miraDry® (Anti-sweating Treatment)

A special applicator is placed in a series of marked locations over the armpit. It sucks the numbed skin up until it meets a cooling plate which protects the skin’s surface. Precisely controlled electromagnetic energy is then applied and this focuses specifically on the level where the large sweat glands sit in the armpit. These are irreversibly damaged. Sweat glands do not regenerate once they have been destroyed. Most people will therefore notice an immediate reduction in sweating.

miraDry® is a non-surgical treatment that produces long-term reduction in sweating and odour of the armpits. Often it is a single treatment, although some people will need a second one 3 months later.

It takes about an hour for the treatment.

If you have hair in the area, you should shave this the night or two before your scheduled appointment. A template/transfer is applied to the skin which allows the nurse to follow the treatment pattern over the area. The handpiece of the machine gently sucks the skin up to meet a cooling plate and then the electromagnetic energy is focused to the depth of the sweat glands which are immediately affected and will then stop producing sweat.

For many, just one treatment is required, but for some, a second treatment is needed after 3 months.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia after the sweating area is measured and a stencil is applied to mark out the area. These marks are temporary.

There will be some swelling and discomfort when the local anaesthetic wears off, however most find over-the-counter analgesics and covered icepacks provide sufficient relief. Occasionally, some lumps or bands may be felt under the skin. These will gradually subside. Some localised numbness or tingling may also be noticed temporarily, fading over days to weeks. Some skin types may notice some temporary colour change. Some permanent hair loss may occur.

If you have some skin tags or large moles in the armpits, it is best to have these removed before the miraDry® procedure.

The local anaesthesia prior to the treatment also lifts the skin away from deeper nerves reducing the possibility of nerve damage.

Patients are provided with cool packs and it is good to alternate a cool pack under the armpit with one in the freezer for the first 24 to 48 hours following your treatment. This reduces swelling.

It is best to avoid any rigorous activity for several days post treatment. If you normally exercise heavily, wait a few days before resuming your exercise routine. And then do so within your tolerance.  We also recommend you wear loose, comfortable clothing for the days following your treatment.