FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't see an answer to your question below, please contact us about the miraDry® treatment.

How can I stop underarm sweating permanently and safely?

Why do we sweat?

Our bodies produce sweat to help cool us down when we're overheated.

How is sweat produced?

Underarm sweat is produced through two types of sweat glands located just below the surface of the skin. The eccrine glands secrete a clear, odourless fluid to help cool the body. The apocrine glands produce a thicker fluid that, combined with normal bacteria on the skin, gives underarm sweat its distinctive odour.

Why do some people sweat more than others?

Some people have overactive sweat glands, meaning they frequently turn on when they should be at rest, and they produce much more sweat than what's needed to cool the body. Some people's sweat glands can produce four or five times more sweat than normal.

So it's not unusual to sweat a lot?

Not in the least. It's a condition that affects millions of people. One study shows that one in five Americans say they sweat excessively.

*Data on file.

How do I know if I sweat too much?

If you answer yes to any of the following, the miraDry® procedure may be right for you.

  • Does your underarm sweat or odour make you feel embarrassed?
  • Does underarm sweat interfere with your daily activities?
  • Do you frequently apply antiperspirant?
  • Do you worry someone will notice your sweat stains?
  • Do you change your clothes more than once a day due to underarm sweat?
  • Do you wear fabrics, colors and styles of clothes that do not show sweat easily?
  • Are you frustrated over constantly ruining clothes?

What happens during the procedure?

What is the miraDry® procedure?

The miraDry® procedure is a safe, clinically proven solution for significantly reducing underarm sweat. The procedure is quick, non-invasive, and performed at Laser Dermatology's clinic.

How does miraDry® work?

The miraDry® system delivers precisely controlled electromagnetic energy to the region where the underarm sweat glands reside, which heats the sweat glands and eliminates them for good.

What happens during the miraDry® procedure?

Your miraDry nurse customises the treatment for each underarm, based on where your sweat glands reside. The underarms are numbed prior to the procedure for your comfort. She then holds the miraDry® handpiece up to the underarms, which delivers energy to the sweat and odor glands.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure can take up to 2 hours. Most people respond to one treatment. The minority may require a second, which is offered at a reduced price.

Does the procedure hurt?

Most patients experience little pain because the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. During the procedure, most people experience some pressure and light pulling on the skin, with some sensations of warmth. There may be an occasional "hot spot" that lasts briefly but is usually well tolerated. On average, patients describe the discomfort as about a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest).

How is miraDry® different from other treatment options?

Alternative options, including antiperspirants and toxins, aim to temporarily disable the sweat glands for varying lengths of time - requiring repeat treatments to maintain effectiveness. Other options involve surgery, which poses inherent risks. The miraDry® is the only treatment that provides lasting results in a non-invasive way.

Compare miraDry® to other treatment options below:

Table

*The Therapeutic Goods Administration advertising code restricts the publication of the names of Schedule 4 products or ingredients.

What happens after the procedure?

You can expect minimal to no downtime after the procedure. Your Dermatologist will likely recommend a mild over-the-counter pain medication and the use of ice packs for a few days. You should be able to return to daily activities or work right after the procedure, and you can usually resume exercise within several days.

What results can I expect?

Most patients report a dramatic, lasting reduction of their underarm sweat. In a recent clinical study, the average underarm sweat reduction was 82%*. You should notice a reduction in sweat immediately after treatment. As with any medical procedure, results will vary by person.

*Data on file.

Are there side effects?

Some localised soreness or swelling is normal, and typically clears within a few weeks. Some patients have temporary, short-term altered sensation in the skin of their underarms or upper arms, which gradually disappears.

Do the underarm sweat glands ever grow back?

No. The underarm sweat glands don't grow back or regenerate once they've been removed.

Are the results lasting?

Because the sweat glands don't grow back, patients experience a significant and lasting reduction of underarm sweat.

Don't I need my underarm sweat glands?

Your body contains over four million sweat glands, and only about 2% of them are in your underarms. Eliminating this 2% does not affect your body's ability to cool itself.

Does miraDry® cause increased sweating in other parts of the body?

No. When sweat glands are removed from the underarms, you simply stop sweating in that area. So don't worry - your body won't start sweating more in other areas to "compensate."

Can miraDry® remove sweat glands elsewhere on the body?

No. miraDry® cannot be used to treat excessive sweating in other areas of the body, such as hands, feet, face or scalp.

What is the cost?

How much does miraDry® cost?

Most people find the cost of miraDry® surprisingly reasonable, after considering the physical and emotional costs of living with excessive sweat, and the significant, lifelong benefits that miraDry® provides. Our experienced registered nurses will discuss all aspects of the treatment with you. We offer a free consultation for this purpose.

Is miraDry® covered by Medicare?

As with most new technology, miraDry is not covered by Medicare. Similarly, as the procedure is performed in the Doctors office, private health insurance unfortunately doesn't apply.

Is miraDry® clinically proven and right for me?

Is miraDry® clinically proven?

The miraDry® procedure is FDA & TGA-cleared and has been performed successfully on thousands of patients, and it's been proven to be highly effective.

Are there any other treatment options?

The Australian Government Department of Human Services and Medicare have recently announced a rebate scheme for people suffering from severe axillary hyperhidrosis. This rebate is only applicable if the treatment is carried out by a department approved Dermatologist using a muscle relaxant injection*.

Assoc.Prof Philip Bekhor was one of the first dermatologists in Melbourne to receive approval to treat patients with severe axillary hyperhidrosis under this special scheme.

As well as a Medicare rebate for the treatment, the government has also undertaken to fully cover the cost of the medication required (with only $41 payable by the patient to the Medicare designated pharmacy). This means that suitable patients will be entitled to treatment at an out of pocket cost of $390 (previously $1000).

If you have severe underarm sweating you may be eligible. For more information please phone 9890 1844 and ask for a “Hyperhidrosis consultation”. Note that you will require a written referral from your family doctor to be eligible for this item number.