Underarm excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis of the underarm is a condition where a person sweats more than necessary for physiological function, regardless of ambient temperature. It is usually idiopathic (meaning no other causes been found), however certain conditions and drugs can cause it such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, certain nerves condition and antidepressants.
In the United States it is estimated about 1.4% of the population which is around 37 million people suffer from this condition.
Hyperhidrosis causes a lot of social embarrassment. Some of hyperhidrosis sufferer will have concomitant bad smell as well. It is a vicious cycles of hyperhydrosis causing embarrassment and embarrassment causes hyperhidrosis. The goal is to break the cycle.
Current treatment options ranges from temporary to permanent. Examples of temporary treatment options are oral anticholinergics, neurotoxins to sweat glands, surgical options. Microwave therapy such as Miradry is proven to give permanent results.
Miradry is a 3rd generation microwave device designed to treat underarm hyperhidrosis by using microwaves to destroy the sweat and odour gland leaving the skin intact. It has minimal to no downtime, FDA approved since 2011, non-surgical, immediate results and permanent.
Doctor will usually assess the severity of the condition using Hyperhydrosis Severity Scale.
Patients who are in HSS 3 or 4 are suitable, however sometimes we do treat patient with HSS score of 2. There are some contraindications to Miradry treatment which are:
- 1. Previous surgery to underarm region
- 2. Pregnant
- 3. Allergic to lidocaine & epinephrine
Miradry has been proven to have up to 82% efficacy. In practice, the efficacy ranges from 50 to up to more than 90% depends on the individual. Therefore it is not technically bone dry sensation. Most patients will still able to feel some sweat around the armpit. For some patients, they may need to repeat the procedure for 1 or 2 more times to achieve the desired results. Overall satisfaction rate is up to 90%.
The side effects are generally mild and transient. Most will resolve on its own after 1 week. Most patients do not require analgesia after treatment. However, if really needed just paracetamol would be enough most of the time.
Sweat and odour glands which comprise 2% of total body glands will be permanently destroyed. But the body does not loses its ability to cool itself as you still have 98% sweat glands from other region
Before starting of the procedure nurses will shave and clean the area. Numbing cream (optional) will be applied for at least 20minutes. Then doctor will size and marked out the area of treatment. Numbing solution which comprises of lidocaine 2%, epinephrine 1:200000 and 250mls of normal saline will be injected into the whole area. Temporary treatment tattoo will be imprinted onto the marked area. Treatment will be commenced with the Miradry handpiece accordingly
The effect is immediate. After the treatment, you should be feeling less sweat, less odour and lesser hair as well. Use the ice pack provided for few days to relieve the swelling, bruises and redness. Avoid strenuous exercise like running for 3 days. Patients are advised no alcohol consumption on the day of treatment to reduce bruises. Doctor will follow up on your progress on 2nd and 6th month from the procedure. However, clinic remained contactable at anytime via whatsapp.
2nd treatment has to be done after 6 months from the last procedure. Same goes for 3rd treatment as well.
Based on our data, less than 10% of the patients need 2nd treatment.
We would recommend to do laser hair removal first before proceeding for 2nd treatment.
The procedure typically requires about an hour, depending on the surface areas of your underarms.
First, our therapist will help cleanse your underarms and our doctor will proceed to mark out the areas for the MiraWaves to target.
Our doctor will begin to place the handpiece on the previously marked areas and deliver the MiraWaves. Cooling system is activated to ensure comfort.
After the treatment, a cooling pack will be given to you to place over your treated areas. Other than that, you can resume normal activities i.e go to work, have meals, shower etc.
Q: Don't I need sweat glands?
Not in your armpits! You are born with approximately 2 million sweat glands throughout your body. Your underarms only contain about 2% of those glands. With miraDry you will experience the many benefits of stopping sweat in the underarm area, but you will continue to sweat elsewhere.
Q: What results can I expect?
You can expect immediate and lasting results – sweat glands don’t come back after treatment. Recent clinical information confirms an average of 82% sweat reduction in most patients. As with any aesthetic treatment, results will vary by person.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
You can see results in as little as one treatment. However, as with any aesthetic treatment, our doctor will determine the best protocol for your expected results.
Q: Is there any downtime?
Most patients experience minimal downtime and return to regular activity (like returning to work) immediately. Exercise is typically resumed within several days. You may experience swelling, numbness, bruising and sensitivity in the underarm area for several days post-treatment.
