miraDry®: microwaves against underarm perspiration
A new, non-invasive procedure against underarm perspiration
Targeted microwaves primarily irradiate the sweat glands in the underarm area. The miraDry® treatment can also be used with excessive sweating on the buttocks and torso.
For the treatment of the hands, the miraDry® procedure is only suitable to a limited extent, while it is out of the question for the treatment of sweaty feet or heavy perspiration on the face.
The skin is not penetrated, so the miraDry® procedure is another non-invasive treatment for hyperhidrosis. Usually, the procedure requires two outpatient treatments from your dermatologist three months’ apart.
The heat of the microwave permanently destroys the sweat and odour-causing glands. The miraDry® method can therefore also be used for the treatment of bromhidrosis (unpleasant body odour). It also reduces hair growth by destroying the hair follicles.
How does miraDry® treatment work?
During treatment, the skin area to be treated is sucked in by the miraDry® handpiece and then treated with microwaves. The upper skin layer is protected by a cooling system, so that the heat is limited to the deeper lying sweat and olfactory glands. The cooling system also relieves the pain during the treatment.
Side effects of miraDry® treatment
Side effects of the miraDry® treatment may include swelling, local pain in the treatment area, bruising, redness, burns, swelling, or numbness. Rarely, it can also lead to discoloration of the skin in the armpit.
As this is a fairly new procedure for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, there are currently no studies on its long-term effects.
Contraindications for the miraDry® procedure
The procedure is not suitable for patients with cardiac pacemakers and other electronic implants, for patients who need additional oxygen, or who have an intolerance to the anaesthetics lidocaine and epinephrine.
What is the cost of a miraDry® treatment?
The cost of a treatment is usually in the mid four-digit range.
Will health insurance cover miraDry® treatments?
Whether statutory health insurance will cover the treatment is uncertain. We recommend asking your insurance company before beginning treatment. Even after evidence of its medical necessity has been submitted, the cost will be reimbursed only on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits and risks of miraDry® treatment compared to HIDREX iontophoresis treatment
Im Vergleich zur Iontophorese-Therapie handelt es sich bei der miraDry® Methode um ein neues Therapieverfahren. Langzeituntersuchungen existieren bislang nicht. Der Erfolg der HIDREX Iontophorese-Therapie hingegen konnte in zahlreichen Studien belegt werden. Die Anwendungsgebiete von miraDry® sind auf die Achseln, den Rumpf & Po und die Hände beschränkt. HIDREX hingegen bietet Lösungen für die Hände, Achseln, Füße, den Kopf / das Gesicht und im Sonderfall den Rücken. Ein weiterer Vorteil der Iontophorese-Therapie ist, dass die Kosten nach medizinischem Nachweis in der Regel von der Krankenkasse übernommen werden.
