Laser Vein Removal

How does Laser Vein Therapy Work?
Our laser delivers pulses of light energy which causes the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the blood vessel which is later reabsorbed by your body. Blood flow will then be redirected to veins deeper below your skins surface. Our laser affects a broad range of vessels from tiny spider veins to deep blue reticular veins quickly, safely and effectively.

Who is a suitable candidate?
Patients of all skin tones can be treated because of the unique design and long wavelength of our laser system. However, there are some factors that come into condiseration: Are you pregnant? Are yout taking oral contraceptives? Have you had previous vascular surgery? Do you have Diabetes? Do you have a history of blood clots? These questions and more moay be addressed at your initial consultation and we will advise you if Laser Vein Therapy is your best option.

What causes spider veins and/or varicose veins?
The exact cause of spider and varicose veins is unknow. They are caused by excessive pressure on the legs or abdomen. They are more common in women, and seem to be hereditary. Some of the more common pressure inducers are pregnancy, obesity and standing for very long periods of time. Oral contraceptives can also lead to spider veins. Where pregnancy or contraceptives are the leading factor for spider veins, they tend to disappear without treatment within six to nine months of either giving birth or discontinuing the contraceptives. A lack of physical activity could also lead to varicose or spider veins, because unconditioned muscles offer poor blood-pumping action. The risks increase with age.

What types of veins can be treated?
Our laser can remove unsightly veins from all parts of the body. Small, facial veins can be treated quickly without bruising or complications. Spider veins and large blue leg veins can also be treated with excellent results. Knotty varicose veins that rise off the surface of the skin are not good candidates for our laser therapy. During your consultation, a careful evaluation will be performed to determine which blood vessels can be treated and the best course of treatment.

How many treatments are needed?
Most people notice significant improvement after one to three treatments. Many leg veins need multiple treatments, often over a few months before the effect is complete. Even small vessels may require some time to resolve. Sometimes a bit of "matting" or "staining" surrounds the treated vessel. Some people may need further treatment, especially if new veins appear. Treatments can be repeated at 6 - 8 week intervals to allow for complete healing. If you have a tendency to develop spider veins you may need to have further treatment at a later date.

How long does each session take?
Depending on the size of the area to be treated the treatment usually takes about 30-60 minutes per session as the laser can treat large areas.

Does the laser treatment hurt?
Most people say the laser pulse feels like a small rubber band snapping against your skin. Typically our customers do not require medication or an anesthetic; however some opt to use a topical anesthetic. In addition, our lasers are equipped with a special cooling device to minimize discomfort.

When can I resume normal activities?
Although we encourage you to resume normal activities almost immediately, we do ask that you refrain from vigorous exercise and avoid hot tubs for at least 24 hours post treatment. Also avoid direct sun exposure after tretment and if you do go in the sun, protect the treated area with a minimum SPF 30 Sun Block (not sunscreen).

When will I see results?
Most patients find that the majority of the treated veins show significant improvement within two to six weeks of treatment. However, your final results may not be apparent for several months.

Is it permanent?
Laser vein elimination permanently removes the veins targeted at the time of treatment. However, there is no guarantee that you will not develop new spider or varicose veins in the future. This is especially true if there is a family history of spider or varicose veins, or if you become pregnant or take oral contraceptives. Laser vein elimination, through repeated treatment, causes the vein to fade from view. There are no guarantees, though, that the vein will ever disappear completely from sight and in some rare instances the treatment has no discernible effect at all. However, most people have a very significant reduction in the appearance of their veins.

What are some of the possible side effects?
Some people experience mild pigmentation changes after treatment, but these are temporary. Other patients suffer from slight swelling, bruising, or redneww in the treated areas, but again, this is temporary. Normal physical activity can be resumed after 24 hours in most cases, but care should be taken to avoid sun exposure and to wear a sunblock of 30 SPF or higher.

Are all laser machines appropriate for this treatment?
No. Each laser machine is FDA approved for different treatments. Some are approved for hair removal, others for facial rejuvenation, and yet others for vein treatment. It is important to check that the machine being used is appropriate for the treatment given. Always seek treatment with a professional that has experience with laser vein therapy.

How much does treatment cost?
The cost of treatment will vary depending on the size of the area treated and the number of sessions necessary. Vein elimination is considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore the majority of insurance companies do no cover it. You should check with your insurance company before going ahead with treatment.