Are you a heavy sweater? If so, it’s possible that a new procedure can help you get better control of your sweat glands. The procedure is called miraDry and it’s now being offered at Berlet Plastic Surgery.
What is miraDry?
MiraDry was developed by Miramar Labs Inc. in Sunnyvale California, and it was approved by the FDA in 2011. The procedure is designed to treat hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. The treatment uses microwave energy to destroy the sweat glands in the armpits, which is a whopping 22,000 to 30,000 of them!
The benefit to miraDry is that it appears to be longer lasting, compared to other surgical treatments that are only temporary. Also, the procedure is highly effective, as the company says it reduces sweating by an average of 82 percent. One company-funded study found a 90 percent success rate in 31 patients after one year.
What is the Procedure Like?
MiraDry requires you to visit your plastic surgeon or dermatologist. During the sessions, microwave energy is applied to the armpit to destroy the sweat glands. To keep clients comfortable, a local anesthetic is used to numb the armpit. Most clients need two to three sessions, and the effects appear to last for at least one year.
The other treatment available for hyperhidrosis is Botox injections, which block the chemical signals that cause sweating. The effects are temporary, however, and must be repeated twice a year.
The downside to miraDry is that it is a costly procedure, and it’s generally not covered by insurance. However, if you compare the number of Botox treatments compared to miraDry treatments needed, the costs may balance each other out. It all comes down to how long miraDry lasts versus how many Botox treatments are needed.
Is miraDry Right for Me?
If you suffer from excessive sweating and it’s impacting your quality of life, talk to your plastic surgeon about miraDry. “Excessive” sweating may mean different things for different people, but in general, if you’re sweating through your clothes, layering on garments to soak up the sweat or embarrassed from armpit stains, you might be a candidate.
Dr. Berlet from Berlet Plastic Surgery is one of the top plastic surgeons in New Jersey. If you’d like to learn more about the miraDry procedure and how it can treat your excessive sweating, schedule a consultation today!