There is a variety of laser treatment equipment specifically built to remove varicose and spider veins. Some of these technologies are YAG laser and endovenous laser treatment. They use finely calibrated light energy that is carefully absorbed and transformed into thermal energy by oxyhemoglobin in the bloodstream. This intense heat causes quick blood coagulation, vein injury, and thrombosis (clotting) when applied to the skin.
So does laser treatment work for spider veins? Few laser vein treatments on this type of vascular lesions may help spider veins disappear. Unlike sclerotherapy injection, simple laser treatment is a non-invasive, non-toxic treatment that destroys unhealthy cells and affected veins. During the procedure, the laser light is directed at the damaged vein and will destroy it without harming your skin.
What Is Laser Treatment For Spider Veins?
Spider veins are caused by venous insufficiency. This happens when the veins prevent blood from returning to your heart. The good thing is that laser treatment is a fast, efficient, and non-invasive process. It uses a focused beam of light to heat and kills damaged veins.
When aimed at affected areas, the laser light will target the pigments in the blood and warm the vessel without inflicting damage to the skin or surrounding tissue. The body will then reabsorb the veins and fades over time — typically four to six weeks after treatment. Blood flow is rerouted to healthier veins. This treatment does not require any cuts or the use of needles.
Laser therapy is primarily used to treat small veins and is not recommended for reticular veins. Most vein specialists recommend laser treatment for spider veins, especially when patients have them in their faces and feet. Medical spas also suggest laser treatment because it does not require the assistance of a vein doctor.
Laser treatment is a good option for those who dislike vein surgery, though some doctors will advise patients on which treatment approach is appropriate for them based on their specific case. For instance, patients with a larger varicose vein may be advised to do sclerotherapy treatment.
In addition, foam sclerotherapy removes facial veins with a minimally invasive procedure. However, it involves an injection that causes the varicose vein or any affected vein to become scar tissue leaving behind smoother, clearer skin.
How Does Laser For Spider Veins Work?
For the past 20 years, this form of laser treatment has proven both safe and effective. Spider veins close 94 out of 100 times after laser treatment. Laser vein treatment is a technique that reduces spider veins by using heat from a laser; larger veins, bulging veins that most commonly impact the thighs and calves.
Unlike radiofrequency ablation, the pulsed dye laser is a light-emitting technology that produces a narrow beam of radiation. Laser treatment for spider veins is a process by which a vein doctor treats spider veins using blue light or lasers.
Heat-generating photons are released by the non-UV laser, which warms the vein wall and damages the surface of the blood vessel. The injured spider veins are progressively shrinking and dissolving — and eventually disappears. Laser energy can also work on a port wine stain and make it less visible.
What Is the Procedure for Laser Vein Therapy?
This spider vein removal does not involve a stay in the hospital. It is, sometimes, done in the office of the healthcare provider. It takes less than an hour to complete the process. Patients will be able to return home the same day.
In most cases, laser vein removal procedures are as follows:
- A set of goggles is given to the patient to wear throughout laser spider vein treatment to protect the eyes from the intense light.
- Before and during the process, the healthcare professional will utilize a Doppler ultrasonography device to check the vein. Sound waves are used to create a picture of the vein on a computer screen in this procedure.
- The laser is aimed at the skin over the spider veins. As the laser flashes, patients may experience discomfort; they frequently describe it as a rubber band snapping on their skin.
- During the treatment, patients may apply ice to make them feel comfortable.
There is no downtime with laser treatment for spider veins; it usually takes less than an hour. Soreness and redness in the treated surface are normal. Wearing compression clothing is highly advised for some time after the session.
How Many Laser Treatments Required for Spider Veins?
Patients may not notice any visible changes after a single laser spider vein removal. Depending on the number, size, and color of visible veins, few sessions may be necessary to attain the best results. For the course of the treatment, sessions are normally arranged every four weeks.
Read more: Spider Veins Treatment Costs: How To Make Spider Vein Treatment Worth It
Is Laser Vein Treatment a Good Option?
For leg and facial spider veins, laser treatment is considered the best option. It is also applicable to other body parts. In a research study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 56 participants with reticular and spider veins on both legs were treated with lasers.
Laser treatment resulted in better leg vein resolution, and patients felt much less pain in the laser-treated leg. Aside from transient hyperpigmentation, which was more common in the laser-treated leg, all simple laser treatments had the same rates of moderate side effects.
Key Takeaways
Finally, the ultimate advice to treat bothersome spider veins is to consult a vein specialist who is qualified to deal with these problems and has plenty of relevant experience in the field. Patients may not see visible effects after a laser spider vein treatment. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve desirable results.
There are post-treatment concerns that a patient should keep in mind:
- For four to eight hours following treatment, the treated area may appear pink or red.
- A mild tingling sensation in the treated area, akin to moderate sunburn may be experienced.
- The sensation normally subsides within four to six hours.
- Use cool packs or damp towels to lessen the stinging sensation.
- Slight swelling in the treatment surface usually dissipates within a few days.
Treatment of spider veins without first treating the underlying cause is typically not recommended by phlebologists. It may result in unsatisfactory outcomes and consequences including telangiectatic matting and hyperpigmentation.
In addition, patients need to:
- Refrain from putting lotion and makeup to the treated vein for at least 24 hours — or until stinging and all traces of redness have faded.
- For the length of the treatments, apply a quality moisturizing lotion to the treated region twice daily for at least three months following the final laser therapy.
Visit MPV The Vein Center to Learn More About Laser Vein Treatments
If spider and varicose veins are causing you problems, check our website to know more about laser vein treatment. MPV’s focus is to guarantee that patients are as comfortable as possible from diagnosis to therapy.
Our therapy programs are modeled to assist patients in their mental and physical recovery. We work hard to give you the confidence to own your skin and be completely free from spider veins. We offer a wide range of services, from cosmetic procedures to more functional therapies.
Get rid of your spider veins and schedule a consultation now. You may reach us at one of our two locations through these numbers 862-227-1054 (New York) and 1-862-238-8250 (New Jersey).
