Laser Spider Vein Therapy
Laser spider vein treatment is a minimally invasive procedure in which a medical laser is used to reduce and remove unsightly spider veins for men and women. Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are small unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins that typically appear on upper thighs, calves, ankles, and the face around the nose, cheeks, and chin.
Depending on the size of your veins, Dr. Hotchandani may elect to perform sclerotherapy on larger reticular veins and an ultrasound may be recommended prior to treatment to evaluate for any deep underlying varicosities. Laser vein therapy may not be appropriate for people with certain dark skin tones.
What to Expect
In many cases, after one pass of the laser, spider veins will practically disappear right before your eyes. Existing veins may be drastically diminished or completely eliminated and will improve over two to six weeks. New spider veins may appear later as some patients may have an underlying vascular disorder, which Dr. Hotchandani would diagnose and then recommend a program for comprehensive treatment.
The Gemini® from Laserscope is one of the most cutting edge lasers available to provide the very best results.
How Does it Work?
The laser precisely delivers pulses of highly concentrated laser energy through the skin at just the right wavelength to the right penetration depth thereby heating and damaging targeted veins and causing them to collapse and seal shut. The inactive vessels are then absorbed by the body over time. Spider veins are not an integral part of the venous system so closure and eventual dissolution does not impair normal circulation.
Patient Experience
Laser spider vein treatment is performed on an outpatient basis (return home the same day) in 20 to 30 minutes. Patients report low to mild discomfort during the procedure, and typically describe sensation as the snap of a rubber band against the skin. A topical anesthetic is offered to allow for maximum patient comfort.
The treatment area may be tender and slightly swollen for up to four to five days after the procedure, and in some cases a red mark resembling a "cat scratch" may be present for a month. Heavy exercise should be avoided for 24 hours and sunscreen should be applied consistently; otherwise, regular activities may be resumed immediately. For best results, one to three treatments spaced three to four months apart may be recommended.
Is laser spider vein treatment painful?
The procedure itself involves low to mild discomfort, depending on individual sensitivity. Pain felt during the procedure is usually described as the snap of a rubber band against the skin. Any minor discomfort post-procedure may be remedied with over-the-counter pain medication as recommended.
Does laser spider vein treatment leave scars?
No. In rare cases, patients experience temporary blisters and/or pigmentation changes resulting from excessive energy levels being directed at incorrect tissue. These conditions normalize over two to three months.
What is the recovery time I should expect?
You may resume normal activities immediately. Rigorous exercise and other high impact activities should be limited for 24 hours. The area treated may be tender and slightly swollen for up to four to five days after the procedure, and in some cases a red mark resembling a "cat scratch" may be present for a month.
Will insurance cover the procedure?
Hotchandani Laser & Vein Center no longer bills insurance companies or government insurance programs. You may be able to arrange reimbursement yourself, and one of our professionals will work with you to provide direction on how to get started with that process if it is possible.
Are lasers safe?
Laser technology has been used safely in a variety of medical procedures including eye correction and dermatology for many years. Temporary blisters and/or pigmentation changes in the skin resulting from excessive energy levels have occurred, but the most common injuries caused by lasers are eye related. Use of eye protection is required and the wealth of Hotchandani Laser & Vein Center experience using lasers limits this risk.