia in the form of lidocaine injections. Most people can continue normal activities, return to work right after the procedure and resume exercise within a couple of days.
miraDry is less invasive than many other treatments on the market like ETS surgery or Botox. But it does have its fair share of side effects, and the procedure will leave a hefty dent in your wallet.
Check out our complete list of axillary hyperhidrosis solutions.
How Much Does miraDry Cost?
Depending on your location, the cost of miraDry ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 per treatment.
Since it’s difficult to target exactly where the sweat glands are, many people have to undergo at least two treatments to see lasting results.
What Happens During the Procedure?
miraDry is performed in a doctor’s or dermatologist’s office. A physician begins by measuring your armpits and marking the treatment area.
The doctor will administer numbing lidocaine shots in both armpits. The number of shots needed varies from person to person, but most people need around 30 shots. The underarms are a sensitive area, and the lidocaine injections can be painful and uncomfortable.
Once your armpits are numbed, the physician will use the hand-held miraDry device to heat and destroy your sweat glands. The whole process takes about an hour.
The recovery period is short, but it’s smart to give yourself a few days of downtime to relax and heal. Try to avoid scheduling your miraDry appointment before an important work meeting or big event.
Side Effects of miraDry For Hyperhidrosis
Common miraDry side effects include underarm swelling, redness and soreness that can last several days to a few weeks. The degree of swelling can range from minor irritation to large golf-ball-sized lumps. You might experience numbness and tingling in the upper arm or armpit for up to five weeks.
It’s rare, but serious miraDry complications do occur. One of the more serious risks is permanent nerve injury. Thinner patients tend to have higher risk of nerve injury because their nerves sit closer to the surface of the skin.
Click here to read real-life stories from people who experienced more severe miraDry complications after the procedure.
Does miraDry Work?
First, it's important to know that although there is no cure for hyperhidrosis, it can be managed.
miraDry results vary depending on the person. On average, hyperhidrosis patients experience 82 percent sweat reduction after two treatments. Some patients need a third treatment to see significant improvement. It may also take a few months to see the full effects.
Although uncommon, some people have armpit sweat glands that are too deep or shallow for the miraDry microwave energy to reach. Some people may also have “resistant” sweat glands that miraDry can't penetrate.
The FDA has not yet cleared miraDry to treat other types of hyperhidrosis, such as palmar or plantar (hands or feet).
Learn about more types of hyperhidrosis.
Alternatives to miraDry
miraDry is just one of many treatment options for axillary hyperhidrosis. If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a procedure with no guarantee, consider a more natural solution first.
An effective sweat proof undershirt is a safer and cheaper solution to axillary hyperhidrosis. The Thompson Tee makes sweat proof shirts for men and women that completely absorbs and evaporates underarm sweat, offering all-day protection from sweat marks and yellow stains.
Before investing in an expensive hyperhidrosis treatment, try Thompson Tee. Made for people with hyperhidrosis by people with hyperhidrosis, these undershirts are guaranteed to conceal underarm sweat — or your money back.
