miraDry

miraDry Underarm Treatment

What is miraDry?

miraDry is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that effectively treats underarm sweating without surgery. It utilizes electromagnetic energy to eliminate underarm sweat glands. It is an FDA-approved device and the procedure is performed in your doctor’s office.  A local anesthetic is administered to the underarm with minimally invasive injections for comfort.  The procedure uses precisely controlled energy.  The results are long-lasting as sweat glands do not regenerate. The miraDry procedure typically lasts about an hour, resulting in 82% reduction in sweating after two treatments. miraDry is associated with minimal to no downtime and patients may resume their daily activities on the same day of treatment. Other treatments for excessive sweating include prescription antiperspirants or BOTOX injections, which only temporarily stop the sweat glands. Both of these options need to be repeated regularly, which can be costly. The only other permanent option to treat sweating involves surgery, which is risky and may exclude many individuals.
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Candidates

You may be a candidate for miraDry if you are 18 years of age or older and suffer from underarm sweating. Candidates also must be in good overall health. A consultation with your dermatologist will be necessary to determine whether miraDry is right for you.

Steps of the Procedure

1. Mark the treatment area

2. Numb the underarm

3. Treat the area with miraDry

4. Enjoy the new sweat-free you!

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Research Studies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that affects a large percentage of the population and has a significant impact on peoples’ lives. This report presents a technical overview of a new noninvasive, microwave-based device for creating thermolysis of sweat glands. The fundamental principles of operation of the device are presented, as well as the design and optimization of the device to target the region where the sweat glands reside.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An applicator was designed that consists of an array of four waveguide antennas, a cooling system, and a vacuum acquisition system. Initially, the performance of the antenna array was optimized via computer simulation such that microwave absorption was maximized near the dermal/hypodermal interface. Subsequently, hardware was implemented and utilized in pre-clinical testing on a porcine model to optimize the thermal performance and analyze the ability of the system to create thermally affected zones of varying size yet centered on the target region.

RESULTS

Computer simulation results demonstrated absorption profiles at a frequency of 5.8 GHz that had low amounts of absorption at the epidermis and maximal absorption at the dermal/hypodermal interface. The targeted zone was shown to be largely independent of skin thickness. Gross pathological and histological response from pre-clinical testing demonstrated the ability to generate thermally affected zones in the desired target region while providing protection to the upper skin layers.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that microwave technology is well suited for targeting sweat glands while allowing for protection of both the upper skin layers and the structures beneath the subcutaneous fat. Promising initial results from simulation and pre-clinical testing demonstrate the potential of the device as a noninvasive solution for sweat gland thermolysis.

A Randomized, Blinded Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Microwave Device for Treating Axillary Hyperhidrosis: the Dermatologic Reduction in Underarm Perspiration Study Glaser DA, Coleman WP 3rd, Fan LK, Kaminer MS, Kilmer SL, Nossa R, Smith SR, O’Shaughnessy KF. Dermatol Surg. 2012 Feb;38(2):185-91. Department of Dermatology, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, USA. PMID: 22289389

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BACKGROUND

Duration of effect and effectiveness limit current options for treating axillary hyperhidrosis. A new microwave procedure for treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis has been tested.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adults with primary axillary hyperhidrosis were enrolled in a randomized, sham-controlled, blinded study. Subjects were required to have a Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) score of 3 or 4 and baseline sweat production greater than 50 mg/5 min. Procedures were administered using a proprietary microwave energy device that isolates and heats target tissue. Responders were defined as subjects reporting a HDSS score of 1 or 2. Subjects were followed for 6 months (sham group) or 12 months (active group).

RESULTS

Thirty days after treatment, the active group had a responder rate of 89% (72/81), and the sham group had a responder rate of 54% (21/39) (P < .001). Treatment efficacy was stable from 3 months (74%) to 12 months (69%), when follow-up ended. Adverse events were generally mild, and all but one resolved over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The procedure demonstrated statistically significant, long-term efficacy in sweat reduction. As with any new procedure, findings from this first investigational device study identified optimization strategies for the future.

Clinical Evaluation of a Microwave Device for Treating Axillary Hyperhidrosis Hong HC, Lupin M, O’Shaughnessy KF.
Dermatol Surg. 2012 May;38(5):728-35. Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. [email protected]. PMID: 22452511

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BACKGROUND

A third-generation microwave-based device has been developed to treat axillary hyperhidrosis by selectively heating the interface between the skin and underlying fat where the sweat glands reside.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-one (31) adults with primary axillary hyperhidrosis were enrolled. All subjects had one to three procedure sessions over a 6-month period to treat both axillae fully. Efficacy was assessed using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), gravimetric weight of sweat, and the Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI), a dermatology-specific quality-of-life scale. Subject safety was assessed at each visit. Subjects were followed for 12 months after all procedure sessions were complete.

RESULTS

At the 12-month follow-up visit, 90.3% had HDSS scores of 1 or 2, 90.3% had at least a 50% reduction in axillary sweat from baseline, and 85.2% had a reduction of at least 5 points on the DLQI. All subjects experienced transient effects in the treatment area such as swelling, discomfort, and numbness. The most common adverse event (12 subjects) was the presence of altered sensation in the skin of the arm that resolved in all subjects.

CONCLUSION:

The device tested provided efficacious and durable treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis.

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Patient Experiences

DAN B. (PATIENT OF ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY) NO LONGER HAS TO WORRY ABOUT SWEAT STAINS WHILE HE TEACHES!

RENEE IS FINALLY ABLE TO WEAR FABRICS AND LIGHT-COLORED CLOTHING, AND HAS HAD LASTING RESULTS FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS!

CHRIS G. NO LONGER HAS TO CHANGE SHIRTS MORE THAN ONCE A DAY!

JOANNA NOW LOOKS FORWARD TO SEEING HERSELF IN PICTURES!

CHRIS N. NO LONGER NEEDS AN UNDERSHIRT TO HIDE EMBARRASSING SWEAT STAINS!

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the miraDry procedure?

miraDry is an outpatient procedure performed right in your dermatologist’s office with no incisions necessary. To enhance patient comfort, the underarms are numbed beforehand and the treatment is customized based on your sweat level and armpit anatomy. The miraDry system sends electromagnetic energy through the underarms to eliminate sweat glands.

What is considered too much sweating?

It is normal for everyone to sweat especially when over-exerting themselves through rigorous exercise, or in the summer months. Sweat is our body’s natural way of cooling itself off. However, some people have a tendency to sweat too much where a thicker and darker colored fluid is produced and it can create rings that stain the clothing. This condition can be embarrassing for people in social situations.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure takes about an hour.

Does miraDry need to be repeated?

For best results, patients should undergo two miraDry treatments, spaced roughly three months apart. Your dermatologist will provide you with recommendations based on your specific concerns.

Are there any restrictions after miraDry?

After miraDry, you can immediately return to work and other regular activities. It is recommended that you refrain from exercise for the first few days after treatment.

What are the possible side effects of miraDry?

Soreness or swelling may occur after miraDry, but this usually clears in a few weeks. Some patients have temporary, short-term altered sensation in the skin of their underarms or upper arms, which gradually disappears.

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