Hello, my name is Savanah and I am the primary miraDry provider at Diehl Plastic Surgery. Throughout my time here, I have listened to hundreds of individuals’ stories about how underarm sweat and odor has impacted their life.

Some must leave work multiple times per day to wash their underarms and perhaps change clothes, and then there are others that can only wear black clothing in certain materials to camouflage sweat stains. Some plan their social activities, and life, around how much they may sweat or produce odor in a particular setting. These stories are disheartening to hear, but it is also exciting to be able to offer a solution to such a life-altering problem.

While frequently speaking with such patients about their underarm sweat and odor, it is difficult not to consider your own symptoms. Sure, I’m not clearing any rooms because of my underarm odor. And yes, I don’t really have to center my outfit choices around how much I might sweat. However…do I smell like roses after a day of performing procedures?

Am I able to manage excessive underarm sweating and odor adequately with the natural deodorants I would prefer to use (instead of traditional antiperspirants)? Absolutely not! I then realized I could really benefit from this procedure. And after all, I was the only person in the office who had not yet had the procedure done. I spoke to my trusty supervising physician, and we set the date!

What to Expect on Procedure Day

The day of the procedure arrived, and while I was excited, I also felt a bit nervous. As someone who talks to patients about miraDry recovery every day, I knew what to expect, but now it was my turn to go through it.

After the treatment, most people experience swelling and a sunburn-like sensation under the arms. It’s a common part of the miraDry recovery process, and while it’s not exactly comfortable, it’s manageable. We recommend ice packs and ibuprofen to ease the discomfort. Some patients may feel flu-like symptoms, but this is less frequent.

The MiraDry Procedure Itself: A Step-by-Step Guide

The hair-bearing area of each underarm was measured in order to choose the treatment template. Next, my underarms were cleansed to prepare for a few numbing injections per underarm. I found these injections tolerable and easier than I had anticipated because the size of the needles was so small.

A large quantity of numbing fluid is infused, which feels… ‘interesting”… but not significantly uncomfortable. By targeting sweat glands, miraDry reduces sweat production. After the first injection, the next few are more comfortable because of decreased sensation there from the numbing already having an effect. Sometimes, you’ll feel the numbness going further down the arm than just in the area it is injected. I felt like furry caterpillars were walking around my arm. This is normal. I also felt a little shaky and giggly, which is from the epinephrine in the numbing solution. All in all, not bad!

Then, I was given a temporary tattoo under each arm! Just like the ones you would put on yourself in middle school that had flowers and unicorns on them (it’s the treatment template). After that, miraDry device was placed on each section, delivering energy to the overactive sweat glands. Each treatment lasted 30 seconds, and I felt nothing except a mild suction sensation. In total, I had around 35 treatments on each side.

When the procedure was done, I was handed ice packs for the ride home (they were even branded with the miraDry logo – how fancy!), and I felt great, ready to recover.

What Happens After MiraDry Treatment?

Later that evening…

My husband took me to a Physician Assistant Society holiday party. He also had tickets to a basketball game that we would attend, depending on how I felt. At around 6 PM we sat down for dinner. Also, around that time, I started feeling that sunburn sensation everyone was talking about. I took a few bites of our appetizer. Hmm… I was starting to feel quite uncomfortable. After a few more bites, I decided my couch at home was where I needed to be. We stopped at Walmart on the way home for more ice packs.

Upon arriving home, I changed into the loosest shirt I could find and lay on the couch with ice packs under my outstretched arms. This was the most unpleasant part of the recovery, but I was able to fall asleep later that evening, even with the discomfort. By the way, I never made it to the basketball game.

Day 1

The morning after the procedure, I woke up with a mild soreness under my arms. However, what I felt the most was the SWELLING. Oh goodness was I swollen…I could barely put my arms down at my sides.

Dr. Diehl poked fun at me for walking around like a football player all day at work, but I was able to be a functioning medical provider and perform all the procedures I needed to perform that day – without breaking a sweat.

Day 7

By the end of the first week, the majority of my swelling had subsided. My underarms felt lumpy and numb to the touch, which is completely normal. I was still not sweating at all or using antiperspirant.

However, I did start noticing I had more odor than immediately after the treatment. Sometimes, after miraDry, your sweat glands can purge themselves and temporarily produce an odor for a few days up to around 2 weeks. This does not mean the procedure wasn’t effective, and it will resolve! If this happens, you can start using deodorant or antiperspirant again. I would recommend buying a new one, as your old one most likely has a lot of bacteria on it, which we do not want to transfer to your underarms as they are healing. I started using a ‘natural’ spray deodorant (the ingredients were only ethanol, water and essential oils) at this time to control the odor, and that was all I needed!

Day 14

By this point, there was no excessive sweating, and my odor had finally gone away! I continued to use the spray deodorant ‘just because’. My sensation was starting to return, so I was able to shave for the first time since before the procedure. My hair had thinned out quite a bit! Typically you will lose about 70% of your underarm hair after miraDry procedure. The visible ‘lumpiness’ was beginning to resolve, but at this time I also started noticing some tightness related to scar tissue (completely normal) whenever I would raise my arms above my head.

Day 20

By day 20, the tightness was beginning to resolve with stretching and massaging out the scar tissue. In certain patients, “banding” is visible, along with the feeling of tightness.

You can see the residual inflammation and ‘lumpiness’ here, as well as the banding when I extend my arm completely. The feeling of tightness was completely tolerable, and I only noticed it when I fully extended my arms up. I continued to have no underarm sweat or odor!

Day 31

By the end of the first month, essentially all of my side effects had resolved. I have not felt a drop of sweat since the procedure, and no underarm odor since my initial gland purging resolved.

As someone who is fairly active at work, and outside of work, not having to worry about underarm sweat and odor at all has been so wonderful! I never have to think about the material or color of the clothes I want to wear, and I never have to be self-conscious about what I may look (or smell) like after being in a situation that would cause me to perspire. Brunch downtown right after a long run? Count me in! Silk clothing on a hot day? No problem! I am so happy I went through with this procedure!

What to Avoid After Your MiraDry

Though your miraDry treatment is a pretty straightforward procedure, there are things that you need to avoid to have a smooth recovery. Here are some important things to remember:

1. Say No to Hot Showers and Baths

Stick to cool or lukewarm showers for the first few days. Hot water can irritate your broken skin and worsen swelling. Definitely avoid hot tubs and saunas until you’re fully healed. Also, use gentle liquid soap when bathing.

2. Don’t Apply Deodorant or Antiperspirant Right Away

Hold off on using deodorant or antiperspirant for a few days after your treatment. Your underarms need time to heal, and applying these products too soon can cause irritation. Once the skin feels better, start with a fresh, gentle deodorant to avoid introducing bacteria.

3. Avoid Tight Clothing

Choose loose, breathable tops to reduce friction and irritation. Tight clothes can rub against your underarms and make swelling or tenderness worse. Soft fabrics will be your best friend during recovery.

4. Don’t Skip Icing

Keep using ice packs on your underarms for the first 48 hours. It helps with swelling and discomfort. Even if you’re feeling better, consistent icing makes a big difference in how quickly you recover.

5. Avoid Shaving

Give your underarms a break from shaving for about 10-14 days. The skin is sensitive, and shaving too soon can cause irritation or even infection. Wait until your skin feels normal before picking up the razor.

6. Avoid Picking or Scratching

If your underarms feel itchy or lumpy, resist the urge to scratch or pick at the skin. This is a normal part of healing and will go away on its own. Scratching can lead to irritation or slow down recovery.

7. Hold Off on Swimming

Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, or the ocean for at least a week. These can expose your healing skin to bacteria and increase the risk of infection.

Every person’s recovery is different, so listen to your body. If something feels off or you’re unsure about what’s normal, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Diehl Plastic Surgery. We’re here to make sure you feel comfortable and supported throughout your healing journey.

Begin Your Sweat-Free Journey with MiraDry at Diehl Plastic Surgery

If you’re ready to manage excessive underarm sweating and odor, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Diehl Plastic Surgery! We’re here to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about this sweat reduction procedure. Our team is committed to providing you with a smooth and successful treatment experience. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.