Last updated July 2022

miraDry is a quick, non-surgical sweat reduction treatment procedure performed under local anaesthetic. The miraDry device precisely delivers electromagnetic (microwave) energy to the underarm sweat glands to permanently eliminate them.

We specialise in miraDry treatment for excessive underarm sweating and provide you with a full medical assessment of your condition. Our miraDry treatment is available at our Lower Templestowe clinic.

What is miraDry?

miraDry is a non-invasive, excessive sweating solution for underarms that provides lasting results for reducing excessive underarm sweat or perspiration.

Each miraDry treatment is customised for the patient’s underarm area. To ensure you remain comfortable, local anaesthesia is used before the treatment commences.

After the first procedure, 90% of patients experience a sweat reduction of up to 82% with immediately visible results. Some patients may require a second session 3 months after the first treatment.

The miraDry treatment is fast and involves minimal discomfort with no downtime required after it.

How does miraDry work?

When the miraDry handheld device is placed on the underarm, it distributes electromagnetic (microwave) energy precisely to the sweat glands to eliminate them, radically reducing odour and excessive sweating in this area. The sweat glands will not grow back, resulting in long-lasting results.

Because your underarms only have about 2% of your body’s sweat glands, eliminating them will not stop your body’s ability to regulate temperature. While the sweat glands are destroyed by thermolysis (a heating process) the surface of the skin remains cool and comfortable.

While some patients report feeling localised swelling and/or soreness, this generally clears up in a few weeks. In rare cases, patients can experience short-term numbness in the underarm area or the skin of the upper arms.

How can hyperhidrosis be treated?

Primary hyperhidrosis can be treated with topical treatments, iontophoresis (not performed at Victorian Cosmetic Institute) and oral medication (anti-cholinergics, anti-wrinkle injections, miraDry and surgery). Usually, hyperhidrosis treatment begins with the least invasive measures.

Anti-perspirants are generally the first line of treatment for palm and underarm sweating, but are not effective in other affected areas. Another method of non-invasively treating hyperhidrosis is by using anti-cholinergic medication. Anti-cholinergics affect the part of the autonomic nervous system, which is the nervous system for unconscious functions, and help to reduce sweating. It is not completely selective for sweating, and also tends to affect other parts of the autonomic nervous system leading to dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision.

Anti-wrinkle injections have been widely used for the successful treatment of primary hyperhidrosis, particularly in the face, scalp and underarms. Watch this video as Dr Sara Mullen (MBBS, FRACGP, Cosmetic Doctor) from Victorian Cosmetic Institute explains and demonstrates the treatment of excessive sweating with anti-wrinkle injections.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is usually the last step in improving primary hyperhidrosis. This surgery disrupts the nerves that cause sweating and effectively reduces sweating in the feet, upper limbs, or underarms. It is important to note that this part of the nervous system is also responsible for other bodily functions including opening the eyelids. This surgery can potentially disrupt these functions and compensatory sweating may arise in the areas that have not been treated. This surgical treatment is not performed at Victorian Cosmetic Institute.

Read more details about effective hyperhidrosis treatments here.

What are the benefits of the miraDry treatment?

The miraDry excessive sweating underarm treatment is the only non-invasive technology to provide lasting results for underarm sweat without using injections, chemicals or undergoing surgery. While two (and rarely 3) procedures are recommended 3 months apart, many patients only need to have one procedure.

The benefits of the miraDry procedure include:

  • Dramatic reduction of underarm sweat
  • Reduction in underarm odour
  • Immediate and lasting results
  • Minimal to no downtime after treatment
  • No need to have regular injection treatments

Who is a suitable candidate for miraDry treatment?

The miraDry underarm excessive sweating treatment may be appropriate for you if:

  • Your underarm sweat outbreaks interfere with your daily activities
  • You need to frequently apply deodorant and antiperspirants
  • Your underarm sweat appears on your clothing, making you feel embarrassed
  • You change your clothes during the day due to underarm sweat
  • You choose clothing that does not show sweat stains as easily
  • You are looking for a long-term alternative to 8 monthly injections for your excessive underarm sweating
  • You want to permanently reduce underarm sweat and odour

Who is not a suitable candidate for miraDry?

It is important to note that miraDry is not appropriate if you:

  • Use supplemental oxygen
  • Have had prior problems with locally injected anaesthesia, including lidocaine with epinephrine.
  • Have a heart pacemaker or other electronic device implant
  • Have more extensive sweating than just the underarms – possibly surgical methods of reducing sweat such as an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy should be considered.

At your initial consultation, our highly trained and experienced practitioners will discuss your suitability and expected outcomes of the miraDry excessive sweating treatment.

How to prepare for miraDry

In order to prepare for miraDry treatment, you should do the following:

  • Shave your underarms the night before the treatment. Avoid any nicks or cuts because the procedure will not be performed if these appear.
  • Wear comfortable clothing to the procedure – a loose singlet top is preferred to allow for easy access to your underarm.
  • Do not use any deodorant or antiperspirant on the day of the procedure.

What to expect during miraDry treatment

The procedure begins with the armpits being cleansed with antiseptic. A grid-like template is drawn on to the underarms to help guide the placement of the handpiece during treatment for consistent outcomes.

Local anaesthetic is administered into the armpits using a cannula, which is a thin, blunt-tipped instrument. This is a very dilute local anaesthetic combined with adrenaline which helps to stop bleeding and increase the duration of the local anaesthetic. Besides numbing the area, the local anaesthetic also lifts up the skin in the underarms and provides a buffer to the microwave energy passing to deeper structures in the armpit (such as the nerves passing through the area). The local anaesthetic is the most painful or uncomfortable part of the procedure, and once the area is numb, the treatment cannot be felt much or at all.

The handpiece is then systematically applied to the underarms, with placement being guided by the template applied previously. With each placement of the handpiece, the skin is suctioned into the handpiece. This helps to distribute the microwave energy evenly across the treatment area. The top layers of the skin are cooled whilst the microwave energy penetrates through to the skin. The cooling helps to protect the surface of the skin to prevent thermal injury.

The penetration of the microwave energy is very superficial and does affect anywhere other than the treatment area. The handpiece is positioned for a few seconds in each area, with exact timing determined by the machine. The entire armpit is covered on each side with multiple applications of the handpiece.

What to expect after miraDry treatment

After the miraDry treatment, patients can resume their regular activities. In some cases, strenuous exercise may need to be restricted for a few days. Taking over the counter pain medication and/or using ice packs on the treatment area can provide comfort during the recovery process. You will be able to drive yourself home after the appointment.

While complications from the miraDry treatment are rare, some patients report swelling, discomfort, and numbness of the underarm area or down the arm. It is important to note that miraDry is only used to treat excessive sweating in the underarm area – it cannot be used to treat primary hyperhidrosis in any other body areas.

miradry system diagram

FAQ

How much does miraDry treatment cost?

Costing for this treatment can be found on our pricing page.

Is there any downtime for miraDry?

There is little to no downtime associated with miraDry treatments. Over the counter pain medication and ice packs should be sufficient to reduce any discomfort during the first few days after the procedure.

You should be able to return to normal activities straightaway.

Are there any side effects associated with miraDry?

Soreness, tenderness or swelling in the armpit is normal. Sometimes this can also extend onto the chest, but this should only last for a few days.

Some patients may experience more severe side effects, such as prolonged swelling in the armpit (called banding) or a change in sensation in the skin of the upper arm.

How long does miraDry last?

Once destroyed, the sweat glands cannot grow back, so the results of miraDry are permanent.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients only require one treatment. However, some patients may require a second treatment if results are not visible after the first procedure.

Can miraDry be used on all skin types?

Yes, miraDry is suitable for all skin types.

Why should I choose the Victorian Cosmetic Institute as my provider of miraDry?

Axillary hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that needs to be assessed by highly qualified and experienced practitioners. At Victorian Cosmetic Institute we provide you with a full medical assessment of your condition before advising you of the appropriate treatment. We specialise in miraDry underarm treatment for excessive underarm sweating.

Enjoy freedom from underarm sweating and book your initial consultation by calling us on 1300 863 824 or completing our online form.