miraDry

How it works

After the underarm area is marked and numbed, a handpiece draws the skin against a treatment tip and delivers microwave energy while cooling protects the surface. The energy heats the layer where sweat glands sit and is intended to damage them so they produce less sweat. Treated glands do not usually regrow, but the number reduced varies by person, and some sweating remains. Underarm hair in treated areas may also become lighter or sparser. The procedure is for the underarms only and is not a treatment for sweating elsewhere on the body.

Who it may suit

• Underarm sweating that has not improved enough with antiperspirants
• People who prefer a device-based option to repeated injections
• Those who want to reduce underarm odor linked to sweat glands
• Adults who can plan several days of reduced activity
• Patients with a clear underarm focus rather than hand or foot sweating

The treatment day

1. Assessment. The doctor asks about your sweating pattern, medical history and previous treatments, and confirms the underarm is the area of concern.
2. Marking and numbing. The treatment zone is outlined and local anesthetic is injected.
3. Energy delivery. The handpiece delivers microwave energy in a grid over each underarm while the surface is cooled.
4. Cooling and instructions. Ice is applied and you receive guidance for the days ahead.

Aftercare

• Apply ice packs as advised in the first days to limit swelling
• Avoid strenuous upper-body exercise until the doctor says it is fine
• Wear loose clothing and avoid shaving until the area has settled
• Take any recommended pain relief as directed
• Report increasing pain, fever, spreading redness or blisters promptly

Things to know first

• Expect swelling, tenderness, bruising and numbness; these often last days to a couple of weeks
• Temporary or, less often, longer-lasting altered sensation or small areas of nerve irritation in the arm can occur
• Skin burns, blisters or lumps are possible and need prompt medical review
• It is not advised during pregnancy, for people with implanted devices near the area, or with active infection
• Results vary and some people need a second session

What the price of miraDry depends on

The first thing to establish is what the quoted unit covers. Some clinics quote both underarms as one session, others price each side, and the number of sessions the doctor expects, commonly one or two, changes the total. Ask for the plan in writing and what a second session costs if the first is not enough.

Next, the anesthesia. Local anesthetic is part of this procedure, but it may be itemized, and the number of injections affects comfort and time. If sedation is offered, it is a separate decision with its own cost and conditions. Ask who gives the anesthetic and whether monitoring is included.

The treatment tip is typically single use. Ask whether it is billed as part of the session or as its own line, and whether a new, sealed tip is opened for you. Include the follow-up visit, any recommended compression or dressing supplies and pain relief in your estimate. Because recovery takes days, also think about the cost of changing your travel dates. Confirm the VAT status and refund terms if the doctor judges the treatment unsuitable on the day.