How long does it take for nerve damage to heal after miraDry treatment?

Question

I received Miradry treatment in June 2017 at level 5. For the first few months, sweating was almost 90% reduced. Now (4 months later) I would say it's only about 50% reduced. The main concern I have is the numbness and tingling that runs down the left inside portion of my arm down to my elbow. I only have this on my left arm. My doctor told me that this would eventually go away. I'm worried that I have permanent nerve damage.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Numbness can occur after MiraDry Treatment, as the nerve may be  healing.  It may take several months to resolve.  You may want to follow up with your provider for an in-person evaluation.    Best Wishes,

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I would follow up with your health care provider and possibly get a referral to a neurologist. Best of luck!

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

MiraDry workd because of the microwave energy delived.  In this situation the nerve was disturbed.  Because it is recovering it should continue.  Basic treatments are anti-inflammatories with options like gabapentin or lyrica if there is no resolution.

Carl N. Williams, Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. miraDry uses a hand-held applicator to apply heat to the under-arm area, targeting and destroying sweat glands. Your doctor will perform this quick, non-invasive procedure under a local anesthetic, and you will not likely experience much pain.
The results of the treatment are permanent but will have temporary side effects, including swelling, soreness and numbness. These side effects typically resolve in a few days. Of those symptoms, numbness may take the longest to resolve, anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Currently, most practitioners use the tumescent method when performing the miraDry procedure. Application of tumescent anesthetic in the under arm area provides additional comfort to you and protection to the underlying dermis and nerves.
After four months, you still may not have fully recovered from your procedure. Share your concerns with your doctor, and if your numbness fails to resolve in the coming months, return for a re-evaluation, or get a second opinion from another board-certified practitioner near you. Best of health!
- Carl N. Williams, Jr., MD

Shareef Jandali, MD · Answer

The numbness in the underarm and down to the inside of the elbow after miraDry is fairly common.  It should return but can take months.   No nerves are cut during miraDry but they can be temporarily injured from the microwave energy and the swelling.  You should follow up with the physician who performed it.

Michael E. Ciaravino, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I certainly understand your concern over your lingering side effects from your MiraDry treatment. Numbness is a common symptom after this procedure and may take many months to resolve due to the time needed for the nerves to heal fully. At this point, my recommendation is to make an appointment with the physician that performed the procedure for further assessment. If you are not satisfied with the response given by that doctor, a second opinion is certainly an option. I wish you all the best as you heal from your procedure!- Michael E. Ciaravino, MD

How long does it take for nerve damage to heal after miraDry treatment?

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