Spider Veins

Millions of women and men are troubled by unattractive spider veins on their faces and legs. Spider veins are called as such because they resemble a "star" with numerous small veins radiating from a center point. They may also appear as fine, separate lines, a web-like maze, or as "branches" from a single "tree trunk." It is estimated that more than 75% of females over the age of 18 have spider veins. These red, blue or purple thread-like lines may develop on any part of the body, including the face, but most often appear on the thighs, calves, or buttocks. The condition is associated with increased pressure to the veins. Any condition or activity that places pressure on the veins (like weight gain, prolonged sitting or standing) can contribute to their development. Spider veins are harmless and not associated with any pain or symptoms.

Before and After Photos

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TREATING SPIDER VEINS WITH LASER THERAPY

The best and gold standard treatment for spider veins is laser. Laser vein therapy is an easy, fast, and effective way to treat superficial veins. The laser uses a focused beam of light which is targeted to the pigment in the blood. The laser light penetrates the superficial blood vessel, heats up the small vein and destroys it. The heat generated from the laser coagulates the blood inside the vessel causing it to collapse and seal. Over the next 4 - 6 weeks, the vessel will disappear and all the blood will be removed by the body's scavenging cells.

The most common laser used to treat spider veins is the Nd: YAG Laser system. At Alite Laser Laser we use one of the most effective YAG lasers, by Candela which uses Candela's unique DCD cooling spray to minimize discomfort.

PREPARATIONS AND PROCEDURE

There are no major preparations required before the laser treatment. A few common sense recommendations include avoiding sun exposure, aspirin, alcohol and not smoke for at least a week prior to the procedure.

On the day of the treatment one should avoid all creams, lotions and moisturizers on the area that is going to be treated. One should wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the body part(s).

The procedure usually takes less than 15 - 30 minutes. In most cases, only the very small superficial veins are treated with a laser. Soon after the procedure, you may feel a slight bump on the skin which will disappear in the next 2-4 hours. The area may also appear slightly redder and occasionally may be bruised. The skin above the veins will have a reddish, cat-scratch appearance. This generally disappears over the next two days.

AFTERCARE

After laser vein therapy, it is strongly recommended that one keep away from the sun. Healing can be facilitated by wearing support hose but is not necessary. The pain is minimal and one may take any over the counter pain medications. After treatment, there is no down time. You can resume all of your normal activities immediately afterward.

RESULTS

The results of laser treatment for spider veins are not immediate. After the laser therapy, the vessels underneath the skin will gradually change from a dark blue to light red color, then eventually disappearing in two to six weeks.

Most patients report a high degree of satisfaction with the procedure and relief at no longer having to hide unsightly veins. The treated areas are noticeably clearer and in most cases the skin continues to improve with each successive treatment.

Depending on the size and number of veins, two to six treatments will be needed. The treatments are usually done 4-6 weeks apart. Those with a tendency towards vascular problems will most likely require additional treatments. If new veins appear, additional treatments are required for optimum results.

ADVANTAGES OF LASER OVER SCLEROTHERAPY

• It has much fewer side effects
• It is less traumatic to the surrounding skin compared to sclerotherapy
• It takes a much shorter time to complete laser treatment
• It is less painful than sclerotherapy
• Recovery is immediate
• Downtime is almost zero
• Laser therapy can even be used on the face

DISADVANTAGES OF LASER OVER SCLEROTHERAPY

• laser can not be used for deeper veins

HOW CAN I PREVENT SPIDER VEINS?

• Avoid wearing tight-fitting undergarments and clothing that constricts the waist, groin or legs
• Avoid crossing your legs while seated
• Avoid sitting or standing in one position for a long time
• Exercise regularly to increase circulation
• Lose weight if you are overweight

IS THE LASER TREATMENT FOR SPIDER VEINS CURATIVE?

There is no cure for spider veins. Although treatment does not prevent the development of new spider veins, the removal of existing veins can dramatically improve the appearance of the affected area, providing a more youthful, healthy look and an even color pattern to the skin. Spider veins are recurrent and thus, more treatments will be required in the future.

IS LASER THERAPY FOR SPIDER VEINS COVERED BY MEDICAL INSURANCE?

No, spider veins are only of cosmetic nuisance and not covered by medical insurance or Medicare. The average cost for laser therapy may vary from $150 - $300 per session.