Laser Vein Treatment

If you’re concerned about the appearance of spider veins, laser therapy can minimize the appearance of the visible vessels. Dr. Ellen Turner and her team use Nd:YAG lasers for laser vein treatment. The devices give off a strong, focused wavelength of light that heats and damages each spider vein, causing the vessel to clot, dry up, and be absorbed by the body.

This works because the photons emitted by the laser are absorbed by darker-pigmented cells—in this case, hemoglobin in the blood—causing the affected veins to break down. Eventually, the spider veins fade. No cuts or needles are involved in laser vein treatment. The surrounding healthy skin is not damaged during the laser therapy.

Almost anyone could be a good candidate for laser vein treatment. During your consultation, you will be evaluated to determine whether this is the best option for you. We will talk to you about your medical history and your goals and expectations.

Laser vein treatment is ideal for patients with veins that are smaller than three millimeters that can’t be targeted with injections, are on sensitive areas such as the face, and are located near the skin’s surface.

Patients should avoid tanning or using self-tanners for at least four weeks before and after laser vein treatment, since darker-pigmented skin causes the laser to be less effective while also increasing the risk of complications.

Depending on the laser or light source used and the location of the spider veins being treated, appropriate eye protection must be worn during laser vein treatment. A cold gel or special cooling device will be used to protect the skin from the heat generated by the laser.

A technician will watch the treatment area for several minutes after each light pulse to make sure appropriate settings were used and to check for any adverse reactions.

Recovery time after laser vein treatment is very minimal, and the spider veins fade shortly after. Patients can resume their normal activities on the same day.

To maximize results and to reduce larger or unresponsive spider veins, multiple sessions may be needed. These will usually be spaced six to 12 weeks apart. Most patients require four to six treatments, which are performed in 15-minute increments. To learn more about laser vein post treatment care, click here.

To most people, laser vein treatment feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. To alleviate discomfort, we use a device called a Zimmer Chiller, which is a skin cooling system designed for superficial laser skin procedures. The device is intended to minimize pain and thermal injury during laser and dermatological treatments and for temporary topical anesthetic relief for injections.

The Zimmer Chiller is more effective than other cooling systems because it can cool the epidermis before, during, and after the laser energy has been applied without interfering with the laser beam. Sensitive patients may also use an over-the-counter topical pain-relieving agent, topical ice packs, and/or cold water for excessive discomfort.

At The Dermatology Office, Dr. Ellen Turner also offers laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, and more. Light energy is very versatile and can be used for a range of rejuvenating treatments.