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Laser Leg Vein Treatment |
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How does it work?
A 1064nm laser applied to the skin sends energy into the blood
vessel wall where it is absorbed by hemoglobin. The
hemoglobin is heated by the absorption of energy, causing the
blood to coagulate and the vessel to close off. The constricted
vessel degenerates and the visible leg vein disappears
gradually. Treatments are associated with modest discomfort, not
unlike a small rubber band snapping against skin-this is
minimized with the use of topical numbing cream. Immediately
following treatment, spider veins will be darker and more
visible. Over two to six weeks, your spider veins usually fade.
What types and sizes of veins can be treated with the 1064
laser?
Spider veins, commonly found on the face and legs, are caused by
the dilation of a small group of blood vessels near the skin's
surface. They often look like red, blue or purple lines,
sunbursts or web patterns. The 1064 laser is used to treat
spider veins of the legs that are up to 4 mm wide. It is not
used to treat larger, varicose veins which are deeper vessels.
Spider veins (telangiectasias) and cherry red spots (angiomata)
of the face are treated with a photofacial procedure, not the
1064 laser.
How long does it take?
A topical numbing agent may be applied to the treatment area and
left in place for 20 minutes or more. The duration of treatment
depends on the number of vessels and the need to adjust laser
settings for different sizes of vessels. Sessions can be as
quick as 10 minutes or as long as 60 minutes.
What can I expect after treatment?
A sensation of warmth is temporarily present. This is generally
gone within 30 minutes. Over the vessels treated there is a
puffiness that appears similar to the skin reaction to a cat
scratch. This is also resolves spontaneously. 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 (similar to the healing of a
bruise). Additional treatments may be needed to achieve the
desired result. During the 24 hrs after treatment, it is best to
avoid strenuous exercise and exposure to extremes in temperature
(such as hot tub or sauna use). However, no compression
stockings are required.
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.
What are advantages of laser over sclerotherapy?
- It has 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. The use of compression stockings is not
required.
- Downtime is almost zero
However, sclerotherapy (or other more involved procedures) may
be needed for the treatment of vessels greater than 4 mm
diameter.
Is it safe?
Complications of any laser treatment are rare, but include
blistering, skin necrosis, crusting, scarring, skin
discoloration, and failure to achieve desired result.
Who should not have a laser leg vein treatment?
If you are pregnant, laser treatments are not recommended- not
because there is any expected risk to the baby but because the
treatments have not been formally studied in pregnant women and
it is possible that hormonal shifts could in some way affect
response to treatment in an unpredictable way. If there is an
active skin infection in the area to be treated, or if you are
expecting to have unusually higher level of sun exposure
(vacation or other trip) the treatment will need to be
rescheduled.
If you have large varicose veins, Dr. Hatzos may recommend that
you have these addressed first through other procedures and then
return for treatment of the spider veins at a later date.
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.
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Top |
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Cost
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Session Time |
Price |
| 10
minutes |
$100 |
| 15
minutes |
$150 |
| 30
minutes |
$300 |
| 45
minutes |
$450 |
| 60
minutes |
$600 |
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| Before and after images |
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