Spider Vein Removal

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WHAT IS SPIDER VEIN REMOVAL?

Pesky spider veins, those web-like red or blue colored veins that appear on the surface of your skin, are able to be safely and effectively removed by this non-invasive laser treatment. Spider veins are, in essence, vestiges of damaged veins. When pressure is put on our veins due to inadequate circulation and blood-flow, the vein walls weaken, and from them spider veins begin to sprout out as an alternative blood-flow channel. Such pressure can be exerted by standing too long, sitting too long, injury, hormonal changes, sunlight, and more. Spider veins are not very attractive, but luckily there is a fix for them!

WHY SPIDER VEIN REMOVAL AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Spider vein removal treatment works by directing long-pulsed laser heat atop targeted spider veins, after which the veins will absorb the pulsed heat and dissolve. After being reduced to microscopic particles, these fragments will be absorbed and eliminated by the body. After these pesky veins are gone, blood-flow can effectively be rerouted to deeper, non-visible, veins.

WHAT CAN THE LASER TREAT?

Spider veins normally crop up behind the legs or on the face, but any area with spider veins may be treated. Further, clients with a range of skin types may safely partake in this treatment.

This treatment is best suited for thin spider veins and cherry angiomas (bundles of capillaries that show up as a slightly protruded red dot on the surface of the skin), unfortunately not thicker bulging varicose veins which are equally unpleasant.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM LASER VEIN REMOVAL TREATMENT?

It is comforting to know what to expect with a treatment that includes a laser, so we have detailed pre- and post- treatment instructions below so our clients can come into their appointments confident and ready.

It is highly recommended to consult with one of our aesthetic professionals here at Lavande prior to booking your laser skin resurfacing appointment, where a personal evaluation synthesizing your medical history and aesthetic goals should be completed. This is to determine the best course of action for your aesthetic needs, determine what treatment is best for your skin type, and to prepare you for your what is to come. We here at Lavande want to make sure you are a candidate for this treatment as well as confident about your decision to proceed.

In preparation, we may ask that you abstain from taking or applying any harsh medications (such as Accutane or Retinol), so as to avoid the occurrence of poor healing, pigmentation, or scarring from laser treatment. We will also ask that you refrain from getting direct sun exposure for about a week prior to treatment.

During treatment, our provider will begin by determining the most strategic treatment plan that will adhere to your aesthetic goals and needs. Both you and the treatment provider should be equipped with the appropriate eye-wear before proceeding. Next, our provider will begin to gently glide the laser handpiece over targeted spider veins, stopping to occasionally allow your skin to take a break from the heat of the laser.
Treatment itself is relatively quick, taking around 15 minutes (though longer appointments will be booked in order to leave time for client questions). There is little to no downtime following treatment in regards to recovery. Clients can resume daily activities following treatment, although they must be weary of sun exposure. You should refrain from direct sun exposure to treated areas for about 2 weeks, and apply a strong SPF at all times.

WHEN WILL I SEE TREATMENT RESULTS AND HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

Most clients can see results immediately! The dissipation of the spider vein is an interestingly quick process. Further, results are quite long-lasting in most instances! Of course, if the conditions that caused the spider veins to sprout in the first place are not remedied, it is likely that they will crop up again (especially leg spider veins). To avoid future spider veins, it is recommended to get regular exercise, not stay in a single position for too long, and wear compression stockings (to improve circulation).

WHAT IF I HAVE THICKER VARICOSE VEINS?

While laser therapy does not have the capacity to target thicker varicose veins, there are other treatments available to eliminate them (but none of which are offered in our office). Sclerotherapy is one option, whereby varicose veins will be injected with a material that will cause the veins to close off and dissipate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Laser vein removal is a quick and relatively painless treatment. Clients will feel the zap of the laser, similar to the feeling of a snap of a rubber band, but the treatment is overall very tolerable!

Preparation includes avoiding direct sun exposure for a week or 2 prior to treatment, abstaining from taking or applying harsh products (such as Accutane or Retinol), and avoiding bloodthinners. These precautions will ensure that the recovery process is smooth and devoid of unwelcome side effects such as bleeding, discoloration, or scarring.

Clients will be able to resume daily activities immediately following treatment, and there is minimal recovery time. There might be slight redness at treatment sites immediately after, but these usually subside within hours. Clients should actively avoid direct sun exposure, and be sure to apply a strong sunscreen at all times.

Most clients attain optimal results with a session or two, although it could take anywhere from 1-5 session, depending on the nature of the spider veins (size of spider vein, depth within the skin, whether it is in a cluster, and more). While a single session will impart great results, most clients will likely need follow-ups to reach their aesthetic goals.

Our knowledgeable providers here at Lavande Spa can sit down with you and create a regimen that is right for you in order to make sure you achieve and maintain that flawless skin you’re looking for.

Side effects may or may not be experienced following laser vein therapy, but are not abnormal. Normal side effects include redness, slight swelling, inflammation, and lingering heat. Less common, but still expected side effects include blistering, bruising, discoloration (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation), scarring, and infection. Please contact us here at Lavande Spa if you have any concerns about side effects.