Will Miradry Successfully Treat Severe Compensatory Sweating Caused by ETS?

Miradry is an excellent longterm treatment for underarm sweating. I have performed the procedure in a subset of patients who have had compensatory sweating from ETS and the results are excellent. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

One of the unfortunate side effects of ETS is compensatory sweating.  MiraDry will decrease sweating in the armpits, whatever the cause.  However, it only works in the treated area (armpits).  Of note: with MiraDry, there is no side effect of compensatory sweating.

Although miraDry is getting a lot of attention recently, it has actually been around for a while. It has been extensively studied and there is no cancer association. The FDA has cleared it for safe use as well. The microwave energy only penetrates 4-5mm in depth and heats up and destroys the sweat and odor glands. The energy does not reach lymph nodes or deeper structures and it in non-ionizing radiation (the safe kind, like radiowaves). I have had the procedure done myself and it has truly been a gift. One and done for 80% of people! In the long term, much more cost-effective than Botox which has to be repeated every 3-6 months. Let us know if we can help in any way.

I strongly recommend against ETS (endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy) because the subsequent compensatory hyperhidrosis is exceedingly prevalent and unpredictable. While MiraDry for axillary hyperhidrosis has not linked to compensatory hyperhidrosis, it is not approved by the FDA nor is it sanctioned by the manufacturer to be used outside of the armpit areas. Better option may be utilization of Cynosure PrecisionTx (formerly known as SideLaze) where 1440nm laser energy gets delivered underneath skin for effective and safe ablation of eccrine sweat glands. An experienced dermatologist may also prescribe Robinul for compensatory hyperhidrosis as well.

Thank you for your message! miraDry is a great option to help permanently reduce under arm sweating and odor. It is only approved for the underarm area at this point. The procedure is typically abuot $2,000, though can vary depending on the office. I would recommend a consultation with a provider in your area for further evaluation! 

Miradry would be the ideal long-term solution for excessive underarm sweating and would eliminate the need for you to use other remedies such as oral medication, etc. Please note that Miradry is currently only FDA-approved for the underarm area, but with ongoing advancements in technology, other areas may be treatable down the road.

The miraDry procedure should work for any type of excessive sweating, regardless of the cause.  To date, miraDry is FDA-approved for treating excessive sweating in the armpit area only.  The miraDry handpiece is specifically designed to fit against and apply slight suction to the shape of an armpit.  Even if you were to attempt it on other parts of your body, you may not be able to get enough suction to ensure an adequate treatment.  Other treatment options available for excessive sweating elsewhere on the body include topical medications, oral medications and neuromodulator injections such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin. 

 

Dear RSAgirl,

miraDry is currently indicated for treating excessive underarm sweating (ie. axillary hyperhidrosis) only. It is unknown whether miraDry is effective for compensatory sweating of the underarms and other areas of the body, as this has not been tested.

Warmest wishes,

Larry Fan, MD

You are in S Africa so doctors there are not FDA regulated and they should be able to do the procedure in areas outside of the underarms. I don't see any problems with that BUT I would not use it in the genitalia, butt crack, palms, feet - so, in my opinion it can be used in the lower back, inner thighs, back of the thighs safely - it is to the discretion of the treating doctor - in the US we have to wait for FDA approval unless we choose to do it 'off label' - good luck and update me on how well you do.

Yes, it should work because the theory of miraDry is to target the eccrine glands, and not the nerves that stimulate sweating. miraDry permanently destroys the cause of sweating- ie. overactive eccrine or sweat glands. 2 treatments spaced 3 months apart reduces sweating to that area. Note- miraDry is only approved for sweating of the underarms and NOT on the palms/soles/ other areas. all the bestDR Davin S. LimLaser and Cosmetic Dermatologist.