Eliminating Spider Veins with Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

In Eugene, Oregon and in other parts of the country, many patients have discovered the benefits of intense pulsed light therapy. This is a safe treatment that has been used by many patients to treat unsightly spider veins. Spider veins do not cause pain and are not considered a medical concern in most cases, although their embarrassing appearance leads many to seek treatment.

Intense pulsed light therapy works by selectively targeting the problem veins without damaging surrounding skin or tissue. This procedure may be recommended by a vein specialist in the Eugene area if sclerotherapy or certain laser therapies do not fully relieve spider veins. In most cases, two to four treatments are sufficient to reach optimal results, although this may vary. Patients with spider veins should speak with a vein specialist for an assessment of their condition and to determine if intense pulsed light therapy is right for them.

Beyond spider veins, intense pulsed light therapy may also treat a variety of other cosmetic and skin conditions including reticular veins, dilated blood vessels, birth marks, sun damaged skin, rosacea and freckles. Other conditions may also be treated using intense pulsed light therapy, so consult a vein specialist or professional familiar with this treatment to learn more.

Most intense pulsed light therapies focus on veins that are deeply located in the body. Veins on the legs, face, arms, back, thighs, abdomen and ankles may be treated using intense pulsed light therapy. The ideal candidate for this procedure is in good overall health, has fair skin, does not smoke and has no blood or blood vessel problems. Those taking Accutane or who have recently used the medication, have keloid scarring, unusual scars, acute onset of acne, sunburn, are taking blood thinners, are pregnant or who have certain skin disorders may not be considered an ideal candidate. The procedure tends to be less effective on patients with darker skin.

A hand piece is used to direct pulses of intense energy to the blood vessel beneath the skin's surface. The energy is then absorbed by pigment in the blood, which damages the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and seal shut. The body's scavenging cells will remove the blood from the blood vessel as it disappears. The surrounding skin or tissue is not harmed during this procedure. Intense pulsed light therapy may reach blood vessels deeper in the body that other treatments using shorter wavelengths may not reach.

A gel or topical anesthetic may be applied to the skin before treatment to reduce any pain experienced during the procedure. Some patients experience a mild discomfort as the energy is delivered, although this is often compared to a rubber band snapping on the skin. Patients may return to work or other normal daily activities immediately following treatment. Some experience redness and bruising at the treatment site, while some also experience slight bumps on their skin. These side effects should resume on their own, however.

Possible complications include permanent discoloration and scarring, although these are rare. Patients should discuss the risks associated with intense pulsed light therapy prior to treatment. Results usually appear over the course of two to six weeks after treatment has been applied. Some patients require several treatments to achieve optimal results.

Many patients have found success through this non-invasive treatment. For more information about intense pulse light therapy, spider veins or other venous treatments and conditions, consult a licensed vein specialist in the Eugene community. This is often the best resource for further information pertaining to this subject.

Learn more about intense pulsed light therapy in Eugene, Oregon.