How many treatments are required? Certain lesions may require more than one treatment depending on their size and type. Depending upon the laser selected, between 25-75% of spider veins may clear with one treatment. The individual response varies with skin type, color and laser selected.

What happens after treatment? Our newest spider vein laser results in no bruising or crusting and you may return to work that same day. More extensive vascular lesions may require a Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL). Immediately after PDL treatment, the area will be bruised. This fades over 7 to 10 days. Clearing begins and skin tones return to normal over the next few weeks. Make-up can be worn within seven days and sunscreen is recommended for six weeks following treatment.

Is it safe? A combination of the right wavelength and pulsing creates the perfect technique for removing spider vein and vascular lesions. Published studies state that the risk of scarring is less than 1%.

Are there any treatment alternatives? Yes, (e.g. electrocautery and vein injections) but none are as effective and the risk of scarring is greater. In addition, they may not be feasible to diffuse extensive lesions.

WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS?

Heredity is the number one contributing factor causing varicose and spider veins. Women are more likely to suffer from abnormal leg veins. Up to 50% of American women may be affected. Hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills, estrogen, and progesterone affect the disease. It is very common for pregnant women to develop varicose veins during the first trimester. Pregnancy causes increases in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn cause veins to enlarge. In addition, the enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within 3 months after delivery. However, with successive pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to remain. Other predisposing factors include aging, standing occupations, obesity and leg injury.

Schematic of endovenous laser treatment