Treating Unwanted Hair on Legs, Underarms & Bikini: The Area-by-Area Guide

Written by Rosalie Orrostieta, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Medically Reviewed for Accuracy and Safety by Rosalie Orrostieta, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Last Updated: August 30, 2025

I’ll never forget a trip I took to Siesta Key beach years ago, long before I started my journey in medical aesthetics. I had packed my favorite swimsuit, a new book, and was ready for a perfect day. But as I sat on the sand, I realized I’d missed a spot shaving my knee. It was a tiny thing, but it was all I could think about. Then I worried about razor burn on my bikini line. I felt self-conscious, and it put a tiny cloud over a beautiful day.

Does that sound familiar?

For so many of us, the cycle of shaving, waxing, and plucking feels endless. It’s a chore that steals our time and, sometimes, our confidence. As the founder of Rose Medical Aesthetics here in Sarasota, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people feel truly comfortable and confident in their own skin. And I can tell you with complete certainty: there is a better way.

Laser hair removal isn’t just about getting rid of hair; it’s about reclaiming your time and freedom. It’s for the spontaneous beach days, the sleeveless tops worn without a second thought, and the beautiful feeling of effortlessly smooth skin. In this guide, we’re going to walk through everything you need to know, area by area, so you can decide if this incredible treatment is right for you.

Quick Answers: Laser Hair Removal at a Glance

I know you’re busy, so let’s start with a quick overview. Here’s how the three most popular treatment areas generally compare.

Feature	Legs	Underarms	Bikini Area
Avg. Session Time	20-40 minutes	5-10 minutes	10-20 minutes
Typical # of Sessions	6-10	6-8	6-10
Common Pain Level	2-4 / 10	3-5 / 10	4-7 / 10
Best For	Large surface area, freedom from daily shaving	Reducing irritation/odor, sleeveless confidence	Preventing ingrown hairs, bikini/swimsuit readiness

How Does Laser Hair Removal Actually Work?

This is where my inner science-nerd gets excited! The process sounds complex, but the idea behind it is beautifully simple. It’s called Selective Photothermolysis.

Think of it this way: the laser emits a highly concentrated beam of light. That light is specifically attracted to and absorbed by the dark pigment the melanin in your hair follicles. When the pigment absorbs the light, the energy converts to heat. This heat then safely and precisely disables the hair follicle at its root, preventing it from producing new hair.

The key word here is “selective.” The laser is so smart that it targets only the hair follicle, leaving the surrounding skin completely unharmed. At Rose Medical Aesthetics, we use state-of-the-art, FDA-cleared laser technology that includes a built-in cooling system. This makes the treatment not only effective but also incredibly safe and comfortable for a wide variety of skin tones.

The Area-by-Area Guide to Smooth Skin

Every part of the body is unique, and so is the laser hair removal experience for each area. Let’s break down what you can really expect.

Treating the Legs

This is the ultimate game-changer for so many of our clients. Imagine putting away your razor for good!

• The Experience: Treating legs is a surprisingly relaxing process. You’ll be lying down comfortably while your technician methodically glides the laser over your skin in a grid-like pattern. Because it’s a larger area, it takes the most time, but many clients just pop in their headphones and listen to a podcast.
• Number of Sessions & Timeline: Legs have many, many hair follicles, all in different stages of growth. To be effective, the laser needs to catch each hair in its active growth phase. That’s why we typically recommend a series of 6-10 treatments, spaced about 6-8 weeks apart, to ensure we achieve the smoothest, most uniform reduction.
• Pain Level & Sensation: Most people describe the sensation on the legs as a series of tiny, warm snaps, like a small rubber band. It’s very tolerable. Areas where the skin is thinner, like around the ankles or backs of the knees, might be a little more sensitive, but overall, it’s considered a very low-pain treatment.
• Expected Results & Aftercare: After your first session, you’ll notice the hair growing back finer and slower. About a week or two after each treatment, you’ll experience what we call “shedding,” where the treated hairs fall out. It’s the best feeling! Aftercare is simple: avoid direct sun exposure, keep your skin moisturized, and enjoy the ever-increasing smoothness.

Treating the Underarms

This is one of my favorite treatments to perform because the results are so quick and satisfying. It’s what I call the “lunchtime procedure.”

• The Experience: You’ll be in and out in less than 15 minutes. It’s incredibly fast. You’ll hold your arm up, and the technician will treat the entire area in just a few minutes.
• Number of Sessions & Timeline: Underarm hair is often dark and coarse, which makes it a perfect target for the laser. Most of our clients see fantastic results with just 6-8 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
• Pain Level & Sensation: The skin here is a bit more sensitive than on the legs, so you might feel the “snap” a little more intensely. However, because it’s over so quickly—literally just a few minutes—it’s very manageable. Our laser’s cooling tip makes a huge difference in comfort here.
• Expected Results & Aftercare: I had a client who was a yoga instructor in Sarasota, and she was always a little self-conscious when raising her arms. After her underarm laser treatments, she told me she felt a newfound freedom in her classes. Beyond just being hair-free, many people find they sweat less and have less body odor, since there’s no hair to trap moisture and bacteria. It’s a win-win.

Treating the Bikini Area

Let’s talk about the bikini area. This is a delicate topic, and my first priority is always your comfort and dignity. For so many, this treatment isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about ending the nightmare of razor burn and painful ingrown hairs.

• The Experience: We know this is a sensitive area in every sense of the word. Our technicians are absolute professionals who are trained to make you feel safe and comfortable. We’ll talk you through the different styles, from a simple bikini line cleanup to a full Brazilian, and you are in complete control. We use professional draping techniques to ensure your privacy at all times.
• Number of Sessions & Timeline: Similar to other areas, a series of 6-10 sessions every 4-6 weeks is the gold standard for achieving the best, longest-lasting results.
• Pain Level & Sensation: I want to be completely honest: this area is the most sensitive. The hair is typically thick and the skin is delicate. However, the discomfort is brief, and we do everything we can to minimize it with our advanced cooling technology and expert techniques. I often tell my clients to take a deep breath in before the pulse and breathe out as it happens. It truly helps.
• Expected Results & Aftercare: A client once cried in my office—happy tears! She had suffered from painful, infected ingrown hairs her entire adult life, which had left her with scarring and a lot of emotional distress. After completing her sessions, her skin was smooth and clear for the first time. That is why I do what I do. The freedom from irritation is, for many, the single greatest benefit.

Are You a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Years ago, laser hair removal was really only effective for people with very fair skin and very dark hair. Thankfully, technology has come a long way!

The laser works by targeting pigment, so the ideal candidate still has hair that is darker than their skin. However, the advanced lasers we use at Rose Medical Aesthetics can safely and effectively treat a much wider range of skin tones, which we assess using the Fitzpatrick scale.

The treatment is not effective on very light blonde, red, gray, or white hair because there isn’t enough pigment for the laser to target. There are also certain medical conditions and medications that can be contraindications. This is why a thorough, professional consultation is non-negotiable. It’s my responsibility, as a healthcare provider, to ensure you are a safe and suitable candidate before we ever begin.

Your Journey at Rose Medical Aesthetics: What to Expect

We believe your experience should be as smooth as your results. We don’t rush. We listen. Here’s what your journey with us looks like.

1. Step 1: The Complimentary Consultation: This is where we sit down and talk, friend to friend. We’ll assess your skin and hair, review your medical history, and most importantly, listen to your goals. We’ll perform a small patch test to see how your skin reacts and design a treatment plan just for you. No pressure, just honest information.
2. Step 2: Preparing for Your Session: Preparation is simple but important. You’ll need to avoid sun exposure, waxing, or plucking the area for a few weeks beforehand. We’ll ask you to shave the area the day before your appointment. This ensures the laser can target the follicle directly under the skin.
3. Step 3: During Your Treatment: On treatment day, you’ll get comfortable in one of our private, relaxing treatment rooms. We’ll give you protective eyewear, and then your certified technician will begin. We’ll check in with you on your comfort level throughout the entire session.
4. Step 4: Post-Treatment Care & Results: After your session, your skin might be slightly red, similar to a mild sunburn, but this usually fades within a few hours. We’ll give you simple aftercare instructions, which mainly involve being gentle with your skin and avoiding sun, saunas, and intense exercise for about 24 hours. Then, you just wait for the magic of the hair shedding to begin!

The Science of Results: How Permanent is “Permanent”?

This is a question I get every single day, and I believe in being 100% transparent. The FDA has approved the term “permanent hair reduction.” What does this mean?

It means that after a full series of treatments, you can expect a 70% to 90% reduction in hair in the treated area. The hairs that do grow back are typically much finer, lighter, and sparser. Most of our clients are so thrilled with their initial results that they feel completely “hair-free.” To maintain that perfectly smooth look, many people choose to come in for a single touch-up session once every year or two. Hormonal shifts can sometimes cause new hair to grow, but these are easily managed with maintenance treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Does laser hair removal hurt? It’s more “discomfort” than “pain.” Most people rate it between a 2 and 7 out of 10, depending on the area. Our clients consistently tell us it’s far less painful than waxing.
• How much does laser hair removal cost? The cost depends on the size of the area being treated and the number of sessions in your package. We create custom plans because everyone is different. We discuss all of this transparently during your free consultation.
• Can I get laser hair removal on my skin tone? With our advanced technology, we can treat a wide variety of skin tones safely. The best way to know for sure is to come in for a personal assessment.
• What are the risks or side effects? When performed by a certified and experienced professional, the risks are very low. The most common side effects are temporary redness and slight swelling. We discuss all potential risks with you during your consultation.

Invest in Yourself and Your Time

Think about all the time, money, and mental energy you’ve spent on managing unwanted hair. Razors, creams, waxing appointments—it adds up. Laser hair removal is more than a treatment; it’s an investment in yourself. It’s an investment in simplicity, confidence, and freedom.

Here at Rose Medical Aesthetics, we’re not just providing a service. We’re partnering with you on your journey to feeling your absolute best. My background as a nurse practitioner means your health and safety are always my top priorities, and my passion as a founder means I’m committed to delivering beautiful, life-changing results. We combine medical expertise with a warm, personal touch to create an experience where you feel cared for, heard, and valued from the moment you walk through our doors.

Ready to start your journey to permanently smooth skin?

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with the experts at Rose Medical Aesthetics today. We can’t wait to meet you.