How Does miraDry Work?Jul 14, 2025
MiraDry works by delivering precisely controlled thermal energy to the underarm area, targeting and eliminating sweat and odor glands. The device uses a cooling system to protect the skin’s surface while heat safely destroys the glands beneath. Since these glands don’t regenerate, the results are long-lasting and often permanent after just one or two treatments.
Excessive underarm sweating can interfere with daily life and cause discomfort, embarrassment, and frequent wardrobe changes from sweat stains. MiraDry offers a modern, non-surgical solution that permanently eliminates sweat and odor glands in the underarms, significantly reducing sweat and smell at the source.
Tired of constantly battling underarm sweat, regardless of the deodorant you use? At Spa26, our licensed professionals specialize in miraDry treatment, an FDA-cleared treatment that targets and eliminates sweat and odor glands for lasting dryness and confidence. With over 30 state-of-the-art technologies, including the advanced Alma Soprano laser, our team customizes each treatment based on your skin type and goals. With advanced technology, clinical expertise, and personalized care, we’re committed to helping you feel fresh, without surgery or harsh chemicals.Contact us today and take the first step toward sweat-free living!
In this post, we’ll explain how miraDry uses advanced thermal energy to target and permanently disable overactive sweat glands to reduce underarm sweat and odor.
miraDry is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment designed to reduce underarm sweat, odor, and even hair by targeting the glands responsible for these concerns. Unlike temporary solutions like deodorants or antiperspirants, miraDry offers long-lasting results with minimal downtime. This makes it a popular choice for people struggling with excessive underarm sweating or those seeking a more permanent solution to underarm hygiene.
The technology behind miraDry uses precisely controlled electromagnetic energy to heat and safely eliminate sweat and odor glands located in the underarms. At the same time, a built-in cooling system protects the outer skin, ensuring safety and comfort during the procedure. Most patients experience a significant and lasting reduction in sweat and odor after just one to two sessions.
Compared to other treatments like Botox, which only offer temporary sweat reduction and require repeated injections every few months, miraDry provides more lasting results. Unlike non-prescription or prescription antiperspirants, which only mask the problem, miraDry treatment eliminates the root cause. It offers a long-term solution for individuals seeking to move away from the routine of daily maintenance and frequent touch-ups.
miraDry works by selectively targeting and eliminating sweat and odor glands in the underarm area by using controlled electromagnetic energy. Since these glands are not essential for overall body cooling, removing them doesn’t affect your ability to regulate temperature. The result is a significant, long-lasting reduction in sweat and odor with minimal risk.
The device uses microwave energy to create heat at the precise depth where sweat and odor glands reside. This controlled heating destroys the glands permanently while making sure that the surrounding tissues remain unaffected. By working at this specific level, the energy is focused to avoid damaging deeper structures and to maximize effectiveness in the targeted zone.
To keep the treatment comfortable and safe, miraDry includes a continuous cooling system that protects the skin’s surface during energy delivery. Built-in safety mechanisms monitor and adjust temperature in real time to prevent any injury to the skin or nearby nerves, making it both effective and low-risk.
Before your miraDry session, you’ll receive detailed preparation instructions during your consultation and through a follow-up email to ensure you’re fully informed and ready for treatment. This could include instructions such as shaving your underarms 4–6 days prior and avoiding deodorant the day of treatment. During your initial consultation, the provider will evaluate your underarm area, review your medical history, and determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
On the day of treatment, your underarms will be numbed using local anesthesia to make sure you are comfortable. This is done to help ensure the experience is painless. Once numb, the miraDry device is applied to the skin, where it delivers precise microwave energy that targets and eliminates sweat glands and odor glands beneath the surface while a built-in cooling system protects your skin.
A typical miraDry session takes about 60 to 90 minutes, including prep and treatment time. Most patients feel little to no pain due to local numbing as the device includes safety features to protect surrounding tissues. Furthermore, while you can usually resume daily activities right away, some people may experience mild swelling, numbness, or soreness for a few days. Using ice and avoiding strenuous upper-body activity can help you ensure a smooth recovery.
After undergoing miraDry treatment, most patients can expect a sweat reduction of 80–90% in the treated underarm area. This dramatic drop in sweat production typically becomes noticeable almost immediately after the procedure and continues to improve over the following weeks. Because miraDry permanently destroys the sweat and odor glands, the results are long-lasting, unlike temporary solutions like deodorants or Botox injections.
One bonus of this revolutionary treatment is its potential to reduce underarm hair growth, especially in those with darker, coarser hair. While it is not marketed as a hair removal treatment, many patients report a noticeable decrease in hair density, which adds to the overall convenience and hygiene benefits. However, the extent of hair reduction varies from person to person and may not be consistent across all hair types or skin tones.
miraDry has a high success and satisfaction rate. Studies show that over 85% of patients are satisfied with their results after just one session. Many achieve their goals with one treatment, though some may opt for a second session for optimal outcomes. With its combination of effectiveness, minimal downtime, and added benefits like odor and hair reduction, miraDry continues to be a leading choice for those seeking a permanent solution to underarm sweat.
While miraDry is safe and effective for most, it can cause temporary side effects such as swelling, redness, bruising, or numbness in the underarm area. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days to a few weeks, but they may be uncomfortable for some patients immediately after the procedure.
Recovery time for miraDry patients varies. Some people experience mild discomfort or limited arm movement for several days. Although uncommon, there can be nerve irritation or changes in skin sensations. While there’s no major downtime, it may temporarily interfere with workouts or daily routines that involve upper-body movement.
miraDry is not suitable for everyone. People with certain medical implants near the treatment site or conditions like nerve disorders may be advised against it. That is why it’s important to consult with a qualified provider to make sure you’re a good candidate.
Other downsides include the possibility of uneven results or incomplete sweat reduction in rare cases. The treatment is also limited to the underarms, so it won’t help with sweating in other areas like hands, feet, or back. And because sweat glands are permanently destroyed, it could impact natural cooling for those who heavily rely on underarm sweating during intense physical activity.
The ideal candidate for miraDry is someone who experiences excessive underarm sweating, struggles with underarm odor, or simply wants a long-term alternative to daily deodorant use. It’s beneficial for individuals with excessive sweating. People seeking a permanent, non-invasive treatment with minimal downtime and long-lasting results often find miraDry treatment to be a worthwhile investment.
However, miraDry treatments may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical devices, like pacemakers, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should avoid the procedure. Additionally, people with severe skin sensitivity, open wounds, or certain neurological or heat-related disorders in the treatment area may not be good candidates. A consultation with alicensed provider is essential to know whether miraDry treatment is safe and appropriate for your unique needs.
The average cost of a miraDry treatment ranges from $1,500 to $3,500. Pricing depends on the clinic, location, and the recommended number of sessions. While this may seem like a high upfront cost, many patients find it worthwhile compared to the ongoing expense of deodorants, antiperspirants, or temporary treatments like Botox. Some clinics may offer package pricing, payment plans, or promotional discounts to make the treatment more accessible.
miraDry is considered a cosmetic, elective procedure. Because it is an aesthetic treatment, it’s typically not covered by insurance, even for those with diagnosed hyperhidrosis. However, it is widely available at dermatology clinics and medical spas, especially those specialized in non-invasive aesthetic treatments.
miraDry works by using microwave energy to safely and permanently destroy the sweat and odor glands in the underarms. The treatment is non-invasive, uses local anesthesia for comfort, and includes a cooling system to protect the skin during the procedure.
It’s a compelling option for those seeking long-term relief from underarm sweat and odor. miraDry is clinically proven to offer immediate and lasting results that dramatically reduce underarm sweat after just one session. This is achieved without the need for ongoing maintenance like deodorants, antiperspirants, or repeated Botox injections.
Tired of constant bothersome sweat and odor? At Spa26, the best medspa clinic in Beverly Hills, we offer miraDry, the only FDA-cleared treatment that permanently targets odor and sweat glands.Contact us today to enjoy lasting freshness and confidence!
A miraDry session typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes, including prep time and treatment.
No, miraDry is FDA-cleared specifically for treating excessive sweating in the underarms and is not approved for use on other areas of the body.
miraDry is generally well-tolerated. A local anesthetic is used to numb the underarm area to make the procedure virtually painless for most patients.
The FDA has cleared miraDry for adults aged 18 and over, making that the minimum recommended age for treatment.
Many patients find they no longer need deodorant after miraDry because the treatment dramatically reduces underarm sweat glands in the underarms.
Sheila Nazarian is the founder and operator of Spa26. Dr. Nazarian’s Spa26 patients benefit from her numerous qualifications. She has years of training and expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon. She graduated from Columbia University, where she concentrated in pre-med. She studied medicine and earned her doctor of medicine degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University.
Spa26 offers luxury skincare, anti-aging treatments, and wellness services. Consult with our experienced team at (310) 683-7537.
