ASDS: Laser hair removal growing in popularity

The number of laser procedures to remove unwanted hair jumped more than 50% between 2012 and 2014, according to survey results from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

There were 633,000 laser hair removal procedures performed by American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) members in 2014, which was a 27% increase from 2013 and a 51% increase from 2012, according to results from the 2014 ASDS Survey on Dermatologic Procedures.

Women aged 19 to 36 years and men aged 18 to 45 years were most likely to receive laser hair removal, H.L. Greenberg, MD, an ASDS member, reported in a press release. Women were more likely to seek treatments for underarms and bikini line areas, while men seek treatment on backs and necks, he said.

“What once was a novel idea is now a sensible convenience,” Greenberg said.

While laser hair removal was originally recommended for dark hairs on light skin, new technologies have make it safer and more effective for various skin tones and hair colors, George J. Hruza, MD, MBA, president of the ASDS, reported in the release.

George J. Hruza

Although some patients might experience long-term hair removal, others could require maintenance treatments.

“Many people prefer the convenience of longer-lasting impact of laser hair removal,” Hruza said, compared with shaving, tweezing or waxing.

Burns, scars and skin discoloration are possible adverse events if procedures are incorrectly performed, according to the release. Hruza said that ASDS members have advanced training and expertise in laser hair removal.

The survey took place between Jan. 2 and Feb. 6, 2015, for 2014 data, which were generalized to represent all ASDS members, according to the release. The results are based on 826 physicians (21%) who responded to a link sent to 3,980 ASDS members.

Reference: www.ASDS.net