What is Laser Vein Removal?

Knowing that spider veins are usually harmless does not make most people feel much better about having them. These visible veins, which typically appear red but can also look blue or purple, often appear on the face, legs, and other areas, and your usual skincare routine will do very little to get rid of them. If these bothersome veins are affecting your confidence, laser vein removal can get rid of them, leaving your skin smooth and clear. This non-surgical treatment lets almost anyone feel better about their skin. 

What are Spider Veins?

It can be easy to see where spider veins get their name. These small, damaged veins often spread out like webs or tree branches within your skin. While many veins supply your skin, spider veins are visible because they have become stretched, allowing the pigments they contain to show through. These damaged veins cannot contract back to normal, leaving them visible through the skin. Many factors can contribute to developing spider veins, including:

• Genetics
• Sun exposure
• Certain medical or skin conditions
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal changes
• Long periods of sitting or standing

While these damaged veins are usually a cosmetic problem, they can be very noticeable and make you feel self-conscious. Spider veins will not usually go away on their own, but you can easily eliminate them with laser vein removal. This procedure lets you achieve clear skin on your face, legs, or anywhere else your spider veins bother you. 

What is Laser Vein Removal?

While removing spider veins with a laser is safe and non-invasive, not all lasers can be used for this purpose. Laser vein removal requires a laser that can target the red pigmentation inside your spider veins without affecting the skin. At Essential Med Aesthetics, Dr. Cobbinah and her team offer laser vein removal using the Cutera Xeo® and excel® HR systems. These systems allow the use of multiple wavelengths to target more different pigments while protecting your skin. 

Non-surgical laser vein removal damages your spider veins, causing them to collapse. Your body does not need these small, damaged vessels, so when they are closed off, your blood flow will reroute around them. Your body’s lymphatic system, which helps your body clear away damaged cells, will remove the treated veins over time for smooth, clear skin. 

How Does Laser Vein Removal Work?

Your provider will usually advise you to avoid sun exposure or artificial tanners prior to your laser vein removal session and to limit your use of NSAIDs (over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen) that can affect your blood thickness. Your treatment, which takes about 30 minutes, may feel tingly or warm, but the sapphire cooling tips will keep your skin comfortable. 

During treatment, the laser energy targets the red pigments in your spider veins. These pigments absorb this energy, creating heat inside the vein that damages it and causes the vein walls to collapse. Blood no longer flows through the treated vein, allowing your body to remove it with no negative effects. This process is effective for spider veins on the face, legs, and anywhere else you tend to develop them. 

How Many Laser Vein Removal Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments you will need depends on several factors, including the location, the size of your spider veins, and how many you have. In many cases, one treatment is enough to get rid of problem veins. Results will become visible a few weeks after treatment as the vein becomes less visible, with full results taking up to a few months. Dr. Cobbinah and her team will discuss your treatment plan and how soon you can expect to achieve your goals. 

How Long Does Laser Vein Removal Last?

Because spider vein removal closes off the damaged veins, preventing any blood from flowing through them, it ensures they will never come back. However, you can develop new spider veins over time. You are more likely to see new spider veins appear if you are genetically predisposed to them, an underlying medical condition causes them, or you are affected by other risk factors such as pregnancy. 

If you notice new spider veins appearing, we recommend scheduling an appointment to have them removed before they get larger or darker. A consultation will allow Dr. Cobbinah to assess your concerns and determine the best way to treat them. 

Can Laser Vein Removal Treat Rosacea?

Laser vein removal is a very effective way to improve the redness and other symptoms of rosacea. This frustrating condition is often marked by broken blood vessels and red pigmentation. Most lasers are not targeted to treat red pigmentation and can even irritate the skin and make rosacea worse.

Laser vein removal treats rosacea by shrinking the expanded blood vessels, reducing the appearance of redness and making your skin look smoother and calmer. Because it protects your skin from overheating, it minimizes irritation while helping to fade redness and erase spider veins. 

Is There Any Downtime After Spider Vein Removal?

Depending on the treated area, you can return to most of your usual activities after spider vein removal. However, you can expect some redness and sensitivity immediately after treatment and may feel some minor discomfort for a short time afterward. 

You will receive aftercare instructions based on your needs. These instructions will usually include applying a recommended moisturizer to the area. You will also be instructed to wear sunscreen consistently and avoid applying irritating products like retinol after your procedure. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Vein Removal?

The first step in any treatment plan is your consultation, which will allow Dr. Cobbinah and her team to assess your concerns, health status, and other factors that determine which treatment they will recommend. Good candidates for laser vein removal are healthy adults with realistic expectations who want to get rid of spider veins or rosacea. 

This treatment may not be recommended if your spider veins have an underlying cause that should be treated first, if you have certain medical conditions, or if you are pregnant. Dr. Cobbinah is a Family Medicine practitioner who can work with you to address a range of medical conditions that can contribute to spider vein development. 

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about laser vein removal, please call us at (210) 568-7555 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Essential Med Aesthetics is located in San Antonio, Texas.