MiraDry for Sweating
If excessive sweating is affecting you, our dermatology team can assess possible causes and discuss suitable treatment options. For primary underarm sweating, also called axillary hyperhidrosis, miraDry is one of the treatments we offer at our main centre in Remuera, Auckland.
Sweating triggers differ between people and can include anxiety, exercise, hot weather, spicy foods and stress. Genetic factors, emotional stress, medicines and caffeine may also play a role. Some people have a relative with excessive sweating or experience sweating of the hands and feet as well as the underarms.
Lifestyle measures may include wearing loose, cool clothing made from fabric that absorbs sweat and does not promote odour, together with specially formulated antiperspirants.
Where can excessive sweating occur?
Excessive sweating can affect the face, scalp, hands, feet and underarms. Generalised sweating can have an underlying cause, so assessment by a dermatologist is important.
miraDry is intended for the underarms only. It is not indicated for sweating of the face, scalp, palms or feet. Other specialised treatments may be suitable for these areas after assessment.
Treatment options currently discussed on this page include:
- miraDry for underarm sweating only; and
- botulinum toxin for primary underarm hyperhidrosis, where suitable after specialist assessment.
Excessive underarm sweating
Excessive underarm sweating can affect clothing choices, daily activities and confidence. It can occur even when a person is cool or calm.
Our dermatology team can assess whether sweating is limited to the underarms, consider possible contributing factors and discuss suitable treatment options. Response and duration vary.
miraDry
How does miraDry work?
miraDry is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive microwave device indicated for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis. It heats tissue at the dermal-hypodermal interface, where underarm sweat glands are located, while the handpiece provides integrated cooling.
miraDry is not indicated for generalised hyperhidrosis or hyperhidrosis affecting other body areas.
What happens during treatment?
A dermatologist and specialist laser nurse customise the treatment for each underarm using multiple placements of the miraDry handpiece. Local anaesthetic is administered before the procedure, which normally takes about one hour.
During treatment, patients may feel pressure, light pulling, warmth or a brief hot spot.
The number of sessions varies. In the cited study, participants received one to three procedures over six months. Your clinician will assess your response and advise whether another session may be appropriate.
Other options include clinical-strength antiperspirants and sweat-reducing injections. Their effects and retreatment needs differ. Your dermatologist can discuss which option may be suitable for you.
Results
In a manufacturer-funded clinical study of 31 adults who received one to three procedures over six months, mean measured underarm sweat reduction was 81.7% at 12 months after the treatment series. Results vary between patients.
The mean reduction remained stable through the study’s final 12-month follow-up. Longer-term permanence was not established.
Recovery and possible effects
Recovery varies. Temporary effects can include swelling, redness or bruising, discomfort, lumps, and numbness or altered sensation. Some sensory changes may last for months.
Nerve-related effects, including arm weakness, have also been reported. Your clinician will explain the possible risks, aftercare and when to return to work or exercise before treatment.
Your clinician will discuss the possible risks, expected recovery and whether miraDry is suitable for you before treatment.