Treatment FAQ

how does lazer vein treatment work

by Jackeline Sawayn Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Laser vein treatment takes less than an hour and is performed in a doctor's office or clinic and under local anesthesia. The procedure uses a focused beam of light to target the spider vein without damaging nearby tissue. The laser heats and destroys the spider vein and it disappears over a period of four to six weeks.

A laser is a device that sends a thin beam of radiation in the form of light. Laser surgery closes and shrinks the varicose vein and causes scar tissue within the vessel. This seals off the vein. Blood then flows through other nearby veins instead.

Full Answer

How does laser vein removal work?

The procedure uses a focused beam of light to target the vein that is selected for treatment, and because the beam is focused it is careful not to affect nearby skin, tissue and veins. As the laser heats up the vein is destroyed, then, over a period of four to six weeks, the vein is reabsorbed by the body and disappears.

How much does laser vein treatment cost?

The average cost for laser therapy may vary from $200 - $400 per session. What happens during laser therapy? Laser vein treatment takes less than an hour and is performed in a doctor's office or clinic and under local anesthesia. The procedure uses a focused beam of light to target the spider vein without damaging nearby tissue.

How long does laser treatment for spider veins take to work?

The results of laser treatment for spider veins are not immediate. The majority of spider veins will disappear within two to four weeks, but in some cases it may take longer to see good results.

What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

Depending on the size and location of the veins, other treatment techniques include: Sclerotherapy: This procedure involves the injection of a liquid or foam chemical directly into the vein with a small needle. The chemical, called a sclerosant, irritates the veins and causes it to collapse.

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How long does it take for veins to disappear after laser treatment?

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.

Do veins come back after laser treatment?

Veins can grow back even after they're cut away, and sometimes the laser treatment fails to seal a vein completely, allowing the blood flow to gradually return.

Is vein laser surgery painful?

The good news is that the laser treatment we use for varicose veins is effective, virtually painless, and has very little downtime after the procedure.

What happens after laser spider vein treatment?

What Can I Expect After Vein Treatment? You may have minor bruising and swelling for a short period of time. These symptoms can be prevented or minimized by wearing compression stockings. Wearing compression stockings for a week or more may be required for those who undergo endovenous laser treatment.

Is it worth getting varicose veins removed?

Surgery can very effectively relieve varicose vein symptoms: In more than 80% of people who have varicose vein surgery, it improves symptoms like pain, swelling and itching or makes them go away completely, and their legs look better afterwards.

How can I repair my veins naturally?

7 Ways to Strengthen Your Veins NaturallyConsume fiber-rich foods. Fiber-rich foods improve cholesterol levels, prevent plaque build-up, and clotting. ... Consume plenty of water. ... Consume vitamins and supplements. ... Workout regularly. ... Avoid standing or sitting for long periods. ... Wear compression stockings. ... Avoid Smoking.

How long wear compression stockings after laser vein surgery?

After stitching the cuts, your surgeon will place compression stockings in your legs together with bandages. Healing can take anywhere from two weeks up to a month. You'll be advised to wear your stockings for about two to six weeks.

Can spider veins get worse after laser treatment?

The veins will look worse before they look better and this will take up to three months after the last treatment. Skin staining and matting are the most common post-treatment side effects.

What happens if varicose veins are left untreated?

Untreated varicose veins can also become inflamed in a condition called superficial thrombophlebitis (ST). The inflammation is caused by decreased blood flow, damage to the vein and blood clotting. ST causes reddened skin and a tender, warm vein. There may also be swelling and pain in the leg.

How many laser treatments does it take to remove spider veins?

Most patients require 2-4 sessions for the best results. For smaller spider veins, most patients typically see results in three to six weeks. However, for the treatment of larger spider veins, results may be seen after three to four months.

What can you not do after laser vein removal?

Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Do not soak the treated leg for 48 hours after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection. Don't let the pain and appearance of varicose veins keep you from enjoying life.

How painful is laser treatment for spider veins?

The procedure typically begins with a topical numbing agent before injections of numbing medicine are placed throughout the length of the vein being treated. During these injections, you may experience mild pain or discomfort, similar to a mosquito bite. This part of the procedure is usually the most uncomfortable.

What is laser vein treatment?

Laser vein treatment, also known as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), uses the power of light energy to irritate the lining of a varicose vein. As with other treatments, this irritation causes the vein lining to swell and seal shut. Blood moves through nearby veins as the treated vein breaks apart and fades from view.

How long does laser vein treatment take?

Laser light emitted from the fiber irritates the vein lining as the vascular surgeon removes the fiber. The entire laser vein treatment takes less than an hour. There are no special preparations for this outpatient procedure and you will be able to get up and walk around immediately after the procedure.

How does a vein doctor treat varicose veins?

Vein surgeons perform laser vein therapy for varicose veins. During the procedure, a vein doctor will insert a tiny laser fiber into the diseased vein, and then activate the laser as he or she pulls the fiber out of the affected vein. Laser light emitted from the fiber irritates the vein lining as the vascular surgeon removes the fiber.

How does the circulatory system compensate for a missing vein?

Your circulatory system compensates for the missing vein by routing blood flow to other healthy veins nearby.

Does laser vein treatment help with spider veins?

Laser vein treatment causes very little discomfort. While laser vein treatment effectively reduces the appearance of existing varicose veins, it does not prevent new varicose veins from developing. For more information on reducing your risk of developing more varicose veins, talk with your vein doctor. If you have varicose veins or spider veins, ...

How Does Laser Vein Treatment Work?

There have been significant innovations with cosmetic lasers including advanced machines that:

Why Are Some Veins Problematic?

Veins carry blood from your heart to different parts of your body. They are designed to only have blood flowing in one direction. When the valves that control blood flow do not work properly, blood is allowed to flow back into the vessels. This is described as venous insufficiency.

Laser Vein Therapy Offers New Solutions to Common Problems

Spider veins can affect 50% of the adult population and varicose veins affect 3 in 10 people. These unsightly veins can impact your confidence. Talk to our expert team at the New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, MA to learn how we can help you deal with your problem veins.

What exactly are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are knotty, discolored, and twisting veins people often notice on their legs. They are usually caused by blood pooling in the legs. They appear when the valves in your veins weaken and allow the blood to collect in one place. Once the blood gets collected in a vein, it becomes enlarged and swollen and turns blue or dark purple.

What is laser vein treatment?

One of the most common procedures that prove to be very efficient against varicose veins is laser vein treatment. The science behind the procedure is quite simple. Dermatologists direct the laser light at the vein. The heat from the laser damages the vein walls and seals the vein. Thus, the vein gets closed and loses its source of blood.

What to expect during the procedure?

The simplicity of the procedure is part of what makes it so appealing. The whole process happens on the surface of the skin. The patient will be provided with eye protection against the laser and the area will be cleaned and prepared for the laser. The heat energy from the laser may create some discomfort as it’s applied along the target veins.

Are there any side effects of laser vein treatment?

Laser treatment is considered to be safe for most patients. However, it is recommended to always discuss this option with your doctor and see what type of varicose vein treatment is best suited according to your needs and medical history.

How long do the effects of laser vein treatment last?

Most patients need at least two or three treatment sessions, and the full effects are visible in about eight weeks. Small spider veins usually disappear immediately after the treatment, while larger varicose veins will darken and need 1 to 3 months to disappear.

How does a laser treatment work?

The heat generated from the laser coagulates the blood inside the spider vein, causing it to collapse and seal. Over the next few weeks, the spider vein will disappear and all the blood will be removed by the body's scavenging cells. The newer laser treatments allow the delivery of a precise dosage of energy to each blood vessel without injuring ...

What is the best laser for spider veins?

The most common laser used to treat spider veins is the Nd: YAG laser system. It is a hand-held device and also has a cooling tip to minimize discomfort during the therapy.

What is the chemical that causes spider veins to collapse?

The chemical, called a sclerosant , irritates the veins and causes it to collapse. Over time, the vein turns into scar tissue that fades away. The procedure is usually done in a clinic, is relatively inexpensive, and has little downtime. Most individuals require a couple of sessions to treat all the spider veins.

How much does a spider vein laser cost?

The average cost for laser therapy may vary from $200 - $400 per session.

How to treat spider veins?

There are other treatments available if conservative treatment does not achieve satisfactory relief of symptoms or if the appearance of your spider veins is bothersome. Depending on the size and location of the veins, other treatment techniques include: 1 Sclerotherapy: This procedure involves the injection of a liquid or foam chemical directly into the vein with a small needle. The chemical, called a sclerosant, irritates the veins and causes it to collapse. Over time, the vein turns into scar tissue that fades away. The procedure is usually done in a clinic, is relatively inexpensive, and has little downtime. Most individuals require a couple of sessions to treat all the spider veins. Side effects of sclerotherapy may include slight swelling, bruising, and redness and itching at injection sites. If the solution leaks out of the vein, pain and darkening of the skin occurs. 2 Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL): This newer technique of treating spider veins uses intense pulsed light that can be used to selectively damage or destroy abnormal veins including small spider veins and small vascular birthmarks. Unlike laser, the intense light therapy is more suited for vascular lesions slightly deeper in the skin. This treatment may be recommended when sclerotherapy or laser therapy does not effectively treat the superficial vein. Two to four treatments may be required depending on the number and size of the lesions.

How long does it take for spider veins to disappear?

The majority of spider veins will disappear within two to four weeks, but in some cases it may take longer to see good results. 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.

How many treatments are needed for superficial veins?

This treatment may be recommended when sclerotherapy or laser therapy does not effectively treat the superficial vein. Two to four treatments may be required depending on the number and size of the lesions.

Are You a Good Candidate for EVLT?

Not everyone suffering from varicose veins needs to undergo laser vein treatment; but it can be a good option for those who are experiencing the following:

How Should You Prepare for Endovenous Laser Treatment?

A fairly simple procedure that takes about an hour, ELVT doesn’t hurt and allows patients to head back home within a few hours. Of course, preparing for any type of procedure is important to guarantee the best outcome. Before your procedure be sure to:

What to Do After ELVT

A relatively quick procedure (most patients are only at the clinic about three hours before being released), Endovenous Laser Treatment does still require some degree of aftercare. While your health care provider will give you a detailed list of instructions, here are some basics to prepare for:

Real Patients. Real Results

The procedure was very quick & tolerable. I was quite pleased. After a week the cherry angioma fell off. I am very pleased that it is gone!

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