An Nd: YAG laser penetrates the skin into the superficial blood vessel.  The heat generated from the laser coagulates the blood inside the spider vein, causing it to collapse and seal.  Over the next 4-6 weeks, the spider vein will disappear and all the blood will be removed by the body’s scavenging cells.  These laser treatments allow the delivery of a precise dosage of energy to each blood vessel without injuring any nearby tissue.  Depending on the size and number of veins, an average of 2-6 treatments will be needed.

The following is a list of answers to questions often asked about this procedure:

How long after laser treatment do spider veins disappear?

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

What kind of laser is used for spider veins?

An Nd: YAG laser is utilized to penetrate the skin into the superficial blood vessel.  The heat generated from the laser coagulates the blood inside the spider vein, causing it to collapse and seal.  Over the next few to several weeks, the spider vein will disappear and all the blood will be removed by the body’s scavenging cells.

Is laser spider vein removal permanent?

With laser ablation, some veins may disappear after one treatment while others may take longer.  The average number of treatments is generally between 2 and 4, in order to achieve optimal results.

Do spider veins come back after laser treatment?

So, although the treated spider veins will likely disappear, there is no guarantee that new spider veins will not develop over time as we age.

How long does each treatment take…… and is laser treatment of spider veins painful?

Each procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many spider veins are being treated. Like with any medical treatment, there may be some discomfort.  Leg spider veins usually require more than one treatment, and treatment is best carried out when the client is not planning any sun exposure.

How long is the recovery time?

Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal. Some redness or purple discoloration may persist for several weeks, or longer. The redness will gradually lighten to a pink tone, and then to a lighter, more natural color. Laser treatment is most effective for small- and medium-size spider veins. Large spider veins are best treated with sclerotherapy.

Is laser treatment permanent?
After treatment, the unsightly red veins are significantly diminished and the skin is returned to a more natural, uniform state. Laser removal does not deter the normal effects of aging, and treatment does not prevent the occurrence of new spider veins.