:: Laser Leg Vein Removal Treatments
What is Laser Leg Vein Removal?
Laser Leg Vein treatments are laser treatments used to remove spider and reticular veins.
Who is a candidate?
A candidate for laser leg veins is anyone who has leg veins that are less than 5 mm in size, that understands the risks, costs and time necessary to achieve the full benefit of the procedure, and who has realistic expectations of the ultimate outcome.
If your veins are larger than 5 mm you are not a good candidate. If you have an underlying problem with the valves in your veins, you are also not a good candidate.
If you are pregnant, take aspirin or other blood thinning medications, or have a medical condition that prevents your blood from clotting properly, you should not have this procedure.
What is Laser Leg Vein Removal like?
During a Laser Leg Vein treatment, your provider will apply ultrasound gel to the area being treated. The laser is then applied in "pulses" to the entire area. The area being treated is cooled to minimize discomfort and prevent side effects. Depending on the extent of the veins, each treatment takes between 15 and 60 minutes. Subsequent treatments are performed at 6 to 8 week intervals.
How does Laser Leg Vein Removal work?
Lasers are machines that produce a beam of light that has a specific biological target. Some lasers target blood vessels and are absorbed by these. The laser light is then absorbed by hemoglobin, a substance in the blood that gives it a red or purple color. This heats up the blood vessel enough for the vessel to be heat sealed or damaged. Over time the body reabsorbs these damaged vessels.
What type of equipment is used?
CFI uses a Sciton ClearScan TM 1064 Nd:Yag Laser for this procedure.
What desired results can be expected?
If a vein goes completely away with treatment, it should not return, but occasionally the body reopens the vessel before it is completely reabsorbed or the vessel only partially responds. Because of this we find that most people need 5-6 treatments that are spaced 6-8 weeks apart. Also, the factors that contributed to the enlarged veins such as standing for long periods of time, female hormones, pregnancy, being overweight, or a family history of varicose veins may not change, and therefore, new veins tend to form over time.
Before & After Pictures of Laser Leg Vein Removal
Are there any negatives?
There is some discomfort with this procedure, but it is usually tolerable and short-lived. When you leave the office after the procedure you should not be in any pain. The area being treated is cooled to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
The veins treated will usually look darker and a bit swollen after the procedure. There may be small pink bumps that resemble mosquito bites that can last a day or two. We recommend wearing medical grade support stockings for at least three days after the procedure to alleviate these symptoms.
When we treat larger veins it is possible that a small amount of blood can "leak" out of the vessel before it is heat-sealed resulting in a bruise or discoloration of the skin. Bruises are temporary and resolve in 1-2 weeks. The risk increases if you take aspirin products or are on blood thinners. Because blood contains iron, it is possible for a brownish discoloration to result. This is temporary and will resolve in 1-2 months. We can also use bleaching creams or photorejuvenation treatments to fade the area.
Uncommonly, a skin wound such as superficial blisters and scabs can occur, which heal within 2 days to 14 days. Use of antibiotic ointment on a regular basis usually results in uneventful healing. There is a <0.5% possibility of a skin wound leaving behind a permanent scar. It is also rare for an infection to occur since the skin is usually not broken.
What happens after Laser Leg Vein Removal?
You may go directly back to work or your regular activities after a procedure. In most cases we recommend wearing medical grade support stockings for a minimum of three days after the procedure. You should avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and aspirin products for 48 hours following the procedure.
Is there another way to get the same effect?
Alternatives to laser treatment of leg veins include sclerotherapy and surgical vein removal.
How is this different than other procedures?
Both laser and sclerotherapy are effective treatments for leg veins, but the laser has some advantages over sclerotherapy. There are no needles or injections involved in a laser treatment as there are in sclerotherapy. We are also able to effectively treat small vessels which can sometimes be difficult to do with sclerotherapy. Laser allows us to treat veins around the ankles that could not be treated with injections. We are also able to address the underlying larger veins and source of spider veins with laser that leads to a more permanent result.
Can this be combined with other treatments?
Laser Leg Vein treatments may be combined with any of our other cosmetic services.
What is the cost of Laser Leg Vein Removal?
The fee for Laser Leg Vein treatments depends on the extent of your leg veins. All potential candidates must first undergo an in-person consultation. Please call our office to schedule a consultation.
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