FAQs MiraDry

What is miraDry ®?

miraDry is the only non-invasive, FDA cleared procedure that safely eliminates underarm sweat and odor glands permanently.

Don’t I need sweat glands?

Not in your armpits! Of the 2 million sweat glands throughout your body, your underarms only contain2% of those glands. miraDry stops sweating in the underarm, but you continue to sweat elsewhere, allowing your body to cool down normally while exercising or in hot environments.

How does miraDry work?

miraDry’s technology delivers thermal energy that is absorbed by the water in the sweat and odor glands in the underarm. It destroys the glands while cooling the overlying skin. Because hair follicles are in close proximity to the sweat glands, many hair follicles in the underarm area are also eliminated.

What is the procedure like?

The underarm is numbed with local anesthesia. The procedure is then performed and is completelycomfortable for most patients. There are no incisions or cuts. The procedure takes about an hour.

What results can I expect?*

You can expect immediate and lasting reduction in sweating. Once destroyed, sweat glands do not come back or regrow. An average of over 80% sweat reduction is achieved in one treatment. Results vary person to person. Most patients achieve their goals in 1 treatment. About 25% – 35% of patient shave a second treatment to improve their results. Very rarely (<3% of patients) there is minimal improvement.

Is there downtime?

Most patients take a day after the procedure to ice the area, relax and recuperate. Exercise is typically resumed within several days. Patients generally use non-steroidal pain relievers like ibuprofen(Advil/Motrin) for a few days. Swelling of the underarm, arm or chest, numbness, bruising, sensitivity, and nodularity in the treated area are common for several days post treatment.

Are there significant side effects?

miraDry has a strong safety record. Soreness, swelling and nodularity may occasionally last a few weeks or longer. Very rarely cordlike thickening in the underarm, tingling or weakness of fingers, burns causing scarring, and infection/abscess formation have occurred and have resolved with time.

Who should not have the miraDry procedure?

You should not have miraDry if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an active infection, form keloid scars, have significant scar tissue or surgical scars in the underarm area, have difficulty with or allergy to local anesthesia (lidocaine with epinephrine), have a cardiac pacemaker or other electronic implant, have cysts or hidradenitis suppurativa, or radiation injury of the underarm area. Do not to have miraDryif you are currently on Accutane (isotretinoin) or are within 6 months post accutane treatment.

Is miraDry covered by insurance?

Though it is FDA approved, the miraDry procedure is not covered by insurance. However, some medicalpre-tax accounts such as HSA and FSA plans may allow for tax free reimbursement. Check with yourbenefits manager.

Pre- miraDry Procedure Instructions:

  1. Shave both underarms 4-6 days before the procedure. Do not shave after that so short hair is visibleto help identify the area to be treated.
  2. Wear a tank top with loose arm holes on the day of the procedure. A dark color is preferable toavoid staining.
  3. Place 4 small size plastic water bottles in the freezer. These will make great ice packs post procedure.
  4. Do not plan on wearing a sleeveless shirt in public for at least a week post procedure as the area willbe discolored and swollen.
  5. Have ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) on hand for post procedure soreness.
  6. Purchase over the counter Hibiclens cleanser, which is available at the pharmacy counter or yourlocal drug store. Wash your armpits in the showerdaily with it for 1 week before the procedure.

Post- miraDry Procedure Instructions:

  1. Wrap frozen water bottles or ice packs in wet paper towel or thin dish towel. Ice areas 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Be sure to keep the ice packs wrapped, as placing them immediately next to skin may cause frostbite.
  2. You may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) per package instructions fordiscomfort.
  3. Use over the counter Hibiclens cleanser to wash armpits for 2 weeks after procedure. For the first 2 days, wash the area twice per day.
  4. Avoid applying antiperspirant/deodorant for the first 2weeks. Do not shave for 2 weeks.
  5. Wear a loose top to avoid irritation.
  6. Avoid vigorous activity for a few days.
  7. Use aquaphor or petroleum jelly if desired to soothe skin, particularly if you experience any small blisters in the treated area.
  8. The following effects are expected and temporary: swelling in arm or torso, numbness or tingling, redness or bruising, bumps youcan feel under the skin, darkening of the skin in the treated area.
  9. Call the office if you:
    • Experience dizziness, nausea, difficulty speaking, confusion, vertigo, numbnessaround mouth/eyes or difficulty breathing.
    • Develop signs of infection such as increase swelling, pain, surrounding redness, an enlarging nodule, or if the treated area appears to be getting worse
    • Experience significant pain that is not relieved by over the counter pain medication and icing.
    • Develop severe swelling, redness, bruising that persists more than 2weeks
    • Experience any weakness in your arm muscles or fingers.

Take the First Step – Request A Consultation

Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Krauss Dermatology will reach out to you promptly. You can also call our Wellesley, MA office directly to schedule – (781) 416-3500.

Krauss Dermatology serves the greater Boston area.

*Individual Results May Vary*

CONDITIONS
THAT MIRADRY®

(FOR UNDERARM SWEATING)MAY TREAT

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ABOUT MIRADRY®

FOR UNDERARM SWEATING