Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Clinical Imaging of Microwave Mammography
Published on: November 14, 2025
A Prospective Study of Axillary Hair Reduction in Patients Treated With Microwave Technology
Jeremy A Brauer1, Julia P Neckman, Brian Zelickson
1*Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, New York; †Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York; ‡Zel Skin and Laser Specialists, Edina, Minnesota; §Lehigh Valley Dermatology Associates, Ltd., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Background:
Removing unwanted body hair is a growing trend in society today, and there are many laser-based devices for hair reduction. There are some limitations to those methods, including the lack of efficacy for lighter color hair.
Objective:
The objective was to quantify hair reduction in the axillae after treatment with a noninvasive microwave energy device.
Materials And Methods:
A prospective, multicenter study was performed at 3 private dermatology clinics. Fifty-six adult subjects seeking axillary hair reduction were enrolled and treated with the device in 1 or 2 treatment sessions 3 months apart at various energy levels, and followed for 12 months. The primary analysis was monitoring reduction of hair counts from baseline to follow-up visits. A subject assessment of overall satisfaction, odor ratings, and sweat reduction ratings was provided at follow-up visits.
Results:
Fifty-six subjects received treatment, with an average total underarm hair reduction of approximately 70% for both light and dark hair. Percentage of patients with hair reduction of 30% or more was significantly higher than 50% at all follow-up visits. Half of treated subjects reported expected mild transient post-treatment effects such as localized edema, discomfort, and bruising. Other reported events were mild.
Conclusion:
This clinical study provides evidence for safe and permanent axillary hair reduction, showing stable average reduction that lasted through the year of follow-up. Most notably, the study has shown the treatment's efficacy for reduction of light-colored axillary hair.
