What are spider veins and what causes them?
Spider veins are an embarrassing and often painful condition that affects millions of men and women as a result of heredity, pregnancy, and hormones. Spider veins appear on the leg as a raised, tangled and unattractive web under the surface of the skin. Women are most often affected by this condition and as a result, may be embarrassed to wear shorts or show their legs.
Laser procedures offer patients more precise results through a minimally invasive procedure, which heats the vein and causes it to close, rather than removing it surgically.
Laser vein treatment offers patients:
- Fewer side effects
- Less trauma
- Shorter treatment time
- Shorter recovery
- Minimal downtime
What are the different types of laser procedures used for leg vein removal?
There are several different laser procedures available for treating spider veins. The best procedure for you depends on your individual condition. Your doctor will decide which procedure to perform on you after performing a physical examination and going over your medical history and general health.
Simple laser treatment is used to treat spider veins that are just under the surface of the skin through a series of treatments.
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is an advanced procedure that is usually used to treat larger varicose veins by passing the laser fiber through a catheter directly into the vein of the affected legs. This varicose vein removal procedure is performed without the need for surgery, using ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate delivery of the laser energy. This procedure is quickly becoming the standard for effective treatment of spider veins as well.
To learn more about spider vein and varicose vein laser treatments, schedule an appointment with your doctor today,
Am I an appropriate candidate for laser vein treatment?
The ideal candidate for laser vein treatment is a patient who is in good overall health, does not smoke and has no blood diseases or problems with bleeding. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations for this procedure, and to be seeking spider vein or varicose vein removal on their own accord.
What does laser vein treatment involve?
Laser vein treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Each treatment session takes less than 20 minutes to perform, and patients can return to work and other normal activities immediately after.
You may experience a slight tingling sensation during the procedure as the laser energy is delivered to the targeted vein. Other patients report a sensation similar to a rubber band being snapped on the leg. Most patients are able to tolerate this procedure well with the use of a local anesthetic.
Most patients see effective results from this procedure after two to six treatments that are spaced four to six weeks apart. Those with larger veins may require additional treatments.
What results can I expect after laser vein treatment?
After laser vein treatment, patients may experience slight redness and bruising in the treated area, and may also notice a slight bump on the skin. These symptoms are usually mild and will go away on their own within a few days. Patients who undergo endovenous laser treatment may be required to wear compression stockings for about a week after the procedure.
The results of this procedure are not visible right away, and will instead appear gradually over the next few weeks. The treated veins will slowly develop scar tissue and begin to close, as blood flow is diverted to healthier veins. The appearance of the treated veins will significantly improve over this time as well.
Laser vein treatment is extremely successful in closing affected veins and improving the appearance of the legs through a less invasive procedure. More than 98% of patients are satisfied with the results of this procedure, and most results are permanent.
What are the risks and complications of laser vein treatment?
Although laser vein treatment is considered a safe procedure, there is always a risk of complications associated with any type of medical or cosmetic procedure. Although rare, these complications may include:
- Burning
- Hyperpigmentation
- Blood clotting
- Nerve damage
- Infection
Patients can minimize these risks by choosing a doctor who is experienced in performing this procedure and by adhering to their doctor’s instructions for before and after the procedure.
If you are seeking leg vein treatment in NYC, our staff at Sobel Skin offers honest, human, forward-looking skin care to help you be your best, most refreshed self. Call 212.288.0060 fill out a form in the right-hand column of this page to book an initial treatment consultation with Dr. Sobel.