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miraDry: what the FDA has cleared it for and what reviews say about underarm sweat treatment

miraDry uses microwave energy to treat underarm sweating and hair. What the FDA's clearance lists, including a skin-type limit, what a 2017 review of five trials and a 2019 review of sweating treatments say, and what to ask.

MedSpaGrades editorial teamUpdated 30 Oct 20264 sources checkedHow we write

At a glance

What it is
Microwave energy for the underarms
A brand name for the treatment.
FDA-cleared for
Underarm sweating and hair
Primary axillary hyperhidrosis and unwanted underarm hair.
Skin types
I to IV only
The lighter end of the six-type Fitzpatrick scale.
Evidence on sweating
Five small trials
A 2017 review found long-term benefit and mild side effects.
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miraDry is a brand of microwave energy treatment for the underarms. The FDA's clearance record for the miraDry System, made by Miramar Labs, lists the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis, meaning heavy underarm sweating, plus unwanted underarm hair removal and permanent reduction of underarm hair of all colors, for Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV.1

Here is what the record says, including the skin-type limit, what two reviews say about sweat treatments, and what to ask. It gives no settings. Whether to have it is for you and a clinician.

What the FDA record lists

The record says the miraDry System MD4000 is cleared for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis plus unwanted underarm hair removal, and the permanent reduction of underarm hair of all colors, for Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV.1 Those are the lighter end of a six-type scale of how skin reacts to sun.

The record defines permanent hair reduction as a long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the end of a treatment course. It adds that when used for primary axillary hyperhidrosis, miraDry may reduce underarm odor.1

Myth

miraDry is cleared for all skin types.

Fact

The FDA's clearance record limits the hair reduction use to Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV. Ask your provider which type they think you are and what that means for you.

FDA 510(k) summaries K160141 and K180396, miraDry System, read 30 Oct 2026

What the reviews say

A 2017 systematic review found five clinical trials of microwave-based treatment for underarm sweating, with 189 patients in all, published from 2012 to 2016. Only one was randomized, and all were small. The results indicated long-term efficacy with mild side effects, and most patients were satisfied. The authors say more investigation is needed.2

A 2019 review of hyperhidrosis treatments puts antiperspirants first for primary focal sweating. It lists botulinum toxin injections for focal sweating and, among devices, lasers, ultrasound, microwave thermolysis and fractional microneedle radiofrequency to reduce focal sweating. Surgery comes after conservative treatments have failed.3 Our page on Botox for migraines and sweating covers the label for underarm sweating.

What med spas name

159 of the 7,475 med spas we list name miraDry. That doesn't show who runs it or for what, so ask.4 Which licensed professionals may operate a device depends on your state. See our guide to who may inject.

2%
of the med spas we list name miraDry159 of 7,475 med spas we list, in 14 states
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Common questions

What is miraDry cleared for?

The FDA's record lists the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis plus unwanted underarm hair removal and permanent reduction of underarm hair of all colors, for Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV.

Is miraDry permanent?

For hair, the FDA record defines permanent reduction as a long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing, measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment. A 2017 review reported long-term benefit for sweating in small trials.

Does miraDry work for sweating?

A 2017 review of five small trials with 189 patients found long-term efficacy with mild side effects, and called for further investigation.

What are the alternatives?

A 2019 review lists antiperspirants first, then iontophoresis for palms and soles, botulinum toxin injections, oral medicines for resistant cases, device options and surgery.

Sources (4)

  1. FDA 510(k) summaries K160141 (cleared 2016-10-31) and K180396 (cleared 2018-03-15), miraDry System · US Food and Drug Administration, 510(k) database. Both summaries read in full on 30 Oct 2026. The database lists five miraDry entries from 2011 to 2018; the earlier three were not read. · read 30 Oct 2026
  2. A systematic review of microwave-based therapy for axillary hyperhidrosis (J Cosmet Laser Ther 2017, PubMed 28281850) · Peer-reviewed systematic review of five clinical trials (189 patients). Abstract read on 30 Oct 2026; full text not read. · read 30 Oct 2026
  3. The etiology, diagnosis, and management of hyperhidrosis: A comprehensive review: Therapeutic options (J Am Acad Dermatol 2019, PubMed 30710603) · Peer-reviewed review. Abstract read on 30 Oct 2026; full text not read. · read 30 Oct 2026
  4. Clinic websites: what they say on their own pages · Our own read of listed clinics' websites in the 14 states we cover, October 2026. A clinic counts once. · read 30 Oct 2026

Where to go next

TreatmentBotox for migraines and sweating: what the FDA label coversTreatmentLaser hair removal: how many sessions, results and risksGuideQuestions to ask before you book a med spa treatmentGuideWho can inject Botox or fillers? It depends on your state