Could a 13 year old be eligible for the miradry procedure?

Our office provides consultation and treatment for advanced hyperhidrosis. With parental consent, Miradry can be performed on teenagers after a medical examination. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

Thank you for your question. I have treated patients with severe axillary hyperhidrosis in the teenage years with parental consent and it has helped those patients. Newer techniques also allow for a safer and more effective delivery of the procedure.

The miraDry® system eliminates the underarm sweat glands, and the sweat glands don’t grow back after treatment. This results in a dramatic and lasting reduction of embarrassing underarm sweat. In a clinical study, patients experienced an average of 82% reduction in underarm sweat. You should notice a reduction in sweat immediately after a single miraDry® treatment. As with any medical procedure, results will vary by person. 80% of our patients need only one treatment. Secondary effects include underarm hair and odor reduction. Ask your physician if this procedure is right for you.

MiraDry is FDA-approved for treatment of resistant excessive sweating for 18 years and above. Use of MiraDry for minors would be considered off-labelled indication and must be determined on a case by case basis. There should be sufficient fat pads in the axillae to absorb the microwave electromagnetic energy to minimize rare side effect of neuropraxia where the nerves in the treated area can be inflamed for a prolonged period of time.

Yes, miraDry
has been used to treat teenagers as young as 13 for excessive underarm
sweating. This is a good conversation to have with an experienced dermatologist
that can help you understand the procedure, the risks and benefits, and other
treatment options.

miraDry is safe and effective and we have performed it on patients in this age group. It is highly successful and well tolerated. We use a small dose of valium after consultation with the pediatrician of record. 

miraDry is safe for a 13 year old, however I would personally take a few more steps to make sure this procedure is COMFORTABLE. Anxiety for a 13 yo can be understandably significant compared to an adult. I would use some light sedation such as valium 2mg, I would also use 23/7 gel prior to injections. Post operatively there will be pain and swelling that a 13 yo. may not understand, so close supervision is needed. I have BOTOXed many patients who are 12-13 for axillary HH, but extra care, and time is needed. CheersDr Davin LimDermatologist