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Is miraDry In Calgary Permanent?

Ildikó Juhasz • May 03, 2020

Hyperhidrosis is an embarrassing condition that can significantly diminish a person’s comfort, confidence and overall quality of life. When prescription medications and prescription-strength deodorants fail to prevent or correct excessive sweating, many consumers start considering their options in non-invasive procedures in Calgary.  miraDry®  is an FDA-approved treatment for minimizing or eliminating problems with excessive sweating in the underarms. It has been used by countless hyperhidrosis sufferers since 2011. During this procedure, electromagnetic energy is used to target and destroy the sweat glands in the armpits. This in turn renders the underarm area incapable of perspiring excessively, even in very emotionally tense or physically challenging situations. If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of miraDry®, you may be eager to learn more about the permanence of this procedure.

Unlike prescription-strength antiperspirants which often do little more than mask excessive sweat, miraDry® targets the problem directly at its source. By applying focused electromagnetic energy to the sweat glands it is possible to render these structures incapable of performing at normal or beyond-normal levels in the future.

After just one to two miraDry® appointments in Calgary, many people find that their underarms are noticeably drier even when they aren’t wearing any antiperspirant at all. For those who have long-suffered from the embarrassment of hyperhidrosis, this sudden change can be incredibly uplifting. Patients will no longer have to worry about developing noticeable and fast-spreading wet spots on their favorite shirts, dresses, and jackets. They can also take part in professional meetings and important social events without dealing with sweat-related anxiety.

One attribute that makes miraDry® stand out from most other hyperhidrosis treatments is its ability to produce semi-permanent and possibly even permanent results. Once the sweat glands in the underarm area have sustained a significant amount of heat-induced damage, these gradually lose their ability to naturally recover. They may continue producing slight amounts of sweat in an effort to maintain overall body cooling, but they will not release the massive amounts of perspiration that are commonly associated with hyperhidrosis. Several initial studies suggest that many patients can achieve as much as an 85 percent reduction in underarm sweat, and that these individuals can enjoy this decrease indefinitely. In addition to potentially producing permanent results, miraDry® has the power to stop excessive sweating instantly.

Like many people, you may be concerned about the overall effects of both targeting and purposefully destroying sweat glands. With this procedure, however, it is not possible to negatively impact your body’s ability to effectively cool itself down via perspiration. In treatment, you will only be eradicating less than two percent of the more than 2 million sweat glands that your body contains.

How miraDry® in Calgary Is Performed

Prior to your procedure in Calgary, your clean-shaven armpits will be fitted with a temporary tattoo. This tattoo creates a visible guide for the miraDry® appliance by mapping out the locations of the targeted sweat glands. It allows for the precise application of electromagnetic energy so that no unnecessary tissue damage is caused in the surrounding region. This mapping system allows for optimum levels of accuracy even as it protects the nearby skin, connective tissues, and other natural structures. Both armpits will be numbed using a topical numbing agent and a tumescent or deeper-penetrating anesthesia.

The tumescent anesthesia provides the dual benefit of both preventing discomfort during and after treatment, and inflating the skin so that there is a suitable padding between the miraDry® device and the actual dermis. Next, after confirming that the underarm area is completely numb and dry, the doctor will pass the appliance over the targeted area. As it moves across the skin, it will perform a slight sucking motion while simultaneously targeting individual sweat glands with electromagnetic heat. As the treated sweat glands are quickly destroyed, all sweating across the treatment zone will stop.

What to Expect Following after Your miraDry® Procedure in Calgary

After your treatment with the miraDry® appliance is complete, your armpits will be wiped clean and then carefully iced to alleviate any immediate swelling. You’ll be given several ice packs from the miraDry® brand to take home with you for further icing during the formative stages of your recovery. Many people experience mild soreness, bruising, and swelling after these procedures. These common and fairly short-lived aftereffects can be alleviated with Ibuprofen or any other over-the-counter pain reliever. All residual swelling and any post-procedure feelings of numbness, tingling, or itching will likely abate within just one to two weeks.

Post-treatment, you will have the incredible benefit of experiencing instant results. You will not need to apply any special antiperspirants in order to maintain a clean and fresh look and feel. Moreover, the treatment area will be unlikely to produce any sweat at all for several weeks following your procedure. After multiple miraDry® treatments, some people never sweat in this area again. There is no downtime with this procedure given that there’s no incisions, no wound care to perform, and no serious aftereffects. However, although patients are encouraged to resume their regular activities shortly after treatment, it is not advisable to engage in any high-intensity exercise for several weeks.

Given that patients can respond differently to this procedure, you won’t know if the results of an initial procedure are permanent until a sufficient amount of time has passed. When the sweat glands do continue functioning post-treatment, they generally produce significantly less sweat, and at increasingly frequent times. Each subsequent treatment that you receive will cause further controlled damage to the targeted sweat glands. Once they have been rendered inoperable and incapable of recovering, you will no longer require any additional procedures.

Ensuring Optimum Benefits When Using This Popular Hyperhidrosis Solution

72 hours before your treatment in Calgary, you will need to shave your underarms so that the targeted area is free from any obstructions. If you use other hair removal methods such as waxing or depilatory creams, talk with the doctor to determine whether these are acceptable for use just before your miraDry® application. During your consultation appointment, our provider will give you a list of steps that you can take to bolster and streamline your procedure. For instance, you may be advised against using any blood-thinning medications ahead of your appointment.

Products like aspirin, Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) will be safe for use during your recovery, but could increase the likelihood of bruising and swelling if used before. It is additionally important to inform the doctor of any local treatments for hyperhidrosis that you have had in the past. For instance, if you’ve recently used an injectable neurotoxin to minimize underarm sweating, you may be advised to wait until this solution has worn entirely off before trying miraDry®.

Although it is definitely possible to receive this treatment after using injectable neurotoxins for sweat reduction, proper timing of your miraDry® procedure may be essential for ensuring the best possible outcome.

How miraDry® Stacks Up to Alternative Hyperhidrosis Treatments

Not only do prescription-strength antiperspirants fall short by failing to treat the problem of excessive sweating directly at its sources, but many of these products are surprisingly ineffective at both minimizing sweat production via their topical approach, and reducing sweat-related odors. Moreover, these are not feasible solutions for any person with sensitive or irritation-prone skin. Likewise, prescription medications that are intended to resolve hyperhidrosis internally do not have a reputation for reducing either odors or overall wetness in any significant way.

People can find a much more effective solution to their excessive underarm sweat in injectable neurotoxins. These products are best-known in the cosmetic industry where they are frequently used for the treatment of dynamic facial wrinkles. However, the nerve-blocking effects of these solutions can also be very beneficial in this particular application. Once injected into the armpit, purified neurotoxins will instantly block the nerve signals that control overall sweat gland activity. This will cause the sweat glands to effectively shut down until the neurotoxin wears off and normal nerve communication is restored. For some patients, these treatments can result in the total, short-term cessation of sweating across the targeted area. The primary drawback of using non-invasive injectables is that these procedures require frequent maintenance treatments. The average treatment with these products lasts just three to six months. After this time, new injections must be received or problems with excessive sweating at the treatment area will quickly return.

Are You a Good Candidate for miraDry® in Calgary?

Anyone who suffers from excessive sweating at the underarms should consider the benefits provided by miraDry®. This is currently the most effective and longest-lasting solution for hyperhidrosis in this body area. Moreover, it is also the only FDA-approved procedure of its type. Not only is miraDry® capable of producing both immediate and permanent results, but it also does so without requiring surgery, downtime, or special aftercare. Some people are able to achieve a suitable and long-lasting level of dryness with just a single session. Others may require multiple procedures before reaching their goals. Each patient is different and thus, each treatment plan is streamlined to create a truly needs-specific solution. While miraDry® is reported to last for at least two years, many patients have reported experiencing a dramatic and permanent reduction in their underarm sweat.

With the right hyperhidrosis treatment, you can regain your confidence, increase your activity levels, and become far more positive and proactive in both the professional and social arenas. You’ll spend less time clutching your arms to your chest in an effort to hide increasingly wet armpits, and more time networking and engaging with others. Best of all, you won’t have to limit your wardrobe to heavy, dark-colored garments ever again. You’ll be able to wear whatever you want, without feeling any social anxiety or fear. Pay Yourderm.ca in Calgary a visit if you are interested in this treatment. Feel free to call us today at (403) 768-2824 to schedule your consultation!

The post Is miraDry In Calgary Permanent? appeared first on Derm.ca.

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A higher SPF doesn't always mean significantly more protection and can sometimes give a false sense of security. It's crucial to reapply sunscreen every two hours and apply it as the last step in your skincare routine, before makeup, and 15 minutes before sun exposure. Apply sunscreen every day, even if it's cloudy or in winter time. It's a small step that can have a big impact. In addition to sunscreen, wear hats, sunglasses, and seek shade during peak sun hours. Avoid tanning beds; use self-tanners for a safer glow. How to Do a Self-Check Monthly, use a mirror to check your entire body for new moles or changes. Look for moles that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, different colors, or have changed over time. Follow the ABCDEs of mole checks. The ABCDEs are guidelines, not rules. They are NOT a replacement for a visit to the dermatologist. Many lesions violate ABCDE and are innocent and many serious lesions do not violate these rules. Information Source: Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation When to Contact a Specialist You should be aware that most skin cancers that are found are a complete surprise to the patient – in the majority of instances, the bad moles are NOT those that the patient finds, it is the ones that are found on a formal skin check. If you have a history of sunburns, suntans, fair skin, freckles, blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair, you are at increased risk of developing skin cancer. You should have a baseline skin check by a board-certified dermatologist. When you notice an unusual or changing spot, it's time to see a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin. They can tell if a mole is harmless or if it needs to be monitored. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so get it checked. Progress in Skin Care Technology Keeping an eye on your skin health is now simpler with the help of technology. Apps and high-resolution imaging now allow you to monitor your skin changes over time. This means you can identify any worrying changes faster than ever before. Modern Mole Mapping Tools There are ever-evolving technologies for mole mapping . These tools use sophisticated algorithms to monitor changes. The mole mapping system at Derm.ca is not augmented by AI technology (which is not legally cleared in Canada). What to Do Next Now that you know more about skin cancer, it's time to take proactive steps to protect your health. Begin by regularly checking your skin and consider scheduling an appointment for professional mole mapping. Acting early, rather than waiting until you see a suspicious mole, is key to staying healthy. Where Can You Find Reliable Information? For more information on skin cancer and mole mapping, visit trustworthy resources such as the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) or the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation . These sites offer comprehensive guides, prevention tips, and the latest research to keep you informed and protected. Caution with Mole Tracking Apps While mole tracking apps and online tools are becoming more popular and precise, use them with caution. These apps can vary in accuracy and might give false alarms or underestimate ominous lesions, causing unnecessary anxiety or delayed consultations. Always prioritize professional oversight for accurate skin health monitoring. Expert advice from healthcare professionals ensures proper diagnosis and treatment. Comprehensive Skin Care All Under One Roof at Derm.ca At Derm.ca, we offer the entire range of skin care services - all in one beautiful place. During cosmetic laser treatments, if something suspicious is noticed, Ildikó Juhasz, our CEO, Laser Treatment Specialist, and Revoderm Innovator, can refer you immediately to Dr. Ken Alanen, our Board Certified Dermatologist & Skin Cancer Surgery expert. Laser treatments enhance your skin and can help reduce cancer risk by removing precancerous lesions. No referrals are needed in this scenario. Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Alanen provides seamless care, from skin checks to biopsies and surgeries, and follow-up surveillance, ensuring you receive prompt, seamless and thorough attention. This clinic practice model represents the ultimate approach to skin cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention. It mirrors the approach taken by the leading skin cancer subspecialty clinics in North America, Europe and Australia and it reflects 15+ years of continuous quality improvement by Dr Alanen and Ildikό Juhasz. In addition to mole mapping, we also use advanced facial skin analysis technology. This cutting-edge system gives detailed insights into the health of your facial skin, helping to spot potential issues early. This technology works alongside our mole mapping services, offering a complete view of your skin's condition and allowing for more precise and personalized treatment plans. In a future blog post, we will dive deeper into how this technology can further enhance your skin care routine. Costs and Coverage Information For skin cancer checks and mole mapping, the cost is $290 per session. How to Schedule a Mole Mapping Appointment Scheduling a mole mapping appointment at Derm.ca is simple and straightforward. During your appointment, we will conduct a thorough skin examination and mole mapping session to ensure your skin health is meticulously monitored. Here’s how you can set it up: Visit Our Website Head over to our Derm.ca appointment page to easily book your mole mapping session online. Call Us Directly Give us a call at (403) 457-1900. Our friendly team is ready to help you schedule your appointment and answer any questions you might have. After your skin check and/or mole mapping session, you will be included in our system for follow-up and monitoring. Please note that if the service is not through a referral, it is specifically designed to address skin cancer concerns and is not intended for other conditions such as eczema for example. At Derm.ca , we are committed to providing top-quality care and ensuring the best outcomes for our patients. Common Questions and Answers If you're left with lingering questions, that's a good thing – questions lead to answers. Here are responses to some of the most common questions about skin cancer and mole mapping. What is skin cancer and why should we be concerned? Skin cancer is a condition where skin cells grow uncontrollably. It's concerning because if not detected early, it can spread to other parts of the body and become harder to treat. Early detection usually leads to effective treatment. How frequently should I have my skin examined? Check your skin once a month and schedule a yearly appointment with a dermatologist. If you're at higher risk due to factors like fair skin, many moles, freckles, or a family history of skin cancer, you may need more frequent check-ups. Typically, mole mapping is recommended twice a year at first, then annually if you are not at high risk. What is mole mapping and how does it work? Mole mapping involves taking detailed images of your moles and tracking them over time for any changes. This helps in early detection of potential skin cancers. How accurate is mole mapping? Mole mapping is highly accurate and effective for detecting skin cancer, particularly melanoma. However, it should complement, not replace, regular skin exams by a healthcare provider. Is mole mapping safe and painful? Yes, mole mapping is a safe, non-invasive, and painless procedure. It involves taking high-resolution images of your skin and moles. Can mole mapping be used on all skin types? Yes, mole mapping works on all skin types and tones, providing accurate monitoring for everyone. Is mole mapping covered by insurance? Coverage for mole mapping varies by insurance plan. Check with your provider to determine your coverage. Note that visual skin checks are covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) with a referral, and all biopsies and treatments are covered by the health plan. Can mole mapping be used on children? Yes, mole mapping can be used for children. While skin cancer is rare in children, monitoring moles is important for those with many moles, significant sun exposure, or a family history of skin cancer. Early detection through regular check-ups with a dermatologist can help catch potential issues early. How long does a mole mapping appointment take? A mole mapping appointment typically takes about 45 minutes, including image capture and review. How much does mole mapping cost? To expedite skin cancer checks without the need for a referral, the cost ranges from $250 to $290, including advanced technology like mole mapping. For accurate pricing information, it’s best to contact the clinic directly. How should you prepare for a mole mapping appointment? Before your appointment, remove all make-up, moisturizers, tanning products, sunscreen, and nail polish. If you have a full-body tan, allow about three weeks for it to fade. Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to your skin. Can mole mapping detect all types of skin cancer? Mole mapping is highly effective at detecting melanoma but may not catch other types of skin cancer like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma as easily. Regular skin checks are essential. Don't forget, skin care is a lifetime obligation. It involves making intelligent decisions such as applying sunscreen and getting routine mole examinations. So, keep a close watch on your skin – it might just save your life.
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