Sweating is not only a natural process but an essential one for effective temperature regulation in the human body. Perspiration is commonly triggered by warm environments, physical activity, and situations that provoke responses including anger, fear, nervousness or embarrassment.
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) can occur even without such triggers, and though there is no danger associated with it, it may lead to both physical discomfort and emotional embarrassment that impairs quality of life. Hyperhidrosis can stain clothing, cause anxiety in professional and social situations, limit sports and leisure activities, and negatively affect emotional health. Severe cases of this seemingly uncontrollable problem may even create bothersome practical consequences, like requiring frequent changes of clothing due to copious underarm sweating. These problems may continue indefinitely if left untreated.
A range of treatments are available to address excessive underarm sweating. Patients often start with prescription-strength antiperspirants, but many are concerned about the long-term safety of the chemicals they contain. Others consider neuromodulator injections, but they are a temporary fix that require regular upkeep to maintain effectiveness. A third option is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, but as a surgical procedure, it is typically considered a last resort.
Dr Leana Teston offers a fourth solution for patients who want a safe, effective and fast hyperhidrosis treatment that provides permanent relief without incisions: miraDry.
Meet miraDry
miraDry is an innovative, non-surgical remedy for excessive perspiration that uses proprietary miraWave energy to target and destroy sweat and odour glands in your underarms. A specially-designed handheld device delivers powerful, focused waves of energy that travel through the skin to induce thermolysis, or heat-based decomposition, in the glands. Once the glands are gone, they’re gone for good. They do not regenerate, providing both an immediate reduction in sweat and long-lasting results over a lifetime.
What Causes Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis can sometimes be associated with a systemic disease, but most cases occur in people who are otherwise healthy. Some individuals with hyperhidrosis find that, like regular sweating, it is triggered primarily by heat, exertion and intense emotion. However, for many who struggle with excessive sweating, the condition persists throughout the day regardless of whether or not triggers are present.
The most frequent form of hyperhidrosis is known as primary focal hyperhidrosis. With this type, the nerves responsible for activating your sweat glands become overactive and respond even when there is no need for perspiration. This type usually affects armpits, palms, soles and sometimes the face. Both sides of the body are impacted similarly in most cases. There is no medical cause for this form, nor is it a side effect of the medication. Primary focal hyperhidrosis can start in childhood or adolescence and may have a hereditary component. miraDry is an effective treatment option for patients experiencing this type.
The other type of hyperhidrosis is known as secondary generalised hyperhidrosis. In the case of this form, excessive sweating is caused by another medical condition or is a side effect of a medication. People with secondary hyperhidrosis experience sweating on larger or other areas of the body, and typically develop the disorder in adulthood. Treating secondary excessive sweating usually begins with determining what (if any) underlying medical condition or medication may be the origin of the problem, before considering a treatment like miraDry.
During Your miraDry Treatment
The miraDry procedure is performed in Dr Teston’s office in approximately one hour. At the start of your appointment, the treatment area will be marked, and a local anaesthetic will be applied so you are comfortable throughout the session.
Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the miraDry handpiece will be placed directly on your skin and activated. You will feel a slight sucking sensation as the skin and glands are brought closer to the handpiece for maximum results. The applicator then delivers thermal energy to the sweat and odour glands, while simultaneously applying cooling to soothe and protect the skin. Discomfort is minimal to mild, and most patients return to normal activities in the same 24-hour period as their treatment.
After Your miraDry Treatment Following your miraDry procedure, you may experience swelling, redness or soreness under the arms. Ice packs and oral pain medication should be sufficient to reduce these side effects until they subside in a few days. In some cases, numbness and tingling can linger in the underarms for a few weeks, but it is rarely significant enough to interfere with regular activities.
miraDry can reduce moisture by more than 80 per cent with 2 to 3 treatments. You should notice increased dryness immediately after your first treatment. Within six weeks, a degree of wetness may return. Most patients achieve satisfactory results after a single session. If you require additional procedures to attain your desired outcome, they should be scheduled three months apart.
miraDry Benefits
Patients and practitioners choose miraDry for a variety of reasons:
- It’s a quick, in-office procedure
- It targets both sweat glands and odour-causing glands
- It’s noninvasive and toxin-free
- It requires minimal to no downtime
- It provides immediate results
- It reduces or eliminates the need to use antiperspirant or deodorant
- It is designed to achieve long-lasting sweat reduction results
Who Should Consider miraDry?
Any adult woman or man in good overall health who wants to eliminate excessive underarm odour and wetness is a potential candidate for miraDry treatment. MiraDry may be for you if:
- You are bothered by underarm sweat and odour
- You feel self-conscious in social situations or professional environments
- You are tired of hiding and laundering stains on clothing
- You wish to avoid prescription strength antiperspirants or surgery
- You are in good mental and physical health with no significant medical issues
- You have realistic expectations about the treatment based on consultation
Scheduling A Consultation
miraDry treatments are a useful option for patients who are looking for a long-term solution to excessive sweating and are dissatisfied with other treatment methods. With 24 years of experience in her field, Dr Teston is qualified to perform an array of cosmetic procedures and committed to the highest standards of patient care. To learn more about miraDry or schedule an appointment with Dr Teston, contact her office today on 02 9708 3511.
