Summer is finally here, and you can break out the shorts, tank tops, swimming suits, and head to the beach. No doubt, everyone loves the summer, but it's also the time of year that most of us perspire, and depending on several factors, such as the amount of humidity in the air, and even perhaps overactive sweat glands, some of us sweat more than others. After all, it's human nature.
You don't have to worry about spending another summer soaking your favorite clothes in excessive perspiration, as cosmetic surgeons have come up with a new and innovative procedure called miraDry.
The miraDry procedure involves the use of a 5800 MHz microwave gun to destroy the sweat glands under your arms. The best part of the procedure is that it doesn't require invasive surgery, and your doctor can perform the procedure in his office. Your doctor will also recommend two different procedures-each three months apart, and each lasting about one hour.
How does it work?
During the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon uses a microwave gun that gets rid of the sweat glands in your underarms, thus shutting down underarm perspiration altogether. Currently, miraDry is offered in the U.S., as well as other European and Asian countries, and best of all, it doesn't involve any cuts, bruises, or incisions. As you can imagine, the downtime after the procedure is minimal, and people typically return to work within a few days.
Some recent studies have shown that the miraDry reduces sweat volume by as much as 82 percent, which is a pretty significant reduction. Surgeons are also saying that the procedure destroys anywhere between 22,000 and 30,000 sweat glands.
The device appears to be effective, and patients have seen some lasting results almost immediately after the procedure. As with any other procedure, however, the results may vary based upon each individual. When you consider other alternatives such as antiperspirants and toxins, miraDay seems to be a viable way to get rid of underarm sweat. Other options may even involve surgery, which always comes with some inherent risks.
If you're one of those people who are embarrassed by underarm sweat during the hot summer months, miraDry could be the solution for you. As always, it's a good idea to consult your physician to help you determine what works best for you.
Dr. Norma Kassardjian is a cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist in San Clemente, CA where she has worked at Dr. Jeffrey Klein's practice since 1994.
