This page is supervised by a specialist at IC Clinic Shinjuku, a 3-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station.
miraDry Treatment Effects: Pricing and Pre-Treatment Precautions
miraDry is a groundbreaking treatment that addresses underarm odor and hyperhidrosis without surgery.
With conventional treatments for underarm sweating, odor, and hyperhidrosis, many patients were concerned about lengthy procedure times and the possibility of scarring.
However, miraDry can be completed in a single session and leaves no scars, making it an increasingly popular choice for many patients.
This article covers the miraDry treatment method, pricing, and important precautions you should be aware of.
If you are considering miraDry treatment, we hope this information will be a helpful reference.
This page is supervised by a specialist at IC Clinic.
- We provide specialist treatment focused on results.
- We propose treatment plans tailored to each patient’s symptoms and preferences.
- Minimizing discomfort and keeping skin looking its best!
- We are a clinic where patients of all ages and backgrounds can feel comfortable seeking advice.
Meet the Doctors and Staff at IC Clinic
Selected as a “Top Japan miraDry Provider” for three consecutive years
We are pleased to announce that our clinic has been selected as a “Top Japan miraDry Provider 2023,” an award established by Miramar Labs, the U.S.-based manufacturer of the miraDry device. This marks our third consecutive year receiving this award, following our 2022 recognition.
This award recognizes the clinic with the highest annual sales of miraDry chips (single-use medical devices, one per patient) in Japan. We are truly grateful that so many patients have chosen our clinic, and this award is a direct reflection of their trust.
With heartfelt gratitude to all the patients who have undergone miraDry treatment at our clinic, we remain committed to pursuing an even higher level of medical service and patient satisfaction going forward.
At our clinic, we propose a treatment approach suited to each individual patient and deliver results-focused care.
We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, so please book a consultation using the button below.
Why miraDry Is Recommended for Underarm Odor & Hyperhidrosis Treatment
miraDry uses microwave energy directed at the treatment area to destroy the apocrine sweat glands responsible for underarm odor.
As a treatment for underarm odor and hyperhidrosis, miraDry has been gaining popularity because it leaves no surgical scars and can be completed in a single day.
Here is a closer look at the specific reasons why miraDry is chosen by so many patients.
Reason 1: Long-lasting results
Because the sweat glands destroyed by miraDry do not regenerate, a single treatment session may offer long-lasting results.
This means you generally do not need to make repeated visits to the clinic, saving a significant amount of time.
Since the treatment can often be completed in one session, you also avoid the ongoing costs associated with botulinum toxin injections or oral and topical medications.
Reason 2: Targets only sweat glands for a favorable safety profile
The microwave energy used in miraDry is designed to target only the moisture-rich sweat glands, meaning surrounding tissues and nerves are not harmed.
In addition, a specialized cooling system keeps the treatment area cool during the procedure, which helps reduce the risk of skin inflammation such as burns.
Both the skin surface and underlying tissue receive minimal impact, making this a treatment option with a favorable safety profile.
Reason 3: Addresses both underarm odor and hyperhidrosis
miraDry is effective not only for underarm odor but also for hyperhidrosis.
Underarm odor and hyperhidrosis involve different types of sweat glands.
- Underarm odor … Apocrine sweat glands
- Hyperhidrosis … Eccrine sweat glands
Because miraDry destroys both types of sweat glands simultaneously, it can address underarm odor and hyperhidrosis in a single treatment session.
For hyperhidrosis, many patients report an improvement of approximately 70% or more compared to their condition before treatment.
Reason 4: No incisions means no scarring and less downtime
Until now, the standard approach for treating underarm odor involved making incisions in the skin to remove sweat glands.
However, miraDry works by delivering microwave energy to the treatment area without cutting the body, which means there is less impact on the skin and recovery time tends to be shorter.
Patients can generally continue their normal daily activities from the day of treatment, and since there is no surgical incision, there is no visible scarring to worry about.
Reason 5: Approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for added peace of mind
miraDry is a science-based treatment approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)*.
Among devices used for treating underarm sweating, miraDry is the only one to have received approval from both Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the U.S. FDA.
Having received government approval, miraDry’s safety as a treatment has been formally recognized.
*The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the government agency equivalent to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
How Does miraDry Work? The Mechanism Behind Its Effects on Underarm Odor and Hyperhidrosis
We hope the above has given you a clear picture of the benefits of miraDry.
In this section, we will explain how the miraDry treatment works and why it is effective for underarm odor and hyperhidrosis.
Let’s walk through it step by step in three stages.
STEP 1: Microwave energy is delivered to two types of sweat glands
First, the miraDry device delivers microwave energy to the sweat glands.
There are two types of sweat glands: “eccrine glands” and “apocrine glands,” and the composition of sweat they produce differs.
- Eccrine glands … The sweat they produce is approximately 98% water. It does not produce a significant odor.
- Apocrine glands … The sweat contains iron, fatty acids, ammonia, and other components. It has a slightly thick consistency and is the source of the characteristic odor associated with underarm odor.
STEP 2: Microwave energy reaches the sweat glands
When microwave energy reaches the moisture-containing sweat glands, thermal destruction occurs.
miraDry delivers energy specifically to the eccrine and apocrine glands without damaging other surrounding tissue.
STEP 3: Simultaneous cooling during energy delivery
miraDry is equipped with a specialized cooling system called “hydroceramic cooling,” which cools the treatment area at the same time as the microwave energy is delivered.
This helps reduce discomfort during the procedure and protects surrounding tissue from damage.
Through these three steps, the sweat glands responsible for underarm odor and hyperhidrosis are destroyed.
How long do the effects of miraDry last?
miraDry is a treatment for underarm odor and hyperhidrosis with the potential for long-lasting results.
Since sweat glands that have been destroyed do not regenerate, repeated treatments are generally not necessary and improvement is often achieved with a single session.
However, individual results may vary, and in rare cases involving severe underarm odor, a second treatment session may be considered.
How Much Does miraDry Cost? A Comparison with Other Treatment Options
In many cases, miraDry tends to be more expensive than other treatment options.
miraDry is a relatively new treatment and is not covered by health insurance, making it a self-pay procedure, which can represent a significant expense for patients.
However, compared with conventional surgical treatments, it offers notable advantages including a shorter procedure time and no scarring.
Botulinum toxin injections are a more accessible option, but their effects are limited to approximately 4–6 months. In contrast, the results of miraDry may be long-lasting, so repeated treatments are generally not required.
Below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of various treatment approaches for hyperhidrosis and underarm odor.
| miraDry | Botulinum Toxin Injection | Surgical Treatment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment method | Microwave energy is delivered to destroy sweat glands in the treatment area. | A botulinum toxin agent is injected into the area causing the condition. | The treatment area is surgically incised to remove the apocrine glands responsible for odor. |
| Targeted condition | Moderate to severe underarm odor / hyperhidrosis | Mild underarm odor / hyperhidrosis | Severe underarm odor / hyperhidrosis |
| Procedure time | Approx. 60 minutes | Approx. 10 minutes | Approx. 2–3 hours |
| Duration of results | Long-lasting | 4–6 months | Long-lasting |
| Approximate cost | ¥200,000–¥400,000 | From ¥30,000 | Insurance-covered: ¥20,000–¥70,000 / Non-covered: ¥60,000–¥200,000 |
| Scarring | None | None | Scarring of approx. 2–4 cm remains |
| Downtime | Some, but minimal | None | Yes |
| Advantages | ・No scarring ・Both underarm odor and hyperhidrosis can be treated in one session ・Long-lasting results ・Favorable safety profile ・Minimal downtime | ・Short procedure time ・Minimal downtime | ・Long-lasting results ・Skin flap technique may be covered by insurance |
| Disadvantages | ・Higher cost | ・Effects do not last long ・Results may take time to appear ・Discomfort from injections | ・Downtime required ・Higher cost |
It is important to choose a treatment approach that you are comfortable with, taking into account not only cost but also the details of the treatment and your recovery afterward.
If you are concerned about cost, please feel free to consult IC Clinic
If you are thinking “I’d like to try miraDry, but I’m worried about the cost…”, please do not hesitate to reach out to IC Clinic.
We will suggest a treatment plan that fits your symptoms and circumstances without placing an undue burden on you.
We also offer limited-time campaigns and discounts for weekday procedures.
Please take advantage of these opportunities and take a positive step toward treatment.
4 Key Points to Know Before Receiving miraDry | Side Effects and Downtime
miraDry has a favorable safety profile, but it is not uncommon to feel anxious when the time for treatment arrives.
However, knowing what to expect regarding discomfort and how it may affect your daily life after treatment can help you feel more confident going forward.
In this section, we will cover five key things to know before receiving miraDry.
We will also share some of the approaches IC Clinic takes with miraDry treatment, so please use this as a reference.
(1) Is there any discomfort during the miraDry procedure?
Since anesthesia is used during the miraDry procedure, most patients do not experience discomfort while the microwave energy is being delivered.
However, some patients do find the pre-procedure anesthetic injections uncomfortable.
The method of anesthesia also affects not only safety but also how effectively the results of miraDry can be achieved, so this aspect depends greatly on the skill of the treating physician.
IC Clinic’s approach to anesthesia
At IC Clinic, we adjust the concentration and fluid volume of the anesthetic based on each patient’s individual condition (such as skin thickness and underarm area size).
Fluid volume in particular is considered an especially important factor in ensuring safety and optimizing results, and it is the aspect we pay closest attention to during anesthesia administration.
We also use a powered injection device and vibration tool during the injections to help reduce discomfort as much as possible.
(2) Are there side effects such as swelling or discomfort after miraDry?
Some of the following side effects may be observed immediately after the procedure.
- ・Discomfort and swelling
- ・Bumpy or blotchy appearance of the skin
- ・Reduction in underarm hair
- ・Temporary bruising from the anesthetic injections
- ・A sensation of tightness
However, these symptoms are temporary, and no permanent side effects are expected, so you can undergo treatment with confidence.
*In very rare cases, skin redness, discomfort, raised skin, contracture, or ulcer formation may persist. However, clinical trial data from the manufacturer indicates that these effects resolve over time. This is a phenomenon that may occur in a certain proportion of patients due to individual differences in constitution and physical condition, and cannot be entirely avoided.
At IC Clinic, we tailor our approach to minimize side effects for patients of Japanese descent
Because miraDry was originally developed with Western patients in mind, applying the standard protocol to Japanese patients carried a risk of side effects such as swelling and numbness.
At our clinic, however, we were among the early adopters of miraDry and have accumulated extensive case experience. Through this research, we have developed a treatment approach better suited to Japanese patients, refining our anesthesia technique, energy output levels, and treatment area to help minimize the risk of side effects.
We also have staff members who have personally undergone miraDry, so they are able to share their firsthand experiences. We are happy to answer questions like “Will it hurt?” or “Will there be swelling?”, and we provide attentive care should any symptoms arise.
(3) How long is the downtime after miraDry? Will it affect daily life?
Immediately after the procedure, the anesthesia is still in effect, so patients generally do not experience discomfort or unusual sensations.
However, as the anesthesia wears off, you may notice a tingling sensation or a feeling of tightness in the skin.
On the day of the procedure, please avoid soaking in a bath to help reduce discomfort and swelling.
Discomfort and swelling tend to peak within about one day after treatment. As long as you take care with how you spend your time after the procedure, the impact on your daily life is generally minimal, and most patients find that any discomfort subsides within two weeks.
| Discomfort | We will prescribe pain relief medication (at no charge). Please take it as needed. |
|---|---|
| Post-procedure progress | Swelling, discomfort, and unusual sensations: 3–4 weeks / Hardness: 4–6 weeks / Hair reduction: Extended period / Numbness and changes in sensation: 1–12 weeks / Small blisters and rash: Several weeks |
| Small blisters and rash: Several weeks | Yes (at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment) We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. *The same applies to a second treatment session (at our clinic, we recommend a two-session package to help patients experience a higher level of results). |
IC Clinic provides thorough post-treatment support
One of the greatest advantages of miraDry is that treatment can be completed in a single day and follow-up visits are generally not required, making it a much more accessible option compared with other procedures.
That said, in some cases discomfort or swelling may persist, and IC Clinic offers follow-up check-up appointments at no charge to help ease any concerns patients may have.
We also offer remote follow-up support by email for patients who find it difficult to come in person.
(4) Is there a risk of treatment not achieving sufficient results or symptoms returning after miraDry?
In some cases, a single miraDry session may not fully resolve the issue, and some odor may remain after treatment.
To help reduce the likelihood of this, it is important for the procedure to be carried out with careful attention to the factors that contribute to effective miraDry results, such as energy output level and treatment area coverage.
In addition, once underarm odor symptoms have resolved following miraDry treatment, recurrence is generally not expected. When the sweat glands responsible for odor are thoroughly addressed, results tend to be long-lasting.
IC Clinic delivers treatment using maximum output across a wide treatment area
Two key factors in achieving effective miraDry results are the treatment area coverage and the energy output level.
At our clinic, we deliver treatment over as wide an area as possible at maximum output. This approach is designed to pursue the highest possible results achievable in a single session.
The miraDry Treatment Process at IC Clinic
The procedure itself takes approximately one hour to complete. Including anesthesia and changing, the total time required is approximately two hours.
While individual results may vary, many patients notice an improvement shortly after the procedure.
Below is an overview of the actual treatment steps.
STEP 1 Consultation (30 minutes)
During the consultation, we will assess your symptoms and check the severity of your underarm odor.
Please feel free to raise any concerns you may have — we want to make sure you are fully informed before proceeding with treatment.
STEP 2 Marking the treatment area (20 minutes)
To ensure accurate targeting of the sweat glands, the treatment area is determined and then carefully marked.
STEP 3 Local anesthesia (10 minutes)
Once marking is complete, local anesthetic is injected at multiple points.
The anesthesia typically takes effect within approximately 5–10 minutes.
STEP 4 miraDry energy delivery (approx. 1 hour)
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, energy delivery begins.
The handpiece is positioned according to the markings, drawing the skin up as microwave energy is delivered.
With local anesthesia in place, most patients experience little to no discomfort, though some individuals may notice a brief tingling sensation.
If you experience significant discomfort, please let us know rather than trying to bear with it.
STEP 5 Cooling the treatment area (15 minutes)
Finally, the treatment area is cooled to help prevent swelling and inflammation caused by the energy delivery, completing the procedure.
Including the consultation, the total time for the miraDry procedure is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About miraDry
To close, here are answers to some common questions about miraDry. If you still have any concerns, please take a moment to read through this section.
Because the risks associated with miraDry are generally low, treatment is possible even for elementary and middle school-age children.
However, there are weight restrictions related to the use of local anesthesia, so please contact us directly for more details.
A physician will evaluate each case and determine whether miraDry is appropriate.
miraDry can also be used to address odor in the nipple area and genital area in a similar way.
However, not all clinics offer treatment for genital-area odor, so it is important to confirm this in advance.
Following miraDry treatment, some reduction in underarm hair may occur.
Any hair that is reduced will not grow back.
That said, this does not mean all underarm hair disappears — only a small portion is affected.
For men, the change is generally barely noticeable, so there is no need for concern.
The same applies for women — only a small portion of underarm hair may stop growing.
Provided there are no significant concerns with the skin, miraDry treatment is possible even for patients who have previously had underarm odor surgery at another clinic.
Prior to any re-treatment, we conduct a thorough consultation. We typically assess factors such as how much time has passed since the previous surgery and what aspects of the outcome you were not satisfied with.
miraDry is a treatment that destroys approximately 70–80% of sweat glands in the treatment area.
As a result, some sweat glands that were not fully destroyed during treatment may have temporarily stopped functioning, but it is thought that these glands may resume activity over time, which some patients describe as a return of sweat or odor.
However, the sweat glands that were destroyed during treatment will not regenerate.
There is a possibility that some odor may remain even after a second miraDry session.
However, the majority of patients notice improvement after either their first or second session, and cases of recurrence are relatively uncommon.
Swelling and discomfort in the treatment area tend to peak from the day of treatment through the following day.
In general, most patients find that discomfort subsides within approximately two weeks.
If discomfort persists, try applying an ice pack to the treatment area until it eases.
If symptoms do not improve, we recommend consulting with a physician.
Because sweat glands destroyed by miraDry do not regenerate, long-lasting results may be expected.
For this reason, repeated treatments at specific intervals such as every five years are generally not necessary.
The effects of miraDry treatment are generally considered to settle approximately three to six months after the procedure.
However, individual experiences may vary, so it is not possible to make a definitive statement for everyone.
Because miraDry destroys sweat glands without cutting the skin, long-term complications are generally not expected.
However, in some cases, symptoms such as skin redness, discomfort, raised skin, contracture, or ulcer formation may persist after treatment.
According to the manufacturer’s clinical trial data, these effects have been reported to resolve over time, so please be reassured.
miraDry has received approval from both Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)*, meaning its safety and efficacy as a treatment have been formally recognized by government authorities.
ViewHot, on the other hand, is an unapproved device, and there is currently no established evidence demonstrating its safety or efficacy. For this reason, our clinic uses miraDry for the treatment of underarm odor and hyperhidrosis.
*The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the government agency equivalent to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
For miraDry Treatment in Tokyo (Shinjuku), Please Consult IC Clinic Shinjuku
In this article, we have provided a detailed explanation of the effects and treatment process of miraDry.
miraDry is a treatment option worth considering for underarm odor and hyperhidrosis. Its key advantages are that it can be completed in a single day and leaves no scarring.
If you still have any concerns about miraDry treatment, please feel free to reach out to IC Clinic Shinjuku. As a specialist facility, we are happy to answer any question, no matter how small.
IC Clinic is an Officially Certified miraDry Provider
IC Clinic is certified as an official medical institution authorized to offer miraDry treatment.
With conventional treatments, sweat glands (the cells responsible for producing sweat) were surgically removed. The “miraDry treatment,” which uses a more recent medical device, achieves a groundbreaking result by destroying sweat glands without any incisions.
Despite the strong potential of miraDry treatment and the relatively low barrier to receiving it, awareness and adoption of the treatment in Japan cannot be said to be fully widespread.
With this in mind, a group of specialist physicians dedicated to expanding access to miraDry — a non-surgical treatment — was formed with the goal of establishing miraDry as a standard treatment option in Japan.
IC Clinic serves as a central clinic within this group of specialist physicians. Working in collaboration with university hospitals and general hospitals in central Tokyo, we aim to lead ongoing advances and improvements through further case research, with the goal of providing satisfactory outcomes for all patients.
At our clinic, we propose a treatment approach suited to each individual patient and deliver results-focused care.
We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, so please book a consultation using the button below.
