Spider veins are blood vessels shaped like tree branches. They may appear on the legs and  thighs mainly. Spider veins can cause swelling, leg cramping, and tiredness. They may also cause the appearance of a sore blood clot and lead to thrombophlebitis. While not always painful, spider veins have an unaesthetic appearance many people want to remedy.

 

Spider veins look similar to varicose veins, but they tend to be smaller and closer to the skin surface. Both can be treated using traditional methods like sclerotherapy or surgical ligation, but laser therapy has simplified things and, more importantly, has reduced the level of discomfort associated with the consequences of a surgical procedure. 
 

What causes spider veins?

 

Spider veins are the result of increased pressure and poor vein elasticity. They are inflamed veins caused by an abnormal blood flow that causes the blood to pool in the veins. When this happens, the veins swell and cause the appearance of spider veins or varicose veins. The veins turn blue or purple.

 

One of the most common causes behind the appearance of spider veins is aging. However, standing for long periods, pregnancy, constipation, and menopause can also be associated with spider and varicose veins. 

Spider Veins

How does laser spider vein removal work?

 

Laser therapy has revolutionized the cosmetic industry and has found multiple applications, including spider vein removal. Laser treatments have been used for over 30 years to treat spider veins, but recent technological advancements have improved the procedure significantly. Laser light can be used to treat both superficial veins and prominent blue veins in different parts of the body.


The treatment uses a beam of light to target the blood pigment in the treated vein. The health care professional pulses high-intensity light to the targeted vein with the help of a handheld device. The bursts of light are dosed precisely and determine the thermocoagulation of the targeted blood vessels. Following the medical procedure, the damaged veins are sealed off from the healthy vascular system and in time they are naturally absorbed and removed by the body.

During Procedure

What to expect during the procedure

 

Laser spider vein removal is an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime. The laser spider veins treatment is a common treatment with minimal risks. However, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on the state of their abnormal veins, vein conditions, medical history, and family history. The laser treatment for spider veins lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes.

 

The laser light is precisely dosed and focused and will not damage the surrounding tissue. The procedure doesn't involve the use of needles or incisions, but it can cause a certain level of discomfort due to skin exposure to heat. Cooling the area and the use of topical anesthetic creams reduce the discomfort to a minimum.

 

Aftercare

 

Expect the laser-treated skin to be red and veins to have a darker color. Bruising and swelling are normal consequences of laser therapy, and they will most likely disappear in a week or so. At the end of the procedure, the patient may return to their normal activity. Patients undergoing laser therapy for spider veins usually don't need to wear compression stockings following the procedure.

 

With laser spider vein removal, patients may notice immediate results. Veins may disappear as the procedure is performed, but in some cases, the body's natural healing system may need a couple of weeks to completely absorb them. A single laser session may be enough for some patients with superficial spider veins, but for optimal results, medical health professionals usually recommend 2 to 5 treatments.

Is the treatment painful?

 

Laser treatment is quite comfortable.Most patients will find it well tolerated with no need for numbing. Other treatments may be more comfortable with certain anesthetic techniques.

 

Will it be necessary to wear compression stockings after treatment?

 

Depending on the procedure, you may or may not need to wear compression stockings. If required, they usually are only necessary for a few days. With laser, typically you won’t need them.

 

Will it require more than one treatment?

 

You should plan on several sessions for both laser and sclerotherapy.  With some treatments,you might see results immediately. Others may take more time. Again, at PrimeAesthetica we will explain all the expectations associated with the recommended treatment.

After Treatment

CYNOSURE ELITE ND: Yag Laser

 

Laser to treat spider veins is becoming more popular since it is a completely noninvasive treatment.  The laser light passes through the skin and is absorbed by the “red” color of hemoglobin. The absorption causes the vein to heat up very quickly, resulting in coagulation of the blood fluid in the vein. Successive treatments are usually required for full resolution. The vein is then absorbed by the body and the blood path is diverted to deeper veins.