Babich Skin Care Services

Laser "Spider" Vein Destruction

Laser "spider" vein treatment has become very popular because it is non-invasive and offers many advantages over sclerotherapy. While sclerotherapy may take multiple treatments and needle injections are needed in each abnormal vein, laser treatments may only require 1 treatment and needles are not used. We utilize two different systems to treat "spider" veins: IPL and Nd:YAG. Veins on almost any area of the body can be treated, although leg and facial veins are the most commonly treated.

Lasers work by targeting the color in the abnormal blood vessel and selectively heating them without damaging the surrounding tissues. The laser will heat these veins in jest a few minutes. Immediately after the treatment, the vein may look slightly bruised and swollen. In time, bruising will dissipate but it may take several weeks to a few months before the abnormal vein disappears.

The Nd:YAG laser is a true laser utilizing a wavelength of 1064nm. Both tanned and darker skin types can be treated but we generally recommend that people avoid tanning prior to and after the treatments to avoid a possible complication called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: a condition where the treated skin gets darkly pigmented. This complication generally fades but can take many months to do so.

IPL or Intense Pulsed Light is similar to laser technology but is not a true laser. This system emits a broader, and thus more controllable, spectrum of light and works by a process called Selective Photothermolysis to specifically target certain tissues.

For the most part, our practice utilizes the IPL for the treatment of abnormal veins and capillaries involving all body surface areas except the legs and the Nd:YAG system is almost exclusively used for spider veins involving the legs. However, exceptions do exist. Your consultation and evaluation will determine which system would be best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What areas can be treated?
   All skin areas can be treated. Popular areas are the face, neck, chest and legs.
    
2. What should I expect after treatment?
   Some temporary redness may be present in the area that has been treated, however, this should subside within hours to a few days. There may also be some swelling in the areas that have been treated. It is uncommon for swelling to last more than 24 hours and rarely lasts more than 3 days. Bruising can also occur but is also rare, except on the legs where bruising can and should be expected.
    
3. How long will it take for me to recover?
   Your healing time will depend upon your actual treatment, the number of abnormal veins in the treated area and the energy level required to heat those particular veins. There are minimal post-procedure instructions to adhere to but we generally recommend that you refrain from hot baths and strenuous exercise for 2 to 3 days.
    
4. What does the laser treatment feel like?
   A pulse of laser light feels like a small pinch or a slight sting similar to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. The procedure is generally well tolerated. Topical anesthetics can be given, however it is uncertain if using these products decreases the effectiveness of the treatments. Any discomfort can be eased with the application of cool compresses.
    
5. When will the veins go away?
   Maximum effect can take up to 6 months for leg veins and 3 months for other areas.
    
6. How many treatments are required?
   This will depend on the level of improvement desired. There are times in which veins are nearly 100 % eradicated within 1 treatment but most people require from 1 to 4 treatments for adequate results.
    
7. Will my treated veins come back?
   Once a vein is completely dead and reabsorbed by the body, it is gone. However, a person who has already developed spider veins may have the tendency to develop more in the future. Any newly developing veins can be quickly and effectively treated with additional treatments.
    
8. Where can I get more information?
   You can find out more about Laser "Spider" Vein Destruction from Lumenis.
    

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