Laser Spider Vein Treatment

Definition. Spider veins, or starbursts, are so named because these tiny veins just beneath the skin often radiate out from a central point, reminiscent of the shape of a spider. They may also appear as fine, separate lines, as a web-like maze, or as branches from a single trunk of a tree-shaped form. Spider veins can develop on any part of the body, including the face, thighs, calves, and ankles. Although their exact cause is unknown, it is known that spider veins are related to abnormal blood flow in the affected veins. Any condition or activity that puts pressure on leg veins (e.g., gaining weight and sitting or standing for long periods of time), can contribute to their development. In women, spider veins often appear during pregnancy. Other contributing factors include sustaining an injury in the affected area, taking medications that affect hormones, such as birth control pills, advanced age, and a family history of spider veins. Spider veins on the nose or face, which typically appear as unsightly red or pink clusters, may also be related to overexposure to the sun.

Brief intense, emissions of light from the laser will be used to remove the superficial blood vessels at precisely controlled levels of penetration. You may undergo an initial calibration session, where several settings of the laser are tried on very small portions of the skin. In this case, you’ll return a few days to a week later to determine which setting worked best for you. The optimal setting will then be used for your first full session. The amount of time varies from fifteen minutes to one hour, depending on the size of the area being treated, as well as the severity of the problem. Usually, more than one treatment may be needed to achieve the desired results. A hospital stay is not necessary.

Is it right for me?
When the veins are small and close to the skin’s surface, laser removal is often the most effective treatment. The best candidates for laser removal of spider veins: do not smoke , have superficial spider veins that will respond to laser treatment , have fair skin or the appropriate skin tone for the type of laser used, do not have unusual scar formations, such as keloids.

Advantages. The laser is used to selectively target and destroy the red coloration of the spider veins, which are usually close to the surface of the skin, without damaging the surrounding tissue. The procedure is relatively quick, and no anesthesia is needed. After treatment, the skin can be noticeably more uniform and natural in appearance.

Disadvantages. Heat from the laser may cause burns or injuries. You may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation as the laser penetrates your skin. However, pain is minimal and no anesthesia is required. You may experience some redness and swelling of the treated area, which should disappear within a few days. Generally, the veins will turn a purple color that resembles a small bruise, and then gradually fade within 5-10 days. Ice packs are usually recommended to reduce the swelling. Frozen aloe vera gel is also commonly used.

Results. Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal. Some redness or purple discoloration may persist for several weeks, or longer. The redness will gradually lighten to a pink tone, and then to a lighter, more natural color. Although laser removal of spider veins may not erase all imperfections in the skin, most patients are satisfied with the results. After treatment, the unsightly red veins are significantly diminished and the skin is returned to a more natural, uniform state. It is important to remember, however, that laser removal does not deter the normal effects of aging and that treatment does not prevent the occurrence of new spider veins.