Novel Technology Treats Axillary Hyperhidrosis

A new noninvasive, quick, outpatient procedure provides a lasting solution for primary axillary hyperhidrosis, commonly known as excessive underarm sweat.

The miraDry procedure entails delivering electromagnetic energy to the area beneath the underarm skin, where the sweat glands reside. The treatment is noninvasive, and requires two hour-long doctor's office visits. The procedure is performed in three simple steps; placing temporary markings on the skin, administering local anesthesia, and treatment. Total patient appointment time is 60 minutes, with treatment itself taking approximately 40 minutes. A touch-up visit may be needed to treat any areas that may have been missed. Custom software guides the operators throughout the process, and patients begin to notice the effect of the treatment immediately following the procedure.


The miraDry System consists of a console, a handpiece, and a disposable tip, referred to as the miraDry bioTip, a single-use shield that helps ensure safety and efficacy for the patient as well as protection of the equipment. The system preferentially targets the region where sweat glands reside through physical rotation of dipole molecules; a proprietary cooling feature protects the superficial dermis. The result is thermal necrosis of the sweat glands and the protection of surrounding structures. The miraDry system is a product of Miramar Labs (Sunnyvale, CA, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"We are very excited to introduce a procedure for physicians that will help alleviate the suffering of millions of people, allowing them to lead better quality lives,” said Darrell Zoromski, President and CEO of Miramar Labs. "Axillary hyperhidrosis is a disease of silent sufferers, and we are thrilled to be able to offer a clinically proven, noninvasive, lasting solution to these patients.”

"While temporary, noninvasive solutions and surgery have been available, miraDry provides my patients with the opportunity for a truly lasting solution in a noninvasive office procedure,” said William Coleman III, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology and adjunct professor of surgery at Tulane University Health Sciences Center (New Orleans, LA, USA).

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by abnormally increased perspiration, in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature. The cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown, although some claim that it is caused by sympathetic overactivity. Nervousness or excitement can exacerbate the situation for many sufferers, but other factors can play a role; certain foods and drinks, nicotine, caffeine, and smells can trigger a response.

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