How can I get rid of underarm discoloration after miraDry treatment? (Photo)

Question

I had Miradry done a month ago. Unfortunately it caused my underarm area to be very very dark. I am Asian and my underarm used to be a shade darker than my body because I have PCOS, but it wasn't anything like this. And I also have what seems as a bruise on my right underarm that didn't change in color at all. I thought if it was a bruise it should fade by time, but it didn't. I hate the was my underarms look now. I can't wear any sleeveless shirts at all. Please please help.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Increased pigmentation can be seen with MiraDry and shaving of the underarm area also leads to hyperpigmentation too. Using a skin lightening cream can really help. Ask your treating physician for a prescription.Warmest regards, Dr. ALDO

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like you have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  This can happen in patients of darker skin types post MiraDry.  This will resolve over time but you can use skin lightening creams.  In our patients, we use hydroquinone 4% twice daily for 3 months. This will improve.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and the photos.One month is still quite early in the recovery period for the MiraDry procedure. I would recommend that you give it another month to settle, if it hasn't then settled you can look at topical skin brightening creams to help with the pigmentation.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! Its always wise to return to the treating physician's office for any and all questions and concerns. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not an uncommon reaction to energy based procedures, especially in Asian skin. We have not seen this in our office after miraDry, but it can happen after all types laser, light or energy based technologies. As mentioned below, we would also suggest a topical hydroquinone/retinol cream once or twice a day. Specific instructions and a pharmaceutical grade product should be prescribed by your treating physician's office. Best, Dr. Grant Stevens

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I have done miraDry since May 2011 and have never seen this side effect. having said that, Asian skin is more likely to pigment after bruising and this may be the natural history. Topical creams containing pycnogenol or kojic acid or hydroquinone will help reduce this over time. Dr H Karamanoukian

How can I get rid of underarm discoloration after miraDry treatment? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: MiraDry Results

Answer: MiraDry Results

Answer: Hyprepigmentation of the underarms after miraDry

Answer: Hyprepigmentation of the underarms after miraDry

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How can I get rid of underarm discoloration after miraDry treatment? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: MiraDry Results

Answer: MiraDry Results

Answer: Hyprepigmentation of the underarms after miraDry

Answer: Hyprepigmentation of the underarms after miraDry

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about MiraDry

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.