The appearance of spider veins on the legs is a common cosmetic problem especially for women. These unsightly veins affect the appearance of skin and sometimes even cause discomfort for others, which is why many patients turn to laser treatments to permanently address spider veins. While some report results that happen in a short span of time, others say it takes them longer to see visible results.
So how soon can you see results from spider veins laser treatment? Spider veins gradually turn from dark blue to a light red color and eventually disappear in a span of 2 to 6 weeks after the laser treatment. Some patients only need one treatment, but most of them require multiple sessions to achieve the results that they want.
Learn More: 4 Positive Effects of Laser Treatments on Eliminating Spider and Varicose Veins
How Long Before Spider Veins Are Gone After Laser Treatment?
According to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, more than 40% of adult women experience different forms of venous conditions like spider veins. This incidence only increases as they get older because of different factors like sun exposure, heredity, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, alcoholism, and other underlying health conditions.
Although most cases of spider veins are only considered a cosmetic concern, some patients might experience other symptoms like pain, swelling, and heaviness in their legs. The good news is that there are many types of non-surgical treatments to help patients get rid of spider veins and other venous conditions like chronic venous insufficiency.
Laser treatment is one of the most common and effective treatments for spider veins. It involves using a special device that delivers light energy to the affected leg veins, causing them to close and disappear after a couple of weeks.
If you’re considering laser therapy for eliminating spider veins, here’s what you should expect after the procedure:
Recovery Time for Laser Treatment
Unlike invasive treatments for spider veins, laser treatments don’t require extensive downtime. Most patients are encouraged to walk right after their treatment and maintain this regularly for a few days after their treatment. They may even resume their normal activities without much problem.
As for side effects, patients may experience bruising, pain, swelling, burning sensations, and discoloration in the treated areas for about 2 weeks after the treatment. These common side effects usually fade after several days, but make sure to contact a medical professional immediately if they persist or worsen long after the procedure.
When to Expect Results
Spider veins take some time before they completely disappear beneath the surface of the skin. They usually start as clusters of dark blue or red veins before fading into something lighter. It takes about 2 to 6 weeks before patients start to see the difference on their skin.
Patients must follow the aftercare instructions to ensure that the treatment areas recover quickly. Doing so also minimizes the risk of developing common side effects after the procedure like pain, swelling, bruising, and discoloration.
Understanding Laser Treatment for Spider Veins
Laser treatment is the preferred vein removal option for most patients. Understanding how it works can help patients make informed decisions about their health and appearance.
Aside from the results to expect after the procedure, here are other things patients should know about this kind of spider vein and varicose vein treatment:
How It Works
During the treatment, the vein specialist uses an Nd: YAG laser to penetrate the skin and reach the superficial veins. The pulses of energy from the device induces blood coagulation inside the abnormal vein, causing it to collapse. With the spider vein closed, the blood flow reroutes to the nearby veins.
Although some of the spider veins disappear after just one treatment, most patients require multiple treatment sessions to achieve optimal results. It takes a few weeks for the spider veins to lighten and completely disappear, so don’t worry if you’re not getting the results you want right away.
Ideal Candidates for Laser Spider Vein Treatment
Laser treatment is an excellent non-surgical option for patients who want to get rid of the dark veins on their legs. Although this treatment is safe and effective for most people, some patients might not be qualified for this type of procedure. You’re a good candidate for laser treatment if:
- You’re in Good Health – During the physical examination and initial consultation with the doctor or laser technician, make sure to let them know about your medical history. This includes clotting disorders, light-triggered seizures, keloid scarring, diabetes, skin cancer, and others. These conditions and certain medications might counter the effectiveness of the treatment or slow down the patient’s recovery time.
- You Experience Uncomfortable Symptoms – Like varicose veins, the appearance of spider veins might also cause some uncomfortable symptoms like itching, throbbing, and leg cramps. Laser leg vein treatments help alleviate these conditions by eliminating the damaged veins.
- You Have Realistic Expectations About the Treatment – While laser treatments are effective for eliminating unwanted veins, patients should also understand that the process takes some time to produce the results they want. They should also be willing to undergo certain lifestyle changes to maintain the results for longer.
Read More: How Many Laser Treatments Are Needed to Remove Spider Veins?
Costs of a Laser Vein Treatment
The exact cost of laser treatments for spider legs on the veins varies per patient. It depends on the number of treatment sessions and the surgeon’s fee. The national average is at $312, but it’s better to consult a laser technician to find out how much the spider vein treatment will cost you.
The good news is that some insurance providers cover laser treatments for spider veins and varicose veins, as long as the procedure is deemed “medically necessary.” Some vein centers accept major insurance coverage, so don’t forget to ask this when consulting with your provider.
Possible Side Effects
Like other medical treatments, laser therapy also has some risks. These common side effects include:
- Crusting
- Scarring
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Pain
- Discoloration
These side effects are minimized at the hands of a qualified dermatologist or laser technician so make sure to find a trusted one to perform the leg vein treatment. The symptoms also fade after a few days but contact a medical professional immediately if they worsen or persist.
Try Expert SpiderVein Laser Treatments at Vein Center Doctor
Vein Center Doctor is a full-service vein treatment center that offers accurate diagnoses and expert treatments for patients in New York and New Jersey. We treat spider veins, varicose veins, and other venous complications like blood clots, leg ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis.
We offer a wide range of treatment options for spider veins like endovenous laser treatments, RFA, sclerotherapy, VenaSeal™, and compression therapy.
Achieve healthy, vein-free skin and schedule a consultation with us now. Call us at 1-862-227-1054 to book an appointment.
