Laser Vein Treatment Introduction
Fiala Aesthetics Medical Spa, a leading provider of cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery in Central Florida, treats a range of vascular conditions. For the millions of Americans with vascular skin conditions, the search for a simple and cost-effective treatment has been frustrating until laser vein treatments came on the scene. Procedures with the laser vein treatment system can be customized to each patient’s skin type, and can be adjusted to treat different depths and sizes of blood vessels. In fact, the latest advances in laser technology have made laser vein treatment safer, faster and more effective than previous treatments for vein problems.
Laser Vein Treatment FAQs
How do you get vein disease?
One of the most common causes of vein disease is heredity. Age, obesity and jobs that require an employee to stand for a long time can increase one’s chances of developing vein disease. Pregnancy can also increase the chances of vein disease.
What preparations must I make prior to a laser vein treatment?
Patients do not have to change their normal routines before or after treatment. Sun exposure must be limited prior to and following any type of laser treatment.
How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments necessary to resolve your vein concerns depends on the size of the area involved with veins. During your consultation, at Fiala Aesthetics Medical Spa, you will be given an estimate of the number of treatments required to obtain optimal results.
What does the treatment involve?
Laser vein treatments may vary from 15 to 30 minutes. Numbing cream may be applied to the area. After this has taken effect, the laser is used to “zap” the small vessels, one by one. The veins shrink and become less visible or disappear altogether. Utilizing a laser allows customized treatment of virtually every small vein disorder, including veins that do not respond to other treatment methods.
What are the side effects of laser vein treatments?
With a laser vein treatment, there is no down time involved. You can resume regular activities immediately and pain is generally mild. Redness and swelling may occur but this resolves over time. Rarely, a blister may form at the treated area. The veins could reoccur, or become more prominent in another area. Limiting sun exposure will greatly minimize the risk of complications.
How does the laser vein treatment work?
Laser vein therapy works by using the laser’s monochromatic light. This passes through your skin and preferentially absorbed by the target vessel, which then is heated up, causing thermal coagulation of the blood vessel. This is known technically as “selective photothermolysis”. Lasers deliver precise dosages of energy to each vein, with minimal risk to surrounding the skin. Over a short period of time the body then absorbs the vessel. One treatment is sometimes sufficient for small areas, but multiple treatments are often necessary for larger areas.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments necessary depends on the number, size, location, and depth of the vessels or lesion being treated.
Do the Laser Vascular Treatments hurt?
Most patients do experience a stinging sensation, like a rubber band snap, as the pulse of energy is delivered through the laser handpiece. Most adults tolerate this amount of pain very well. Topical anesthetic cream to numb the area before treatment is often helpful. Any discomfort felt during the laser vein treatment procedure can be eased with the application of cool compresses.
Are there any restrictions on my activity after Laser Vein Treatments?
Patients generally resume most normal activities immediately following vein treatment. It is recommended however that you avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours after treatment. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun and as always, it is a good idea to limit your sun exposure.
When will I see results following Laser Vascular Treatments?
Most patients find that the majority of the treated facial veins show significant improvement within a few days to one week. Leg veins will often look worse before they look better because of the initial darkening which may occur. Final results are usually apparent by six weeks to two months after treatment. Over time, it is possible for new veins to appear, but these too can be removed with laser vein therapy.
Are the vascular removal lasers safe?
Yes. Because the energy from the laser beam is absorbed by the abnormal vasculature and does not affect the surrounding tissue, the risk of scarring is very low. Standard laser safety precautions are, of course, observed.
What conditions can be treated with laser vein therapy?
- Facial spider veins
- Rosacea – affects the skin of the face around the nose and cheeks, causing a red blush or sunburned look
- Scars – red or purplish scars that are often caused by surgery, trauma, acne or burns
- Stretch marks which are red or purple in color – frequently appearing after pregnancy over the stomach, thighs, buttocks, breasts, shoulders, and lower back; stretch marks also develop after major weight loss
- Spider veins in the leg (less than 2 millimeter)
- Poikiloderma – patchy red discoloration of the skin; commonly occurs on the neck.