miraDry® - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about miraDry® or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
miraDry® uses groundbreaking, clinically proven technology to significantly reduce your underarm sweat. No pain. Unlike Botox, after just 1-2 sessions, you are sweat-free forever. With minimal to no downtime.
Dr. Ringpfeil was featured on CBS3 and talks about using the FDA-approved miraDry device to zap away underarm sweat.
If you answered "Yes" to any of the questions above, we have a solution for you
Now, we offer a lasting solution that can make embarrassing underarm sweat a thing of the past.
This is actually a common misconception, which is easily explained and backed by years of research on hyperhidrosis. Our bodies contain an astounding amount of 4,000,000 sweat glands which help expel sweat and toxins from our systems. With only 2% of sweat glands present underneath the arms, there is no harm in removing glands associated with profuse sweating.
This non-invasive procedure generally takes around one hour. Before your procedure, our clinical staff will prepare you with a thorough cleansing and administer a local anesthetic to numb the target area. We will outline the treatment area precisely with temporary marks to prepare you for miraDry®.
Next, you'll undergo advanced microwave technology, where electromagnetic energy is delivered to the underarm region to selectively destroy sweat glands. Throughout the treatment, the miraDry® system emits waves of cooling energy to prevent burning and keep you comfortable.
Because you are locally numbed in the area prior to treatment, the miraDry procedure itself should be painless. If anything, the very most you will feel would be a slightly warm sensation.
Most people who are doing the treatment for strictly cosmetic purposes will usually only need 1 treatment. For somebody with hyperhidrosis, 1-2 treatments, minimally 3 months apart is typical. Occasionally, a third treatment is needed in some cases.
The success rate is extremely high. As with any treatment, the results may vary from person to person. There is reportedly a 75-95% reduction in sweat and body odor in the underarm area.
Following the FDA-approved treatment, individuals normally experience slight swelling, soreness, and tingling sensations underneath the arms. These side effects usually subside within one week following your procedure. We're excited to say patients usually notice an immediate reduction in the amount of sweat they produce.
Thankfully, sweat glands cannot regenerate so results are long-lasting once the glands are eliminated. Since miraDry® is non-surgical, most individuals are able to return to work and their schedules immediately following a procedure.
Our dedicated staff and team of medical assistants will walk you through every step of the miraDry® process. We recommend swelling be treated with mild pain relievers and ice compresses throughout the days following miraDry®. Though you can resume light activities right after you leave our office, please refrain from heavy exercise for a few days to promote healing.
Healthy individuals who would like to experience the relief and comfort of dry underarms are exceptional candidates for this sweat-reduction treatment. Our dermatological team will consult with each patient to explain potential treatment options based on your lifestyle, body type, and age.
Please consult with our dermatologists at Ringpgfeil Dermatology if you would like to learn more about the miraDry® procedure.
Treatments for Chronic Sweating | miraDry® | PrecisionTx™ | Botox® |
---|---|---|---|
FDA Approved? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mode of Treatment | Radiofrequency Energy | Laser | Blocking nerve signals to prevent sweating |
Downtime required | None | 1-2 days | None |
No. of sessions needed | 1-2 sessions | 1-2 sessions | Every 2-6 months |
Results Seen | Immediate | Immediate | After 5-7 days |
Duration of Effects | Permanent | Permanent | Semi-permanent |
I have been suffering from excessive sweating for as long as I can remember. I tried off-the counter wipes, wearing dark colors, and always having a dark cardigan in my bag in order to wear when sweat stains become too visible. I researched permanent solutions and found out about miraDry®. I then went to miraDry®'s website and looked for dermatologists who offer the procedure.
My experience with Dr Ringpfeil has been phenomenal. I am from DC and I looked for dermatologists that accept my insurance. I knew miraDry® would probably not be covered by insurance but I preferred to be insured in the unlikely case of a side complication. Dr Ringpfeil's staff, especially Emily and Martha, were extremely helpful and accommodating in explaining the procedure to me and letting me know what my options were. I decided, after my positive phone experience, to rent a car and drive from DC to Pennsylvania for a day to perform the procedure. I wasn't able to have the procedure during the normal work week since I was working in DC but Dr Ringpfeil accommodated me by having the procedure on a Saturday morning. Dr Ringpfeil also accommodated my requests for the procedure's intensity level explaining the pros and cons. After the procedure, Emily patiently explained how to reduce the discomfort and answered all my requests and questions.
It has been two months since my procedure and my sweating level has decreased significantly. I recommend miraDry® to those who suffer from excessive sweating and I most definitely recommend Dr Ringpfeil's office overall. They are helpful, knowledgeable and extremely friendly and accommodating.
Hi!
I currently get botox for hyperhidrosis covered under my health insurance and am willing to succumb to the pain 2x/year for that to continue to be the case. I understand you provide this treatment in your office- yay! Im checking to see what I should schedule when I schedule the appointment – botox or hyperhidrosis? Thanks!
Botulinum toxin for hyperhidrosis can be submitted to insurance after prior authorization. Please schedule a regular medical visit with any of our board certified dermatologists so that we can examine you and start the authorization process. You probably know that it can take several weeks to obtain prior authorization and shipment of the material from a specialty pharmacy if your insurance requires this route (most common). Once authorization has been approved and we receive the material we will schedule you for the procedure.
If you learn form the specialty pharmacy that your copay on the material (botulinum toxin) is substantial, you may also consider miraDry which creates permanent sweat reduction.
Hello,
I wanted to inquire about the treatments for excessive groin/thigh sweat. I want to really emphasize the word excessive.
Thank you.
Excessive sweating in the groin and on thighs can be treated with systemic or topical anticholiergic medications, topical aluminum chloride or with Botox injections. Topical Botox might be an option in the future but at this time its use is experimental and off label. You may consider a telehealth appointment in order to explore your options.
How much is the procedure?
Individuals who simply do not want sweat under the arm anymore, need one treatment.Those with hyperhidrosis will need 2 or even 3 treatments. First treatment is $1800. Additional treatments incur a lesser charge. I recommend you schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about this procedure.
Hi,
I’m extremely interested in MiraDry for underarm treatment, can you please advise your current costs per treatment, i notice that on occasions more than 1 treatment is required, do you still operate the sliding scale of rates for subsequent treatments?
MiraDry treats underarm sweating or underarm odor in one treatment. Those with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) need typically 2 or even 3 treatments. You may set up a miraDry phone consultation online to learn whether you are a candidate and to learn about current pricing. A sliding scale for subsequent treatments is still in place.
I believe my extreme excess sweating is caused by my taking focalin. would this procedure help with that also?
Many psychotropic medicines, such as focalin, cause our skin to sweat more than normal. MiraDry can reduce sweating in the underarm area even when associated with medications. It will not be able to reduce sweating elsewhere.
Hello, I was wondering if this treatment is available on the hands for hyperhydrosis as well?
Unfortunately not.
How many treatments are required to completely stop sweating and odor production? I’m getting married in 2 months and I want to be sweat-free on my big day!! Is this possible?
Everybody can expect to achieve dramatic reduction in sweat and odor after their first miraDry treatment. About 90% of my patients achieve a satisfactory result with just one miraDry session. My definition of “satisfactory” is that the person no longer needs to wear deodorant or anti-perspirant to control odor and sweat. About 10% of patients need a second session to destroy the small number of sweat glands remaining after their first session. It really depends on how much sweat your body produces and your unique response to miraDry. A very small number of patients will need a third session, but this is uncommon. Please note that the cost of the second treatment is about half of the first treatment and the price of the third treatment is half of the 2nd treatment.
I am so tired of sweating. 🙁 I feel so embarrassed about damp spots and have become super self-conscious, especially now that I’ve entered the professional world. I really want to try miraDry but I am so scared of the pain! I am a huge wimp and I have a low threshold for pain. Tell me the truth – does miraDry hurt??
If miraDry was performed without a local anesthetic, it would be very uncomfortable. We always numb our patients’ underarms with tumescent anesthesia. This allows numbing with just a couple of needle sticks. It avoids any stinging that one might usually feel with lidocaine and it eliminates discomfort throughout the procedure because of the volume cushion. Nonetheless, we monitor your comfort throughout the procedure. If you need to stop, we will. A few of our patients do experience some tenderness under their arms after miraDry. If you experience this, I recommend taking Tylenol and using ice packs. I hope you’ll consider getting miraDry – it is life changing for those who have become self-conscious about underarm sweat.
Does insurance cover any of the cost of Mira dry treatments?
Not at this time.
Hi! I have hyperhydrosis in my palms and feet and was wondering if MiraDry was an option for that part of the body or only underarms. Do you offer Botox in palms and feet if MiraDry is not an option? Thank you
MiraDry is not yet available for palms and soles. It is still limited to underarms. For palms, we offer Botox instead. For soles, treatment remains difficult because Botox injections in this area are very uncomfortable and also have undesirable side effects. Home-iontophoresis or daily topical aluminum chloride for soles are good options.