Excessive underarm sweating (or Axillary Hyperhidrosis in medical speak) is a common problem that is often not talked about by sufferers because of embarrassment. It is usually managed by using antiperspirants (and antideodrants), absorbent clothing, choice of wardrobe and lifestyle adjustements. Second line treatments like sweat injections do not offer a permanent solution and surgeries come with possbile risks and complications.
MiraDry has been FDA cleared for treatment for underarm sweating since 2011. It uses noninvasive microwave technology to destroy the sweat glands in the axilla for permanent reduction of sweating. For the majority, the problem is effectively resolved with 1 or 2 treatments. Reduction of hair and underarm odours come as side benefits.
Although I do not sweat excessively, I dislike that feeling of wetness in the armpit and it spoils my Armani suits! I chose to undergo the miraDry treatment to experience what it entails.
My MiraDry Diary:
Treatment Day – The marking out of the area to be treated was straight forward. Natasha, my nurse, administered the local anasthetic and I felt the needle prick at the four injection sites but the procedure was otherwise pain-free. With the armpits numbed, I did not feel any discomfort when treatment was carried out with the miraDry handpiece. The entire treatment took about an hour and I had some swelling in the arm pits to show for it. My hands tingled for an additional hour which I think is because of the local anaesthetic.
Post Treatment Day 1: Minimal swelling and bruising as i had used icepacks overnight. Went to work as usual and it was a hectic outpatient clinic day from 9am to 7pm. Had some pain for several hours which was relived by paracetomol. Noticed reduction in sweating.
Post Treatment Day 2: Swelling subsiding. Minimal pain so no painkillers at all. One and a half drive to Cambridge to see my gorgeous godsons.
Post Treatment Day 3: Swelling continued to subside. No obvious pain just a sense of being sore and tender. Played 18 hole golf with no problem (though the score wasn’t great).
2 weeks post treatment, I noticed that I’ve stopped sweating completely on both sides. The soreness was minimal, more of an awareness that some treatment had been carried out.
In summary, it was a mildly uncomfortable treatment where pain and discomfort settled quite quickly over a few days. There was no disruption to my work and social life. 2 weeks on and I am sweat free!
Mrs CC Kat is a leading Midlands Consultant Plastic Surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. She is a full member of both British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and British Association of Aesthetic , Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (BAPRAS) as well as several international aesthetic surgery associations. She worked as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust but now runs her private practice, CC Kat Aesthetics – Birmingham Laser, Skin and Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, full time. For more information, visit www.cckat.com or call 08453731818.
