miraDry® San Francisco
Stop Underarm Sweating for good | Introducing MiraDry®
MiraDry is a revolutionary procedure that provides long-term relief from an embarrassing condition known as hyperhidrosis. This device delivers controlled energy directly into the sweat glands, rendering them inoperable. Because the sweat gland is permanently altered, a single MiraDry treatment can stop the sweat under the arms, increasing your physical comfort and your self-confidence. Dr. Maas offers MiraDry to his San Francisco patients, offering them a long-lasting remedy for this troubling issue.
The Facts about Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a problem that affects as many as 367 million people, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. The condition is characterized by uncontrollable sweating of the armpits, forehead, palms or feet. Most people with hyperhidrosis sweat from at least two of these locations, with the dripping wetness that is impossible to conceal most of the time. The condition can even make it difficult to perform some daily functions; for example, wet hands can make it challenging to turn a doorknob or use a mouse for your computer.
You may have primary focal hyperhidrosis if you have two or more of the following criteria:
- Sweat production is relatively equal on both sides of the body
- The amount of sweat produced interferes with your daily functioning
- You have at least one episode of excessive sweating weekly
- The sweat production stops while you are asleep
- The onset of your condition occurred before the age of 25
- Others in your family have also experienced excessive sweating
Hyperhidrosis can be either primary or secondary. Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is caused by another factor, such as a medical condition or a medication you are currently taking. Secondary hyperhidrosis can usually be effectively treated by addressing the underlying cause. Primary focal hyperhidrosis does not have another factor contributing to the condition. This is the type of hyperhidrosis that prompts many people to seek treatment since there is no effective way to manage it.
Treatment that Lasts
Until recently, primary focal hyperhidrosis was very difficult to treat. Prescription-grade antiperspirants do not have the desired effect for every sufferer. Botox injections have been proven effective in minimizing sweat production by blocking the production of a chemical that activates the sweat glands.
Botox treatments offer temporary relief and must be repeated every few months to maintain positive results. MiraDry is the first FDA-approved device to treat primary focal hyperhidrosis in the underarm area that is both successful and permanent for most patients.
About the Procedure
MiraDry is performed by Dr. Maas right in his office, using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Prior to administering the anesthesia, he will mark the area under the arms to be treated. The MiraDry device is then moved across the treatment area, delivering a controlled amount of heat energy that destroys the sweat glands without compromising surrounding skin and tissue. There is no pain with the MiraDry treatment, although you may feel some mild suctioning sensations as the sweat glands are pulled closer to the skin’s surface so they can be heated effectively.
Many patients can relax and listen to music during the procedure, which lasts about 10 minutes on each side.
When you combine the actual treatment time with the time taken to numb the area, your full session will take about 60-90 minutes to complete.
Recovery Basics and Results
You will be able to return home as soon as your MiraDry session is completed. Redness and swelling are typical side effects of this treatment, and your underarms may be sore for the first couple of days.
Dr. Maas will instruct you to use ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication during that time to reduce discomfort and encourage healing of the area.
Some patients notice improvement immediately following their MiraDry treatment. In fact, you may be completely dry under the arms for the first couple of weeks. However, that complete dryness is typically temporary, and you will see a small bit of sweat return after those early weeks.
The amount of sweat produced after MiraDry is substantially less and much easier to manage than before your treatment. Clinical studies show the device destroys about 80 percent of the sweat glands underneath the arms.
miraDry® at the Maas ClinicTM
Most of Dr. Maas’s patients achieve full results after a single MiraDry procedure, which will likely last for many years. In some cases, a second treatment may be recommended to achieve the best possible results. This procedure is usually scheduled a few months after the first. Dr. Maas will advise you on the treatment plan that will work the best for you. Hyperhidrosis may not be a serious medical concern for most individuals, but it can be debilitating from a psychological and a social standpoint.
Fortunately, there is now a treatment option that eliminates the excessive sweating permanently, increasing both your self-confidence and your physical comfort level.
To learn more about MiraDry or find out if it is the right procedure for you, call (415) 567-7000 or contact us by email today.
The information about miraDry was reviewed by Corey S. Maas MDTM. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.
FAQs
Is MiraDry® right for me?
MiraDry® can be a good choice for both men and women suffering from excessive sweating that has impacted their quality of life. This procedure works on all skin types and tones and is approved for patients age 18 and over. Dr. Maas will perform a full assessment of your condition and medical history to determine whether MiraDry® is the right choice for you.
Don’t I need all of my sweat glands?
Eliminating sweat glands in your armpits will not impact your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Your body contains around four million sweat glands and only about two percent of those are found in your armpits. Other areas include the forehead, palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. MiraDry® is only effective in treating the sweat glands in the armpits, but this can have a significant and positive effect on the amount of embarrassing sweat your body produces overall.
How long is the treatment session?
Most MiraDry® sessions take about one hour to complete. You should be able to return home or to your regular activities as soon as the treatment is over.
Is it painful?
MiraDry® treatments are not painful, thanks to the administration of a local anesthetic prior to the procedure. The only discomfort you are likely to feel is the needle pokes as the anesthetic is delivered.
Are there any side effects to worry about?
Redness, swelling and tenderness of the armpits are the most common side effects seen after a MiraDry® procedure. Most patients find ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication for the first few days after treatment will keep them comfortable enough to work or participate in other activities.
When can I return to work?
Many of our patients return to work as soon as their MiraDry® treatment is over. If you job involves heavy lifting or other strenuous activity, you may want to take a couple of days off work to allow your body time to heal from the procedure.
How soon will I see results?
Patients usually see results from their MiraDry® treatment right away. In fact, you may be 100 percent dry in the armpit area for the first couple of weeks after your procedure. However, some sweat may return at that time, as the swelling in the treatment area goes down. The majority of our patients see satisfactory results with just one MiraDry® session.
How long will the results last?
Since MiraDry® completely destroys sweat glands in the treatment area, the results of your procedure will be permanent. In fact, MiraDry® is the only treatment to permanently eliminate hyperhidrosis in the underarm area, other than surgery.
How much does a MiraDry® treatment cost?
The cost of a MiraDry® treatment will vary somewhat from patient to patient. When you schedule your consultation at The Maas ClinicTM, we will be happy to evaluate your personal situation and give you a price quote based on our findings.
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