Sweat Reduction / miraDry®
HELPING YOU LIVE LIFE MORE BEAUTIFULLYHeadingAre you embarrassed by excessive underarm sweating? At Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology, we offer two types of treatments to address excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis – the use of Botox (quick, but needs to be repeated every 4-6 months) and miraDry®, a non-invasive option for the treatment of excess sweating. This FDA-approved treatment specifically targets the sweat- and odor-causing glands that are located under your arms. The caring, knowledgeable team at Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology & Lifestyle Medicine is proud to offer miraDry in Chicago, so patients can enjoy a noticeable reduction in sweating and an improved quality of life.
What Is miraDry?
miraDry is the only treatment of its kind to provide both dramatic and long-lasting results. This non-surgical treatment is specifically designed to treat hyperhidrosis. miraDry uses miraWave® energy to permanently eliminate odor and sweat glands under the arms for lasting results.
Am I a Good Candidate for miraDry?
Patients who suffer from axillary hyperhidrosis are perfect candidates for miraDry. This treatment is best for those who deal with embarrassing underarm sweat outbreaks and stained clothing.
This treatment is only intended to help treat excessive underarm sweat and is not recommended for other areas of the body. miraDry is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to Prepare for a miraDry Treatment
The hair in the axilla should be shaved four days prior to your miraDry treatment. Shaving closer to the day of treatment is not advised and should only be performed in the office by the RN on the day of treatment to avoid an increased risk of infection.
What Does the miraDry Procedure Involve?
When you come in for a treatment session, local anesthesia will be administered to ensure a pain-free treatment. The miraDry handpiece will be used to deliver the energy evenly to the underarm area to reduce the sweat that is being produced. The entire procedure will last about an hour and a half.
What to Expect After a miraDry Treatment
miraDry does not require any downtime. Patients can return to their normal daily routine right away. In fact, resuming activities is encouraged as it helps to minimize post-treatment swelling.
Patients can anticipate significant swelling of the axillas following their miraDry treatment due to the anesthesia that was injected at the start of the procedure. Applying ice packs to the treatment sites, as directed, during the first 24-48 hours after the procedure is an effective way to ease discomfort. Patients will also be advised to use a topical antibiotic for a few days post-treatment.
The skin in the treatment areas may be affected by dysesthesia, or altered sensations, for up to a couple of months after a miraDry treatment. Slight numbness and/or sensitivity can also occur for a few months post-treatment. If a second miraDry treatment is recommended, that appointment will be delayed until the skin has fully recovered, which usually takes about three months.
How Much Does miraDry Cost?
The total price of miraDry will depend on a number of different factors. One factor that can have the greatest impact on cost is the number of treatment sessions needed. We will create a customized treatment plan for you during your consultation and will provide detailed cost information at that time.
miraDry Results
You may notice almost immediate results after your miraDry treatment. Often, there is a “honeymoon” phase where there may be no sweating. However, as your sweat glands recover from the treatment, some sweating may return over a period of a few months to years.
While some patients are happy with the reduction in sweat they receive from a single treatment, two treatments are typically recommended. Scientific studies have shown that, on average, patients experience an 80% reduction in sweat after two treatments spaced three months apart.
It’s not uncommon for patients to be worried about eliminating the sweat glands under their arms. While the body does need sweat glands to properly cool itself, the sweat glands under the arms only make up about 2% of the body’s total sweat glands. The body will still be able to cool itself with the elimination of your underarm sweat glands.
learn moreSchedule a Consultation
If you’re fed up with excessive underarm sweat and having to apply antiperspirant multiple times a day, then it’s time to think about miraDry in Chicago. To schedule a consultation, contact Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology & Lifestyle Medicine today. Our practice is conveniently located on the Mag Mile, right across the street from the Peninsula and Ritz-Carlton hotels.