Laser Vein Removal

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Before & after

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LASER TREATMENT FOR SPIDER VEINS

Spider veins, also known medically as telangiectasia or venulectasias, are tiny red, blue, or purple thread-like veins near the surface of the skin that often take on the appearance of a spider’s web. These perpetually dilated and visible veins, caused by increased pressure to the veins, can develop on any part of the body, including the face, but most often appear on the thighs, calves, ankles or buttocks. The gold standard treatment for spider veins is laser therapy.

There is no cure for spider veins. Although treatment does not prevent the development of new spider veins, the removal of existing veins can dramatically improve the appearance of the affected area, providing a more youthful, healthy look and an even color pattern to the skin. Spider veins can be recurrent and require more treatments in the future.

The most common laser used to treat spider veins is the Nd: YAG laser system. It is a hand-held device and also has a cooling tip to minimize discomfort during the therapy.

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ADVANTAGES OF LASER VEIN TREATMENT

There are few side effects

It is less traumatic to the surrounding skin compared to approaches like sclerotherapy

Treatment is quick

Recovery is immediate

Downtime is almost zero

Laser vein therapy can even be used on the face

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WHAT HAPPENS DURING LASER VEIN TREATMENT?

Laser vein treatment usually takes less than an hour. The procedure uses a focused beam of light to target the vein that is selected for treatment, and because the beam is focused, it is careful not to affect nearby skin, tissue, and veins. As the laser heats up, the vein is destroyed. Over a period of four to six weeks, the vein is reabsorbed by the body and disappears.

It is generally recommended that the treatments be spaced four to six weeks apart. If new veins appear, additional treatments are required for optimum results.

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faq

How does the laser work?

The Nd: YAG laser pierces the skin and penetrates the superficial blood vessel. The heat generated from the laser coagulates the blood inside the vessel, causing it to collapse and seal. Over the next few weeks, the vessel will disappear and all the blood will be removed by the body’s scavenging cells. The newer laser treatments allow the delivery of a precise dosage of energy to each blood vessel without injuring any nearby structures.

Is laser therapy painful?

During treatment, you may feel a snapping and tingling sensation as the laser fires. Our laser has a built-in cooling system that prevents the tip of the laser from getting too hot and resulting in burns or damage to the area.

What preparations should I take before treatment?

There are no major preparations required before the laser treatment, but you will want to avoid sun exposure, aspirin, alcohol, and smoking for at least a week prior to the procedure. As for the day of treatment, avoid all creams, lotions, and moisturizers on the area that is going to be treated. Also, wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the body part(s) being treated.

How do I know if I am a candidate for laser vein treatment?

All individuals are evaluated prior to laser therapy. Spider veins do not cause symptoms and are of a cosmetic concern only. For those who have symptoms, further investigation is done to ensure that they do not have varicose veins. Laser therapy is most effective for the very small spider veins and not used to treat large varicose veins.

What are side effects of laser therapy?

The skin above the veins will have a reddish, cat-scratch appearance. This generally disappears over the next two days. Your eyes will be shielded during the treatments. We use a built-in topical cooling system for optimal comfort.

What should I expect after laser therapy?

Soon after the procedure, you may feel a slight bump on the skin; it should disappear hours after treatment. The area may also appear slightly redder and occasionally may be bruised. After laser therapy, it is strongly recommended to keep away from the sun. Healing can be facilitated by wearing support hose. The pain is minimal and you may take any over the counter pain medications. After treatment, there is no downtime. You can resume all of your normal activities immediately afterward.

How long does it take to see results?

The results of laser treatment for spider veins are not immediate. After the laser therapy, the vessels underneath the skin will gradually change from a dark blue to light red color, then eventually disappearing in two to six weeks. Most patients report a high degree of satisfaction with the procedure and relief at no longer having to hide unsightly veins. The treated areas are noticeably clearer and in most cases, the skin continues to improve with each successive treatment. The majority of spider veins will disappear within two to four weeks.

What are other methods of treating spider veins?

The most conservative approach for treating spider veins is to wear properly fitting support hose (also called compression stockings). These stockings can generally be purchased at any pharmacy and come in various styles and colors. The stockings may be worn below or above the knee. They also come in different compressions varying from 18 to 20 mmHg and up to 40 to 50 mmHg. Unfortunately, once the spider veins have developed, they do not disappear even with wearing stockings. Other conservative treatment approaches include losing weight if you are overweight, exercising regularly (especially walking), avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and elevating your legs while sitting and sleeping. For those who tend to stand up for prolonged periods, time outs should be taken to rest the feet.

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