Smaller spider veins in the face and legs can be treated with surface laser therapy. Usually more than one treatment session is needed to reach your desired results. The number of treatments needed depends on the number of veins being treated and the resilience of the veins. Cost for the procedure is determined by the size of the area being treated.
Prior to treatment, the spider veins and surrounding area are examined with a light that illuminates the veins. Sometimes, a calibration test is performed at this time to determine how much laser energy is needed.
During the procedure, laser energy is applied to the skin’s surface directly above the spider veins. Bursts of light cause the veins to contract and the blood in them to heat and coagulate (thicken and clot). The procedure is performed in our office and doesn’t require anesthesia. Instead, since laser energy generates heat, a cooling device or ice is used. You may purchase numbing cream to apply 1 hour before the procedure if you like.
The actual procedure takes up to 30 minutes. Laser light is applied in short, precise bursts. You may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation, much like a rubber band snapping against your skin. It’s also possible that you’ll hear a “zapping” sound and smell smoke as the laser works.
Following treatment, you may have some redness, swelling, or minor blistering where the laser was applied. This will disappear in a few days, and the treated area will become bruised-looking, or a light brown scab may appear. This discoloration gradually fades, or sloughs off in 5 to 14 days. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce any pain or swelling.
The risks with this procedure are small. Rarely, the laser light can actually change the color of your skin, either darkening or lightening it. You are at greater risk for this if you are tan, tanning, or using artificial tanning lotions. In the case of skin darkening, creams can be used to lighten the affected area. For lightened areas, medical tattooing is an option to consider. There is also the remote possibility of severe blistering, infection, scarring, and eye injury. Special laser glasses will be given to you to wear throughout your laser treatment. This protects your eyes from the laser beam, and reflections of the laser beam, which can cause permanent damage to the retina.