Spider Vein Treatment

While not dangerous to your health, visible veins can be bothersome in appearance. With the Spectrum Long Pulsed Yag Laser, both spider and other vascular malformations can be significantly improved.

What is the Long-Pulsed Yag Laser?

The Long Pulsed Yag uses laser light to heat visible veins. Once optimal heating is reached, the vein becomes damaged and is then broken down and naturally eliminated by the body. Long pulse Yag laser energy is designed to treat several different types of blood vessels in the face and legs. Common facial vascular lesions or malformations such as telangiectasias (spider veins), rosacea, hemangiomas, and hematomas are easily treated. Other vascular conditions such as Port Wine Malformations are treated with our Candela V-Beam Laser which is designed specifically for this condition. Leg veins must be 3mm or smaller to be effectively treated. The Long Pulse Yag is not suitable for varicose veins.

Who is a Candidate for Laser Vein Treatment?

Candidates for the minimally-invasive laser spider vein treatments are those who are bothered by the appearance of veins, commonly in the face or legs. A vein disease like spider veins often occurs on the face and legs and appears as tiny red lines resembling spider legs. Laser vein treatment works best on these veins

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the appearance of spider veins including heredity, obesity, and hormone fluctuations with pregnancy, puberty, or menopause. Long Pulse Yag treatments can be done on all skin types, including dark skin; however, patients with a Fitzpatrick 4 or higher are at higher risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation requiring extra diligent post-treatment care. A skin assessment will be conducted at your consultation to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.

If you have taken Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 12 months or are currently on Minocin or Doxycycline you cannot receive treatment. If you have an active herpes simplex outbreak in the treatment area, you should wait to have a treatment. An anti-viral will be prescribed for your next treatment to minimize your symptoms and the chance of another outbreak. We do not recommend Long Pulse Yag treatments for patients who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

How do I Prepare for Treatment?

You cannot be tanned, use self-tanners, or be sunburnt prior to or during the course of treatment. If you’re looking to treat the face and using aggressive skin care products such as retinols, skin exfoliants, or other aggressive skincare products, you must discontinue use at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.  Your skin must be completely clean and free of any lotions, perfumes, or makeup on the day of your treatment.

Keep in mind that you may experience some swelling and bruising. The fall, winter, and spring are the best time to treat leg veins.

What is the Procedure Like?

Before the long pulsed Yag laser treatment, a cooling gel will be applied to your skin and you will be given eye protection. Laser vein treatment with Long Pulsed Yag is noninvasive, using laser light energy directed at the deep skin tissues in the treatment area. During treatment, a laser handpiece is used to zap your veins, closing them off and minimizing their appearance. Patients report a snapping feeling during the process; however, anesthesia is typically not required.

There is minor discomfort for most vascular treatments. A cooling head is integrated into the head of the device. Before treating the area, it is briefly chilled and immediately followed by a treatment pulse. When treating vascular areas, we do not want to constrict the blood vessels. Excessive cooling or numbing agents can restrict the blood vessels and should be avoided.  Post-treatment cooling like an ice pack can relieve any discomfort and swelling.

The number of treatments is dependent on the size of the blood vessels. Smaller vessels will likely require fewer treatments while larger, more stubborn vessels may require more. Sessions are usually spaced 8-12 weeks apart. It is important to remember that the underlying condition that caused these vessels in the first place has not been resolved, so patients prone to this condition will likely develop new vessels over time and may want to retreat.

What are My Post-Treatment Care Instructions?

You can expect minor swelling and redness that can last a couple of hours. You will likely have bruising associated with this procedure; this is normal. You may also experience minor discomfort which can be treated using ice packs or over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol or Mortin. If scabs develop, do not pick or scratch the treated areas. Doing so could cause scarring to the area. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, hot showers, alcohol, aspirin, Advil, or blood thinners for five days following treatment as doing so can diminish results.

If the face was treated, avoid harsh facial products such as retinols, exfoliants, loofah sponges, etc. If treating legs, avoid exercise, long periods of standing, or walking for seven days following treatment. Compression stockings can be used continuously for 3-5 days following leg treatments.

Avoid direct sun exposure and use a good sunblock containing 9% zinc or higher.  Be sure to schedule this procedure during a time that you can comply with these restrictions.

What Results Can I Expect?

After laser vein treatment, you can expect some side effects such as redness and swelling. Over the next few weeks, your body will continue to break down the treated veins, minimizing their appearance. While some patients see results after just one treatment, several sessions may be required to treat larger veins. Sessions will be spaced out to allow the skin time to heal. While laser vein treatment can reduce the appearance of current veins, it cannot prevent future veins from appearing. Patients can opt for laser vein treatment in the future to maintain their smooth skin.

Patricia Ferguson, R.N. has worked with Dr. Stanislaw since 2004 and is responsible for providing Long Pulse Yag treatments. To find out if your veins can be treated with laser treatment, contact our office. We can schedule your consultation to determine the best course of treatment for you.

At the time of your consultation, you will be provided a quote which will be honored for 1 year.