My miraDry® Experience in Vancouver: Treatment, Recovery & Early Results
By Scarlett Jo, Certified Medical Aesthetician & miraDry-Certified Provider at Phi Skin Clinic
If you’re considering miraDry for excessive underarm sweating or odour, one of the biggest questions is often what the treatment actually feels like and what recovery is really like.
At Phi Skin Clinic in Vancouver, Scarlett chose to experience the treatment herself so she could better understand the patient journey firsthand, from the perspective of both a trained provider and a patient.
Five days after treatment, she shared her experience, from local anesthetic and the treatment itself to swelling, downtime and the early changes she noticed.
This is Scarlett’s personal experience. Treatment response and recovery vary from person to person.
Why I decided to get miraDry
Even though my sweating and odour were relatively mild, I wanted to experience miraDry from the patient’s perspective.
As a provider, I already understood how the treatment works clinically. But I wanted to know what it actually feels like during treatment, what the first few days of recovery are like, and what questions naturally come up afterward.
Having gone through it myself means I can now give my patients first-hand insight alongside the clinical information we provide.
Is miraDry painful?
For me, the most uncomfortable part was receiving the local anesthetic injections from Dr. Kumar. I could feel the initial needle sensation, but my underarms became numb quite quickly.
At Phi Skin Clinic, topical numbing is also applied beforehand to help make this part of the treatment more comfortable.
Once the area was numb, the miraDry treatment itself was very comfortable. I mainly noticed gentle suction from the handpiece and didn’t experience any significant heat, cold or pain. I was relaxed enough that I almost fell asleep.
What does miraDry feel like during treatment?
Once adequate local anesthesia has been achieved, patients may feel pressure or suction as the miraDry handpiece is positioned against the underarm.
Individual experiences vary, which is why comfort and numbness are assessed throughout treatment.
What happened immediately after miraDry?
Immediately after treatment, I was surprised by how normal my underarms looked.
Scarlett’s underarm immediately after miraDry treatment.
By the following day, I noticed some bruising around the injection sites and swelling. For a short period, I couldn’t comfortably bring my elbows completely against my torso, so I joked that I looked a little like a T. rex.
Day 2 of Scarlett’s miraDry recovery, showing temporary bruising and swelling.
The swelling felt somewhat lumpy at first, but over the following few days it gradually became smaller and less noticeable.
How much downtime did I need after miraDry?
I took the following day off work because my job involves a lot of movement.
I was still comfortable enough to go out and walk around downtown. The following day, I returned to the gym and started with stretching and a lower-body-focused workout.
Personally, I didn’t experience discomfort during that workout.
Recovery after miraDry varies.
Swelling, tenderness, bruising and temporary changes in sensation can occur after treatment. Patients receive miraDry pre- and post-treatment insctructions to help guide recovery, and should follow those inscructions even if their experience differs from Scarlett’s.
Did I stop sweating immediately after miraDry?
Yes, I noticed a difference very quickly.
Even though I considered myself a mild sweater, there were still situations where I could sweat enough for the underarm area of my T-shirt to become visibly damp, particularly when I was nervous or driving.
Since my treatment, I haven’t noticed that happening.
When do you see miraDry results?
Some patients notice a reduction in underarm sweating very soon after treatment; however, Day 5 is still early in Scarlett’s recovery, and her experience should not be interpreted as her final treatment result.
We’ll continue following her progress and sharing updates as her recovery continues.
What does miraDry treatment look like at Phi Skin Clinic?
Would I recommend miraDry?
If underarm sweating or odour makes you feel self-conscious, or you’re tired of continually managing it with temporary solutions, I think miraDry is worth learning more about.
For me, even reducing something relatively minor that could make me self-conscious has already felt freeing.
Going through the treatment myself also means that when a patient asks me what the procedure or first few days afterward feel like, I can answer from personal experience.
Who may be a good candidate for miraDry?
miraDry may be worth discussing if you:
experience bothersome underarm sweating
regularly sweat through clothing
feel limited by underarm odour or perspiration
plan clothing around sweating
have tried antiperspirants or other temporary approaches and want to explore another option
want to learn whether a longer-lasting underarm sweat-reduction treatment may be appropriate for you
How miraDry is performed at Phi Skin Clinic
At Phi Skin Clinic in Vancouver, BC, miraDry treatment is physician-directed.
Dr. Kumar Shivdasani administers the local anesthetic used to numb the treatment area, and Scarlett, our miraDry-certified provider performs the treatment and guides patients through preparation, aftercare and follow-up.
Patients receive detailed pre- and post-treatment instructions and have access to the Phi team should questions arise during recovery.
How much downtime is there after miraDry?
Recovery varies from person to person. Swelling, bruising and tenderness can occur after treatment. Scarlett took one day off work but remained mobile throughout her recovery. Patients receive pre- and post-treatment instructions to help guide recovery.
Does miraDry work immediately?
Some people may notice reduced underarm sweating shortly after treatment. Scarlett noticed a difference within the first several days, although Day 5 represents an early observation rather than her final result.
Does miraDry help with underarm odour?
Yes. miraDry targets the underarm sweat and odour glands and can reduce both underarm sweating and odour. Dr. Kumar can discuss whether treatment is appropriate for your concerns during consultation.
How many miraDry treatments do you need?
Treatment needs can vary by patient. Some people are satisfied after one treatment, while others may choose an additional treatment depending on their goals and response.
Considering miraDry in Vancouver?
Book a complimentary phone or in-person miraDry consultation with Dr. Kumar Shivdasani at Phi Skin Clinic to discuss whether treatment may be appropriate for you, what to expect during the procedure, and your questions about recovery and results.
