Laser Hair Removal for Legs: What Areas Are Included? - Dermatology

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Laser hair removal for the legs?


I would like to ask the physician if leg hair removal in medical aesthetics includes the skin covering the upper part and surrounding area of the knee? Should this area of skin be classified as part of the thigh or the calf? (Many clinics charge separately for thigh and calf hair removal.) According to the Ministry of Education's definition of the thigh and calf, the calf connects to the thigh above and the foot below, while the thigh is located between the hip and the knee.
The bones of the calf include the patella; thus, it seems that the skin covering the upper part and surrounding area of the knee should belong to the calf.
Is this interpretation correct? Or is the skin near the thigh considered part of the thigh, while the skin near the calf is considered part of the calf? Many clinics specifically indicate "including the knee" for thigh or calf hair removal, which seems like it should be inherently included.
If hair removal for both the thigh and calf does not cover the skin around the upper knee area, it seems unreasonable.
Could you please clarify this? Thank you.

Ting, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/09/14

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology


The definition in your question is actually unrelated to the treatment itself.
Typically, during hair removal procedures, we focus on the lower leg area; however, if you insist on treating the knee, I believe the treating physician would not be overly concerned about it.

Reply Date: 2011/09/14

More Info


When it comes to laser hair removal, particularly for the legs, there can be some confusion regarding the areas included in the treatment, especially around the knee joint. In the context of medical aesthetics, laser hair removal typically encompasses the entire leg, which includes both the thigh and the calf. However, the specific definitions of these areas can vary between clinics, leading to different pricing structures and treatment protocols.

To clarify, the thigh generally refers to the area from the hip to the knee, while the calf extends from the knee to the ankle. The knee itself is often considered a transitional area between these two sections. Many clinics will specify whether their pricing includes the knee area, as it can be a point of contention for clients.
Your interpretation aligns with common definitions: the skin above the knee, which covers the upper part of the knee joint, is typically considered part of the thigh. Conversely, the skin below the knee, which includes the lower part of the knee joint and extends down to the ankle, is classified as part of the calf. Therefore, if a clinic states that their laser hair removal for the thigh includes the knee, it is reasonable to expect that the area above the knee is treated as part of the thigh.

It is also worth noting that many clinics will explicitly mention whether their services include the knee area to avoid any misunderstandings. This is particularly important because the knee can be a sensitive area for hair removal due to the presence of different skin types and hair growth patterns.
In terms of medical knowledge, laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicles with concentrated light energy. This energy is absorbed by the pigment, which damages the follicle and inhibits future hair growth. The effectiveness of the treatment can vary based on hair color, skin type, and the specific area being treated.
For those considering laser hair removal, it is advisable to have a consultation with a qualified practitioner who can assess your individual needs and clarify which areas will be included in the treatment. They can also provide information on the number of sessions typically required for optimal results, as well as any potential side effects or aftercare instructions.

In summary, your understanding that the skin covering the upper part of the knee is considered part of the thigh is correct. However, it is always best to confirm with the specific clinic regarding their definitions and treatment areas, as practices may vary. This will ensure that you receive the treatment you expect and that there are no surprises regarding pricing or coverage areas.

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