Health | Did You Know

Women Are Now "Microwaving" Their Armpits To Get Rid Of Sweat And Hair

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Sometimes keeping up with beauty standards can be tricky, especially when it comes to your hair.

Although some women love their body hair, not everyone feels the same way - so they take the initiative to get rid of it.

But, instead of using temporary solutions like waxing or shaving, others prefer taking permanent measures to get of their unwanted hair, and some techniques can be incredibly unconventional.

Welcome To Microwaving

For those who struggle with armpit hair and sweat, a company called Miramar Labs have developed MiraSmooth, a 60-minute treatment that targets the space between the fat and skin. This noninvasive procedure destroys the sweat glands and at least 70% of hair follicles by using extreme heat, which prevents any chance of regeneration.

The procedure doesn't actually require you to actually stick your armpit in a standard microwave, but doctors do apply microwave energy to the armpit, which unlike lasers, can remove any shade of hair on any skin tone.

Even though only 2% of your sweat glands in your armpits, it can be embarrassing when people begin to sweat, especially in public.

Michelle Sanabria has struggled with hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating in the armpits, hands and feet, her entire life and is currently undergoing the procedure.

"I sweat profusely," she said. "Could be in any mood "“ happy, sad, excited "“ I still sweat."

Individuals who've underwent the procedure have already recommended MiraSmooth, noting that their results were immediate.

"Sweat pretty much gone. No reason for me to wear deodorant, except that it's habit. Don't need it for odor or sweat. Side effect, no hair," Shawna Moscowitz said.

Side Effects

While the company's website claims the method doesn't hurt, the FDA approved solution must have anesthesia applied on the intended area. There are also side effects to the treatment, which can range from mild to severe.  

"There can also be significant pain and swelling after treatment which is variable in severity and also in duration ranging from one week to a few weeks, and from minor swelling to grapefruit-like massive swelling in the underarm," Dr. Jessica Weiser of the New York Dermatology Group wrote in an email to TODAY.com.

Dr. Jessica WeiserNew York Dermatology Group

However, Weiser added that the technology has been used for decades, just not for this particular purpose.

"Microwave technology has been used in medicine for decades, long before the advent of miraDry for sweating and hair reduction," Weiser wrote. "Microwave applications in medicine include coagulation and cautery to stop bleeding, destruction of tumors and cancer cells, cardiac ablation, and more."

"If microwaves have been safely applied for internal organ use and for cancer destruction then it would seem reasonable that application to the skin should not be more dangerous than these other indications," she continued.

Although the price of the procedure ranges between $1,200 and $2,000, doctors say only one or two sessions are needed to have lasting results.

For more news about women's health, check out these informative articles:

[H/T: Today, CBS News]

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