What are spider veins?
Millions of women and men are bothered by unsightly spider veins on their faces and legs. Spider veins or telangiectasias are those small red, blue and purple blood vessels that appear most frequently on the face and thighs. These spider veins are entirely asymptomatic and only of a cosmetic concern.
What is the best treatment for spider veins?
The most utilized treatment for spider veins is laser. Laser vein removal is an easy, fast, and effective way to treat superficial veins. Laser therapy has been used in the medicine for more than 30 years. Advances in technology have helped developed many different lasers. The laser uses a focused beam of light. In the treatment of veins, the wavelength of light is targeted to the pigment in the blood. The laser heats up the small vein and destroys it. The laser beam is focused and does not damage the nearby skin tissue. Over a period of four to six weeks, the vein is reabsorbed by the body and disappears.
Which Lasers are Used?
There are a variety of lasers and light sources being used to treat surface leg veins. These include, but are not limited to the long-pulse alexandrite, diode and long-pulse Nd; Yag lasers as well as intense pulsed light devices. These light devices are generally used with cooling of the top skin layer with cool gel, chilled air or other cooling methods. Cooling helps to reduce discomfort and lowers the risk of injuring the skin.
How does the laser work?
During laser therapy, light energy is delivered through a small laser hand piece to a targeted vein, in a series of brief pulses. The light energy is absorbed by the lining of the blood vessels and the blood within the blood vessels. The heat generated causes a coagulation (clotting) of the blood, which is subsequently absorbed by the body. The advanced laser treatments allow the delivery of a precise dosage of energy to each blood vessel.
Is laser therapy painful?
During your treatment, you will feel a slight tingling sensation as the laser fires. If the individual feels any pain, a topical local anesthetic is applied 20 minutes before the procedure.
What are side effects of laser therapy?
The skin above the veins will have a reddish, cat-scratch appearance. This generally disappears over the next two days
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the size and number of veins, two to three treatments may be needed. Treatments vary between patients and the severity of their veins.
Is laser therapy covered by medical insurance?
No, spider veins are only of cosmetic nuisance and not covered by medical insurance or Medicare.