Laser Leg Vein Removal
Millions of women are bothered by unsightly spider veins which make them feel embarrassed to wear shorts, skirts or swimsuits. In the past, this problem could only be solved through painful procedures and surgery, but those days are mercifully over.
Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are those small red, blue and purple blood vessels that appear most frequently on the face and thighs. Laser Vein Removal is a non-invasive procedure known as VascuLight LaserTreatment.
Lasers deliver concentrated light in a specific wavelength of the spectrum. Each wavelength is absorbed by a different target or chromophore, such as pigment, blood, or water. The light pulses heat the blood within the leg vein. The heat of the blood affects the vessel lining, which causes the vessel to constrict and eventually fade from view. This same technology can also be used to remove or reduce unwanted facial veins. It is necessary to shave the treatment area immediately before beginning laser treatment.
The number of treatments required varies with the size and depth of each vein. For the maximum long-term resolution, multiple treatments may be necessary. However, if new veins appear, additional treatments are required. Treatments may be in 3 – 4 week intervals. Often more than three treatments is necessary to achieve full clearance of leg veins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lasers deliver concentrated light in a specific wavelength of the spectrum. Each wavelength is absorbed by a different target or chromophore, such as pigment, blood, or water. The handpiece delivers light pulses in the 800 nm wavelength, which is ideal for targeting leg veins. The light pulses heat the blood within the leg vein. The heat of the blood affects the vessel lining, which causes the vessel to constrict and eventually fade from view. This same technology can also be used to remove or reduce unwanted facial veins. It is necessary to shave the treatment area immediately before beginning laser treatment. If hair is present, it will absorb the laser energy and burn, causing discomfort.
Your Laser Spa Group technician will apply ultrasound gel and move the handpiece over your skin, following the length of the vein, pulsing the laser on the targeted vein all the while. Each pulse will send a beam of light through your skin, while a flashing light, an audible tone, and a mild sensation on the skin will tell you when the handpiece is being pulsed.
Prior to treatment we will review your medical history to determine how long you have had a problem with your veins and the severity of the problem. We need to determine your skin type and if there has been any prior surgery or treatment on your veins.
It is not necessary to use anesthesia. Sensitive patients may require EMLA; however this is not recommended because EMLA is a mild vasoconstrictor and will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. The handpiece contains an actively cooled convex sapphire lens that, when pressed against the skin slightly before and during each laser pulse, provides thermal protection for the epidermis. The cooling lens allows for higher doses of laser energy to safely and effectively target leg veins. Since the handpiece tip is in contact with the skin during treatment, your skin is continually cooled, so that you feel little heat or discomfort from the laser pulses. Your Laser Spa Group technician will also go over the risks and benefits of the treatment with you during your complimentary consultation. Laser Spa Group’s leg vein treatments are skin-safe and comfortable.
Immediately after treatment you will see any of these three possible outcomes:
- The vessel will disappear
- The vessel will darken
- The vessel will shrink
- The surrounding skin may turn pink and be slightly swollen for up to 24 hours.
The number of treatments required varies with the size and depth of each vein. For the maximum long-term resolution, multiple treatments may be necessary. However, if new veins appear, additional treatments are required. Treatments may be in 3 – 4 week intervals. Often more than one treatment is necessary to achieve full clearance of leg veins.
These non-invasive laser pulses cause unsightly vessels to fade from view in a few treatments or less.
After your technician performs your laser treatment, you may be asked to wear support hose or special heavy duty stockings to help keep pressure on the veins. This will help keep the treated veins closed, and outcomes will improve if worn for at least three days after treatment. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few weeks when larger veins are involved. While each vein may require several pulses from the laser, most will disappear in 2 – 6 weeks. Keys to success with laser leg vein therapy include the avoidance of hot baths and strenuous exercise, and may include the short-term use of compression stockings. Patients should avoid sun exposure for six weeks before treatment. Patients with tans or who use self tanning creams should either delay their treatment or use a bleaching cream six weeks prior to the start of treatment to reduce to potential interaction of tan with the laser light.
Patients are generally encouraged to resume most normal activities immediately. We do ask that you refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24 hours, and avoid sun exposure after treatment. Although your final results may not be apparent for several months, most of our patients enjoy the comfort and the look of legs without unsightly red, blue and purple veins.
