Are you tired of sweating all the time? Thinking about how to seriously upgrade your hygiene for the next year? Maybe you’re a nervous sweater, or maybe Japanese summers have simply pushed you to your limit. Either way, if you’ve ever wished you could just turn off sweating—especially under your arms—then I may have the procedure for you.
If you’ve read any of my previous articles, you already know that I’m always doing slightly random things to make life, health, hygiene, and beauty a little easier while living in Japan haha. Whether it’s hair care, lash treatments, or navigating Japanese beauty clinics as a foreigner, I’m always curious—and sometimes brave enough—to try things out firsthand.
If you’re interested in some of my other beauty-related adventures in Japan, you can check them out here:
All of that being said, deciding to do the MiraDry procedure in Japan, which essentially removes sweat glands, was a decision I made months ago, and one I’m genuinely happy with.
This may be the first time you’ve heard of MiraDry, or at least the first time you’ve heard the actual name of the procedure. MiraDry is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses microwave energy to permanently eliminate underarm sweat glands and odor glands.
Yes, you read that right—permanent.
Since sweat glands do not regenerate, once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. The result is significantly reduced sweating and odor, with many people experiencing life-changing results.
For anyone living in Japan—especially those who struggle with Japan’s intense summer heat and humidity—this can feel like a miracle. 😉
One of the biggest reasons I decided to get MiraDry was that I loved the idea of finding a long-term, low-maintenance solution for sweating. Deodorant works, sure, but the idea of not having damp shirts, sweat stains, or lingering odor (especially during Japan’s brutally hot summers and exercise days) was extremely appealing to me.
I honestly don’t think I sweat more than the average person. I’m not someone who drenches through clothing constantly. However, I do exercise, I move around a lot, and I live in a country where summer humidity feels almost illegal LOL. Reducing the likelihood of odor, keeping my clothes fresher, and simply not having to think about underarm sweat all the time completely sold me on the procedure.
It felt less about vanity and more about comfort, cleanliness, and peace of mind.
Like any medical or cosmetic procedure, MiraDry does come at a cost. In Japan, MiraDry treatments generally start at around 70,000 yen, but realistically, most clinics charge between 300,000 and 400,000 yen for a full treatment.
I know. That’s a lot of money.>.<
However, when you think about the lifetime cost of deodorant, replacing sweat-stained clothing, and constantly worrying about odor, it starts to feel more like an investment. Many clinics also offer discounts, payment plans, or monitor pricing, which is what I chose and which saved me a decent amount.
If this is something you really want, it’s absolutely something you can save for.
I had a lot of questions and concerns when I first started considering MiraDry over 2 years ago, so I want to address some them here.
Haha—yes. Even though you’re getting the procedure done in Japan, MiraDry works on all ethnicities and skin types.
No. Most clinics are very clear that MiraDry is about 80–90% effective after one treatment. My clinic made sure to tell me about 100 times so that I didn’t have false expectations lol. Some people do experience nearly 100% reduction, but it’s not guaranteed. Because of this, many clinics offer a second treatment at a discounted rate.
No. You’re awake the entire time, and the area is numbed with local anesthesia. There’s no cutting, stitching, or surgery involved.
I’ve only had it done in Japan, but based on my research, the procedure itself is the same worldwide.
I researched several clinics and ultimately chose Misel Clinic. Their reviews were solid, the pricing was reasonable, and the staff seemed kind and professional. I opted for the discounted MiraDry monitor procedure, which helped lower the cost.
The staff explained everything thoroughly and gave me documents to take home. They don’t speak English fluently, but they were extremely patient while I translated anything I didn’t understand.
You’re instructed not to shave for a few days beforehand. As someone who shaves regularly, even three days felt like a challenge haha.
After checking in, I was taken to a room and given a towel to place over my chest. <I highly recommend wearing a bandeau or strapless top to make things easier.>
The most painful part was the anesthesia. I don’t know why I didn’t expect it to hurt, but getting needles in your armpits is… not fun. Once that part was over, everything else was smooth sailing though 🙂
The procedure took about two hours, during which I mostly just lay there thinking about story ideas and zoning out.
I went to work right afterward and even met a friend for dinner. You can return to your normal routine immediately, which is a huge plus.
That said, I definitely felt the swelling, itchiness, and warmth under my arms once the anesthesia started wearing off. I have sensitive skin, so this may have been more noticeable for me. Everyone reacts differently, so make sure to talk to your doctor about allergies or skin concerns.
If you’re considering MiraDry in Japan, timing is important. I strongly recommend doing this procedure in late fall or winter. Your arms will swell, and it will be noticeable. Covering swollen arms in summer is not ideal, whereas sweaters and jackets make winter recovery much easier.
There were so many things that I didn’t exactly expect afterwards. One unexpected bonus: My armpit hair grows much more slowly now, which I absolutely loveeeee.
On the flip side, numbness is very normal and can last one to two months :,). It’s nothing to worry about though.
The first week, I avoided lifting heavy objects and iced my armpits regularly using the ice packs provided by the clinic. Because of my busy schedule, I stopped icing after that first week (don’t follow after me), which likely slowed my healing—but that was on me.
Swelling around the arms is completely normal. The clinic showed me photos beforehand, so I knew what to expect. After a few weeks, most of the swelling had gone down significantly.
You will also feel tightness under your armpits/ part of your arm. It’s also normal but you’re really going to feel the nerve in your arms for the first three months when you try to lift objects or raise your arms.
Honest Opinion?
I give MiraDry a 4 out of 5 stars.:)
My left armpit is completely sweat- and odor-free, which feels amazing. My right armpit still has a tiny bit of odor, likely from one or two remaining sweat glands. It’s minor, but noticeable when compared to the left side.
I had the procedure done on September 23, and I’m writing this in December, so healing is still ongoing. Sweat glands continue breaking down over time (for up to even 6 months!), so there’s still a chance results will improve further. (^-^)
Would I get a second treatment? Possibly—depending on finances. Am I rushing back? Not at all. I’m already enjoying the benefits.:)
Thank you so much for reading this article. I really hope it helped you understand one option for managing sweat—especially if you live in Japan and struggle through the the summer months.
Yes, it’s pricey, but don’t sweat it (ba-dum-tssss). I also share other ways to survive the heat in my article Don’t Sweat It! Surviving Japan’s Heat!
As the year comes to an end, I hope you’re thinking about ways you want to enhance your lifestyle and improve your everyday comfort in the year ahead.
In the meantime, stay happy, healthy, and sweat-free 😉
Stay tuned for more exciting content like this! Follow us on our social media platforms and check out our blog regularly to stay updated on the latest news, trends, and insider stories from Japan. Don’t miss out on future updates — sign up for our newsletter for exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox!
