Lasers for spider veins can provide a safe, effective solution when all other treatments have failed. When it comes to treating spider veins, the treatment options are limited and often very invasive. Injections or surgery can leave you with unwanted scars or even worse: dangerous side effects. However there is an alternative that provides a safe and highly effective solution for removing spider veins – laser technology.
Laser treatment uses high-intensity light waves to destroy or seal off the spider veins. During treatment, an applicator tip containing a laser fiber is inserted into each vein that needs to be treated. The lasers seal off the blood vessels inside the walls of your legs by delivering heat through these fibers. This seals off leaking blood vessels and stops them from growing larger.
Read on to learn more about Is Laser For Spider Veins Safe, Best Laser For Spider Veins AND Laser treatment for facial veins
Is Laser For Spider Veins Safe
The treatment of spider veins is a safe and effective procedure. The laser energy is absorbed by the red blood cells in the vein walls, causing them to burst. This allows the blood to return to flow through the vessels without obstruction. As a result, spider veins are eliminated or significantly reduced after a series of treatments.
The safety of laser treatment for spider veins depends on several factors:
The type of laser equipment used – there are several types of lasers available for treating cosmetic conditions such as spider veins. Some lasers are more effective than others for treating this condition.
The experience of the practitioner – it takes years to learn how to use lasers safely and effectively and only highly trained practitioners should perform this procedure.
The patient’s medical history – there are certain conditions that should be considered before performing any cosmetic procedure, including laser treatment for spider veins such as pregnancy or bleeding disorders.
Laser ablation is the use of intense light to destroy small blood vessels. It can be used to treat spider veins and other vascular lesions.
Laser treatment is considered safe, but it is not painless. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and may cause some discomfort during the procedure due to the heat produced by the laser.
There are a number of different types of lasers available for treating spider veins. These include:
CO2 laser – This type of laser has been shown to be effective in treating larger varicose veins and may also be helpful for smaller spider veins on the face or legs; however, this type of laser can damage the surrounding skin if used incorrectly.
Erbium:YAG – This type of laser has a dual wavelength (1064 nm and 1320 nm) that makes it effective at treating superficial and deep venous reflux; however, it can also cause damage if used improperly or over areas with poor circulation.
Laser treatment for spider veins is safe, but it’s not without risks.
Laser treatment for spider veins is a fairly new procedure, and the long-term effects are unknown. The treatment is typically done in an outpatient setting and causes little discomfort or pain. Laser therapy can be used to treat both varicose veins and spider veins.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved laser treatment for spider veins as a safe alternative to surgery in 2010. However, there have been no studies that look at the safety of this procedure over time.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are dilated subcutaneous veins that appear as red or blue lines on your legs. They’re usually small and don’t cause any symptoms. A few people have more severe cases that cause pain or itchiness.
Most people get spider veins during pregnancy or after weight gain or loss, but they can happen at any age. They’re also more common in people with diabetes or heart disease because these conditions affect blood circulation.
Laser treatment for spider veins is safe, effective and virtually painless. It is also considered a cosmetic procedure, so insurance may pay for it.
Spider veins are small blood vessels that are visible on the skin’s surface as red or blue lines, often in clusters. They’re caused by a weakening of the vein walls and can be treated with a variety of therapies, including compression stockings and sclerotherapy (injection of chemicals into the veins).
Laser treatment uses high-intensity light waves to destroy or seal off the spider veins. During treatment, an applicator tip containing a laser fiber is inserted into each vein that needs to be treated. The lasers seal off the blood vessels inside the walls of your legs by delivering heat through these fibers. This seals off leaking blood vessels and stops them from growing larger.
While some people feel slight discomfort during laser treatment, others have no significant pain at all. Most patients describe their experience as similar to having an elastic band snapped against their skin repeatedly—painful but not unbearable. A few patients report some bruising following treatment but this should disappear within 48 hours or less if properly cared for.
Laser treatment for spider veins is one of the most effective, noninvasive treatments available. The procedure can be performed on legs, face and arms and typically requires no down time.
Laser treatment for spider veins is performed in a doctor’s office or clinic by a specially trained laser technician. The laser uses a high-intensity beam of light to destroy the vein in its entirety, resulting in scarring that causes the vein to collapse.
The procedure is virtually painless and causes little or no bleeding. The entire process takes about 15 minutes per leg and requires only minimal swelling and bruising afterward.
Patients with medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension should consult with their doctors before undergoing laser treatment for spider veins because these conditions may increase the risk of complications during treatment.
Laser treatment for facial veins
Most people are able to undergo laser therapy for facial veins. However, people with diseases of the blood vessels or bleeding and/or scarring problems may not be good candidates. Prior to undergoing treatment, you will have a skin evaluation to determine the best type of laser to use and to ensure that your veins are not varicose veins. Although laser therapy is useful for spider veins, it is not used on varicose veins.
What kinds of medical lasers are used for spider veins?
Several different types of laser are used to treat facial spider veins. Intensive Pulsed Laser (IPL), Vbeam Perfecta®, VascuLight® and the Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) are among the most popular systems for treating this condition.
How does the laser work?
The laser works by piercing the skin and penetrating the blood vessel, at which point the laser-generated heat coagulates the blood within the vein and causes it to collapse and seal over. Gradually, over a period of weeks, the vessel will disappear.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
Preparation for facial spider vein treatment is minimal. Avoid sun exposure, alcohol and anticoagulants like aspirin for at least a week before treatment. Creams, lotions and moisturizers should not be applied to the areas to be treated prior to your appointment.
What happens during treatment?
Normally, only very small superficial veins are treated and the entire process takes less than an hour. Although most patients report minimal discomfort, some patients may be more at ease if a topical anesthetic is applied prior to the procedure. To protect eyes from the intense laser beam, they will be covered by opaque protective goggles. The laser itself has a cooling system that reduces any burning sensation. Generally, patients report a mild tingling sensation as the laser files.
What can I expect after treatment?
After treatment, you may feel a slight bump underneath the treated area, which should disappear within a few hours. Skin may be temporarily redder and have a cat-scratch like appearance. Very occasionally, there may be slight bruising or crusting over. After therapy, the spider veins will gradually change in color and disappear, most within two to four weeks.
How many treatments will I need?
A series of two to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart are normally needed. Additional treatments may be needed if new veins continue to appear.
Are there other facial vein treatments besides standard laser therapy?
Yes, IPL/PhotoFacial may also be used to reduce or eliminate facial spider veins. In Intensive Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, pulses of filtered light target and reduce or erase broken veins on the skin’s surface without damage to surrounding tissue. IPL differs from standard laser treatment in that the device emits different wavelengths of light rather than the single wavelength of a laser. Consequently, IPL is able to treat combinations of skin issues rather than the single target of laser therapy. Treatment is fast, convenient and comfortable and offers rapid recovery. Mostly used to treat the face and neck, the procedure can be performed in as little as 30 minutes.
Best Laser For Spider Veins
Laser treatment for spider veins involves:
- A noninvasive, focused, heat-based treatment that destroys the underlying spider veins with minimal damage to the surrounding skin, though some redness or hives may occur.
One of the most attractive benefits of laser treatment of spider veins is that it permanently destroys the vein, allowing patients to enjoy their new look for years to come. However, it is important to keep in mind that new spider veins can appear, which can be safely treated with a second or subsequent laser session. Your provider at Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute will evaluate your case, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate laser facial spider vein treatment for you.
How can I prevent spider veins?
While it may be impossible to prevent spider veins altogether, there are a number of things you can do to lessen your chances of developing them:
- Avoid sun exposure
- Exercise regularly
- Wear loose, unrestrictive clothing
- Reduce the amount of daily pressure on your legs
- Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle
How can I find out if laser spider vein removal is right for me?
The best way to determine if laser therapy may be effective in treating the spider veins on your face and body is to consult a qualified, experienced technician. Call Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute in Greater Philadelphia, PA, to schedule your consultation and learn more about how laser spider vein treatment can enhance your look and boost your confidence.