Is Laser Hair Removal Effective On Legs?

Want to flaunt your legs in a pair of shorts? Silky smooth skin that steals everyone’s attention may be on your wishlist, but gosh, waxing hurts! Even razors aren’t great – who can overlook the ingrown hair and bumpy skin, right?

Want to get rid of all these inconveniences?

We have a long-term solution for you — Laser Leg Hair Removal.

Curious already?

Read our guide to get answers to the most common questions.

Page Contents

How Does A Laser Work On Legs?

First introduced in the 1960s, laser hair removal involves the use of laser beams to reduce hair growth. The process removes leg hair from the top of your thighs to the ankles. A session may take anywhere between 30 to 50 minutes and a few repeated sessions are usually required depending on certain factors.

While it had its limitations when it first started, laser hair removal has advanced a lot from the initial days.

At present, the laser is set at a specific wavelength and for a targeted pulse duration. The light energy coming from the laser targets hair follicles. This energy travels down the hair follicle, converts into thermal energy, and destroys it in the end.

Source: renovemedicalspa.com

The procedure aims at damaging the follicle to an extent that it cannot regenerate or produce any new hair.

First, the hair follicles are destroyed. Then the pores in the skin close, giving you silky soft, and smooth skin.

It is a relatively safe procedure today because your technician decides the suitable procedure, wavelength, and other parameters after carefully analyzing your skin.

You will need repetitive sessions to reduce hair growth by 90%. However, many patients experience a permanent hair reduction after about 5 to 12 sessions.

How Should I Prepare For Leg Laser Hair Removal?

Before-care for laser hair removal is not very extensive. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

The most important thing is to ensure your skin is not tanned.

Why?

Because laser hair removal works on the principle of selective photothermolysis.

Now, what’s that?

It is how light energy completely destroys your hair follicle but does very little damage to your skin. The process selectively targets the hair cells as they have a higher concentration of melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for hair and skin color in humans. The more melanin you have, the darker the shade of your hair will be.

Source: scripps.org

Tanning leads to increased production of melanin, imparting your skin that beautiful color you so crave. But, for the laser to target your hair alone, it is better to have a sharp contrast between your hair and skin.

The more the contrast between your skin and hair tone, the better results you get. Plus the irritation (if any) to your skin reduces considerably.

Ideally, dark hair and pale skin will give you the best results.

So, avoid UV exposure for a week before your appointment. If it is absolutely necessary to get out in the sun, use sun protection creams with high SPF.

You can also exfoliate the skin to remove dead cells, product build-up, dirt, grime, etc.

Shave (not wax) your legs a day before the procedure.

Also, it is necessary to report any medication that you may be taking to your technician. Some medications can increase or decrease photosensitivity. So, if necessary, you may have to stop the medication 10 or more days before the treatment.

Caution: Waxing must be avoided at all costs from 6 weeks before the appointment as laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle and waxing will remove its target.

How Do I Care For My Skin After Laser Leg Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal for legs is advantageous in many aspects.

For one, the skin on the legs is thick, meaning less pain during the procedure. Also, thick skin implies lesser damage and thus fewer after-care requirements.

The only after-care requirement is to avoid direct UV exposure.

Source: healthline.com

As the skin is very sensitive after laser treatment, UV rays can irritate it. So, avoid tanning beds and sun exposure for at least a week. If you have to go out, cover your legs by wearing full-length clothes, pants, skirts, etc.

However, if your skin does feel irritated (just after the treatment or even later after exposure to the sun), apply organic or store-bought aloe vera gel. It will soothe the skin, and reduce irritation as well as chances of bacterial infection.

Leg Laser Hair Removal At SEV

SEV is a medspa chain spread across the country that provides an upscale boutique experience at an affordable price. Known to get the best results, you will find SEV to be the best medspa West Hollywood.

It offers several services like Laser Hair Removal, Laser Skin Tightening, Injectables / Dermal Fillers, and BOTOX Treatments. SEV also employs professional nurses who have the knowledge and expertise to get you the results you want.

Interested in leaving the woes of hair removal behind? Book an appointment with SEV today.