What is Laser Vein Removal?Laser Vein Removal is a proven method for treating spider veins as well as other unwanted vascular lesions such as rosacea and port wine stains.
How does the treatment work?The laser emits a specialized light that passes through the skin and is absorbed by the vein. The laser causes the vein to break up and be absorbed by the body. There are several different lasers available that work extremely well at treating unwanted veins, including pulsed dye, long pulsed, variable-pulsed Nd-YAG and Alexandrite.
How many treatments are required?The majority of the treated veins will disappear within two to three treatments which are administered in three to four week intervals. Additional treatments may be necessary to achieve the maximum long-term effects. New veins may appear with time and require additional treatments.
Is Laser Vein Removal safe?Laser therapy is safe and has few possible complications. Common side effects include bruising, redness and discomfort around the treated area. These effects are not dangerous and resolve over time. Limiting sun exposure will greatly minimize the risk of complications.
Will there be any downtime?There is no downtime after Laser Vein Removal, but you should not exercise for a couple days following the procedure.
What are the benefits of Laser Vein Removal over other treatments?The benefits of Laser Vein Removal over other therapies are that there is no downtime, and it is faster than other therapies.
What can be expected post-treatment?After treatment, a sunburned sensation may occur, and some redness may appear around the treated area. This will disappear in a few days. A cold compress may be applied to the treated area.
Who are candidates for Laser Vein Removal?Clients with spider veins on their legs or face are candidates for Laser Vein Removal. Both light and dark-skinned clients can safely and effectively benefit from Laser Vein Removal.
Who should avoid Laser Vein Removal?Clients taking high doses of blood-thinners are generally not candidates for Laser Vein Removal. Also, clients with dark suntans, bleeding disorders or those currently taking photosensitizing medications may also want to avoid Laser Vein Removal.
How does the treatment feel?Most Laser Vein Removal clients report little discomfort and describe it as either as a mild burning sensation or similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin.
What are the alternative treatments?An alternative to Laser Vein Removal is sclerotherapy, which is a solution injected into a targeted area of skin to reduce spider veins. There are anywhere from five to forty injections per treatment.
Is additional treatment necessary?The number of treatments necessary to resolve your veins depends on the size of the vein and your body's ability to heal. Future treatments may be necessary to remove new vein growth.
Instructions for before treatment:Avoid sun tanning or tanning products for four weeks prior to treatment. Discontinue Accutane® and Retin-A® for six weeks prior to treatment. Aspirin and other blood thinners should also be avoided for at least three days before treatment. Shave the area before treatment.
Instructions for after treatment:If necessary, over-the-counter pain medication may be taken. Cool compresses may be helpful in reducing pain, redness and swelling. Avoid massaging the treated area, and keep it elevated the day after treatment if possible. Avoid the sun for at least two weeks after treatment.
What is Sclerotherapy?Sclerotherapy is a treatment that uses an injected solution to target spider veins. Spider veins are small, thin veins which commonly appear on the face and legs. These veins are inessential to the venous system, so they may be safely removed.
How does this treatment work?Before the treatment begins, the skin is cleansed with an antiseptic solution. The skin is stretched and the sclerosing solution is administered into the chosen veins: one injection per inch. Generally, 5 to 40 injections are made per treatment. As each injection is completed, compression tape is placed on the area.
How many treatments are required?For maximum results, multiple treatments are required, although there will be visible results after one session. The original spider veins will be obliterated; however, the treatment does not stop new spider veins from appearing.
Is Sclerotherapy safe?Sclerotherapy is safe, and serious medical complications from the treatment are extremely rare.
Will there be any downtime?There is very little downtime. Support hose will be provided and placed over bandages to ensure proper healing. Although the legs are bandaged, you are encouraged to walk to prevent blood clots. Avoid prolonged sitting, standing, squatting, heavy weight lifting and jogging.
What are the results?Most clients are very pleased with the diminished appearance of their spider veins. The skin on the legs will appear younger, clearer and healthier. There is a dramatic difference between a treated leg and an untreated leg.
How soon will results appear?When the compression bandages are removed, there will be bruising and reddish areas at the injection sites. The bruises will diminish with time, and in some cases there is some residual brownish coloration which may a while to completely fade.
How long does Sclerotherapy last?The veins effected by the session will be permanently destroyed. However, the treatment has no effect on newly appearing veins that grow over time.
Who should avoid Sclerotherapy?Individuals with hepatitis, blood-borne diseases, circulatory problems, heart conditions, or diabetes may be advised against this procedure.
How does the treatment feel?Some discomfort may be experienced. Each injection is given with a needle, and several injections are administered. Some clients experience a slight burning sensation as the solution is injected, but this fades in a couple minutes.
Instructions before treatment:Wash legs thoroughly, but do not use any type of moisturizer, sun-block or oil. Keep in mind that the legs will appear bruised, so you may want to plan your treatment during a time when it is possible for you to wear slacks for the next few weeks.
Instructions after treatment:The compression tape and support hose will be in place for a couple of days. Walking is recommended after treatment because it prevents blood clots. Jogging or any jarring exercises to the legs should be avoided. A one month healing interval must be completed before a second series of injections can be administered to the same site.
