Laser Leg Spider Vein Management

What is Laser Leg Spider Vein Management?

Laser Vein Management uses a beam of light energy to thermally damage the interior lining of small blood vessels, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. The laser is set to avoid damage to the surrounding tissues.

During the treatment, you will be asked to put on protective eyewear. The laser handpiece is placed against the skin and a short pulse of light is released. At the same time, a small jet of cryogen (extremely cold gas) is released to cool the skin. The handpiece is moved to the neighboring area and the process is repeated until the entire area has been treated. Most clients describe the sensation of the pulses as similar to the snap of a rubber band.

After the treatment, tight-fitting support hose may be required to promote healing and keep the veins from reopening. You may be instructed to wear the support hose for up to five days.

This procedure is not suitable for large, varicose veins or for spider veins in the face (facial spider veins respond best to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments).

For those who prefer an alternative to Laser Vein Management, Sclerotherapy is very effective for leg spider veins.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins - known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities - are small, thin, red or blue veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it.

A number of factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications.

Spider veins usually appear in one of three basic patterns.

• A true spider shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point.
• An arborizing (treelike) pattern with tiny branch-like shapes.
• Linear patterns with thin separate lines.

Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the arborizing pattern often appears on the outer thigh in a sunburst or cartwheel distribution.View spider vein images

Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Varicose veins are larger - usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter, darker in color, with a tendency to bulge. Varicose veins are more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders. Surgical treatment is often necessary for this condition.

What equipment does Skin Care By Design use for Laser Leg Spider Vein Management?

We use the Candela GentleLASE Plus, an Nd:YAG 755nm Alexandrite laser. The GentleLASE Plus uses a computer controlled cryogen coolant spray that provides a comfortable and effective treatment.View Candela GentleLASE Plus

Who are the best candidates for Laser Leg Spider Vein Management?

Women of any age may be good candidates for Laser Vein Management, but most are between the ages of 30 and 60. In some women, spider veins become noticeable as teenagers. For others, the veins may not appear until they reach their 40s.

If you are pregnant, you should postpone Laser Vein Management. In most cases, spider veins that surface during pregnancy will disappear on their own within three months after the baby is born.

Spider veins in men are less common than in women and men often don't consider them to be a cosmetic problem because the veins are usually concealed by hair growth on the leg. However, Laser Vein Management is just as effective for men who seek treatment.

What results can you expect?

Laser Vein Management can enhance your appearance and your self confidence, but it is unrealistic to believe that every affected vein will disappear completely as a result of treatment. After each session, some veins will disappear and others will appear lighter.

Your treated veins will look worse before they begin to look better. When the compression stockings are removed, you will notice bruising and reddish areas where the laser pulses were directed. The bruises will diminish within one month.

How many treatments do you need?

Two or more sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results.

Things you should know.

Although rare, mild burns or blistering, discomfort, bruising, pigmentation changes, scarring, or infection are possible at the site of the procedure.

You should be aware that the procedure treats only those veins that are currently visible. It does nothing to permanently alter the venous system or prevent new veins from surfacing in the future.

How much time is required?

Appointments are normally 15-30 minutes but may be longer for large numbers or dense concentrations of spider veins.

How much does it cost?

$50 per 5 minutes of laser pulses.

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