Laser Vein Treatment

Laser vein treatment can remove problematic spider veins and varicose veins with a brief outpatient procedure. Energy is applied to the vein, causing it to dissolve and disappear. The procedure can be performed alone or in combination with sclerotherapy.

Who Should Consider Laser Vein Treatment?

Laser vein treatment is ideal for patients who have unsightly varicose veins and spider veins on the skin. Small superficial vessels that are 1-2 mm are easily treated through this procedure.

Good candidates are physically healthy, non-smokers, who are motivated to change their appearance.

The Procedure: How Laser Vein Treatment Works

A typical treatment only requires about 30 minutes to complete, and most patients don’t require an anesthetic. The doctor applies laser energy through the skin, which penetrates the blood vessel. By targeting the pigment in the blood, laser energy is intended affect only the vein – not the surrounding tissues. Heat within the vessel causes it to dissolve or collapse (large veins collapse while small veins close).

Life After Laser Vein Treatment

During the 4–6 weeks that follow your treatment, the veins will disappear or become less noticeable. Most patients return to their normal activities right away, but the recovery time varies from person to person.

Possible side effects include minor bruising and swelling around the treated areas. For a few days, the skin around the treated veins may exhibit a reddish appearance. Your doctor may advise you to wear special compression stockings to achieve satisfactory results and help minimize post-treatment swelling.

In many cases, several sessions are needed to remove all unwanted veins. Laser vein treatment will not prevent spider veins or varicose veins from appearing in the future. Risks include epidermal damage, pain, thrombosis, hyperpigmentation, matting or unsatisfactory results.