Axillary hyperhidrosis is the medical term used to describe excessive sweating of the underarms that occurs beyond what the body requires for normal temperature regulation.

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Unlike normal sweating associated with heat or exercise, axillary hyperhidrosis may occur without clear triggers and can significantly affect clothing, comfort, and confidence. Many patients experience persistent sweating despite using strong antiperspirants or topical treatments.

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For individuals seeking treatment for excessive underarm sweating, miraDry is designed to reduce the sweat glands responsible for this condition, helping many patients achieve long-term improvement.

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miraDry may be suitable for patients who experience persistent excessive underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis) that affects daily comfort or clothing.

Patients who may benefit from treatment often include those who:

• Continue to experience excessive sweating despite antiperspirants
• Prefer a long-term reduction in sweating rather than temporary treatments
• Wish to reduce underarm odour associated with sweating
• Prefer a non-surgical treatment option

During consultation, your dermatologist will assess your symptoms and determine whether miraDry is an appropriate treatment.

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Yes. At Scars & Lasers Dermatology & Laser Specialists we also offer botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.

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Botulinum toxin works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands, thereby reducing underarm sweating. The treatment is quick and often highly effective.

However, the effects are temporary, typically lasting six to nine months, after which repeat treatment is required.

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For patients seeking long-term reduction in sweating, miraDry remains the only treatment designed to permanently reduce underarm sweat glands, as these glands do not regenerate once treated.

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Yes. Botulinum toxin injections are available as an alternative treatment option.

This treatment works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that activate sweat glands, reducing excessive sweating. Results typically last six to nine months, and repeat treatments are required to maintain the effect.

If excessive sweating is causing significant disruption to daily life or an upcoming event, treatment options can be discussed during consultation.

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In some situations, botulinum toxin injections may provide rapid short-term control of sweating, while miraDry may be considered for patients seeking a longer-term reduction in sweat production.

Your dermatologist will help determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on your symptoms and treatment goals.

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Yes. miraDry is specifically designed to reduce underarm sweating by targeting and reducing sweat glands within the skin.

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Because sweat glands do not regenerate after treatment, many patients experience long-term reduction in sweating. Clinical studies report average sweat reduction of around 80% after two treatments, although individual results may vary.

Yes. In addition to reducing sweat glands, miraDry may also lead to a reduction in underarm hair.

This occurs because some hair follicles lie within the same region where the treatment energy is delivered. While hair reduction is not the primary goal, many patients notice some reduction in underarm hair growth following treatment.

Bromhidrosis refers to noticeable or unpleasant underarm odour. It may occur on its own, or together with hyperhidrosis, where excessive sweating is also present.

miraDry may be suitable for some patients with axillary bromhidrosis, particularly when odour is associated with underarm sweating. The treatment uses controlled microwave energy to target sweat glands in the underarm area, including glands that can contribute to both sweat and odour.

However, bromhidrosis is not always caused by sweating alone. Underarm odour may also be influenced by skin bacteria, hygiene products, clothing, skin irritation, diet, medications, or other medical factors. For this reason, a consultation is important before treatment.

At Scars & Lasers, we assess whether the main concern is:

excessive sweating,
underarm odour,
or a combination of both.

Where bromhidrosis is linked to underarm sweat gland activity, miraDry may offer a longer-lasting treatment option. In some cases, other measures or alternative treatments may be recommended first, depending on the underlying cause and clinical assessment.

Studies suggest that many patients experience substantial improvement after one treatment.

Two treatments increase the likelihood of achieving maximum improvement, with average sweat reduction reported at around 80% following two treatments.

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Individual results may vary and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.

A referral is not required to arrange a consultation. Patients may contact the clinic directly to book an appointment.

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In some cases, a referral from a GP may still be helpful if previous treatments have been attempted.

Most patients attend an in-person consultation before treatment so that a dermatologist can assess the underarm area and confirm that miraDry is appropriate.

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Patients living outside Auckland may initially have a Zoom consultation with one of our dermatologists to discuss symptoms and treatment options before attending the clinic.

Medical insurance policies usually cover the consultation, as this involves medical assessment and discussion of axillary hyperhidrosis as a recognised medical condition.

However, the miraDry procedure itself is generally not covered by most major insurers in New Zealand, including:

• Southern Cross Health Society
• NIB Health Insurance

Some smaller insurers may occasionally provide partial reimbursement, depending on the individual policy.

Before treatment, patients are usually advised to:

• Shave the underarm area approximately 3–4 days before treatment
• Avoid applying deodorant or antiperspirant on the day of treatment
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing

Additional preparation instructions will be provided when your appointment is booked.

Yes. At Scars & Lasers Dermatology & Laser Specialists we provide patients with guidance on suitable medications that may help reduce swelling and improve comfort following treatment.

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For patients who may feel anxious about the procedure, a relaxing medication can also be offered at the time of treatment to help make the experience more comfortable. This can be discussed during your consultation.

On the day of treatment, the underarm area is carefully assessed and mapped to identify the distribution of sweat glands.

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Local anaesthetic is then administered to ensure comfort. The miraDry device is placed against the skin and delivers controlled microwave energy that targets sweat glands while cooling technology protects the skin surface.

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Treatment typically takes around one hour.

miraDry is performed using local anaesthetic injections placed into the underarm area to numb the treatment region.

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Once the area is comfortable, the miraDry handpiece delivers energy to the sweat glands beneath the skin while the skin surface is cooled. Most patients remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure.

Temporary effects may occur after treatment, including:

• Swelling, usually most noticeable during the first 24–48 hours and gradually improving over several days
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Temporary numbness

Temporary numbness may occur because sensory nerves become more superficial as they travel from the deeper part of the armpit to the inner aspect of the upper arm. Swelling or inflammation following treatment may temporarily affect these nerves.

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In most cases, sensation gradually returns as the nerves recover, although the exact timeframe cannot be predicted.

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Cold compresses applied for 48–72 hours to the treated areas can help reduce swelling and improve comfort.

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Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within a few days.

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Strenuous exercise or heavy upper-body activity should usually be avoided for several days while swelling and tenderness settle.

Scars & Lasers Dermatology & Laser Specialists is located in Auckland, New Zealand, offering specialist dermatology and laser treatments including hyperhidrosis management.

Scars & Lasers Dermatology & Laser Specialists has offered miraDry treatment for more than 10 years.

Over this time the clinic has developed significant experience in the assessment and treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis and excessive underarm sweating. Scars & Lasers is currently the only centre in New Zealand offering miraDry treatment, providing patients with access to this established option for long-term sweat and odour reduction.