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 Spider veins are wavy, thin, reddish-purple veins that are visible
on the legs. Often they are clustered on the thigh or below the
knee.
Spider veins, or telangiectasias, affect as many as 80% of all
women as they grow older, and also a large percentage of men.
The cause is largely genetic, although other culprits include
pregnancy, childbirth, use of birth-control pills,
estrogen-replacement therapy, previous injury and use of
corticosteriods.
Telangiectasias are not usually a medical problem, but they may
make you reluctant to wear a bathing suit or a pair of shorts.
In the past, there was little you could do about spider veins.
But now laser technology has revolutionized treatment so that
many spider veins can be virtually erased.
Now there's the new DEKA Synchro HP Laser, a
state-of-the-art system specially designed to treat a full range of
spider veins and other vascular lesions.
Understanding Laser Treatment
A laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light. Different
types of lasers produce different colors of light. The color of light
produced by a particular laser is the key to the laser's effect on
telangiectasias.
Different colors of light are absorbed by specific colors or
pigments in the skin; for example, hemoglobin, found in blood,
absorbs yellow-green light. The laser's light energy seals the vein
shut, and the now-diminished telangiectasia is reabsorbed by the
body.
What You Can Expect
The laser treatment itself feels like numerous little pinpricks.
Most patients do not require anesthesia during the procedure.
Topical or local anesthesia is provided for those who do.
The appearance of the treated area immediately after a laser
session will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent
of treatment. Immediate after-effects, if any, are minor. They may
include redness, light crusting, or tenderness, all of which
disappear in a short time. We will be happy to tell you more about
your treatment and what you can expect.
How does the laser work to remove facial veins?
The treatment of choice for facial veins is using on of our vascular lasers.
The treatments are effective because the wavelength of light that penetrates
the skin has a selective affinity for blood vessels. It passes harmlessly
through the top layer of skin leaving it essentially intact. The
laser causes the targeted blood vessel to heat up, seal itself and disappear.
What should I expect during the treatment?
The treatment involves tracing the laser beam over the course of the blood
vessel. Often we use a chilled cooling tip device and a cooled gel
to minimize discomfort. Each pulse feels like an elastic band snapping
against the skin. Treatments usually last anywhere from 5-15 minutes.
Depending on the number and size of facial veins to be treated, usually
a follow-up treatment is recommended.
Post-vein removal care?
Sun exposure should be avoided for at least 2 weeks after your treatment.
A sun block of at least SPF 15 is recommended. Cool cloths and ice
can be applied to the treated area to decrease swelling and reduce the
burning sensation. You may shower and cleanse face as per routine.
Take care not to rub the area vigorously.
What are the side effects?
After treatment there is minimal localized redness and slight swelling
which can last up to 24 hours. Make-up can be applied if desired
afterwards. Rarely, blistering, crusting, and pigmentation changes
can occur.
Who is a good candidate?
Anyone with Olive colored skin and lighter are good candidates for laser
treatment. Anyone with darker skin will require a test patch to
see how their skin reacts.
How does the laser work?
For most spider veins on the legs the laser or intense pulsed light are
probably the best treatments. The treatments are effective because
the wavelength of light that penetrates the skin has a selective affinity
for blood vessels. It passes harmlessly through the top layer of
skin leaving it essentially intact. When it hits the targeted blood
vessel, it causes it to slowly heat up and seal itself. By treating
the vessels with a wider, slower pulse width, the energy has a chance
to slowly accumulate in the blood vessel causing it to seal, but is dissipated
from the skin, allowing it to cool down and prevent any possible scarring.
What should I expect during treatment?
Each pulse feels like someone snapping an elastic band against the skin.
Some patients report feeling nothing at all. Most adults tolerate
this amount of pain very well. For patients with a lower pain threshold,
an anaesthetic cream can be used. Treatments usually last anywhere
from a few minutes to half an hour. Your therapy may take multiple
treatments spaced two to four weeks apart, depending on the number of
blood vessels present and on the depth and size of the vessels.
After treatment there is usually minimal redness that can last a few minutes
to an hour. Rarely, a tiny bruise or crust may result. Patients
are advised to wear support hose for three days after treatment.
Is the intense laser light safe?
Yes, the light is safe. Safety goggles must be worn by the patient
and the laser surgeon during the procedure to protect the eyes from the
bright light.
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