Laser and Light Therapies for Spider Veins

Those who are experiencing spider veins in the Venice, Florida area and in other parts of the country may note the unsightly appearance of the condition that may lead many to feel embarrassed or self-conscious. While spider veins are not considered a medical concern, many sufferers of the condition seek treatment for the condition to overcome the unsightly appearance. Many turn to sclerotherapy for treatment of spider veins, but laser and light therapies may be effective as a complement or alternative to sclerotherapy. Before receiving treatment, patients should seek consultation with a vein specialist in the community to help them determine which treatment may be right for them.

All laser and light therapies work by pulsing a light beam onto the vein to seal it shut. This causes the vein to dissolve and other veins carry out blood flow in the area. Adequate heating of the vein is necessary for the treatment to be successful and multiple sessions of treatment may be required to reach desired results. A hand piece is used to deliver the laser energy in a series of pulses. The lining of the blood vessel and the blood inside the vein absorbs the light energy. This leads to coagulation of the blood, which is then absorbed by the body. A precise dosage of energy is delivered to each vessel being treated.

Patients may feel a slight tingling sensation during the treatment process. If any pain is felt, a topical anesthetic is applied about 20 minutes prior to beginning treatment. The spider veins may disappear about two to three sessions into the treatment process. Treatment sessions may be spaced about four to six weeks apart. If veins continue to appear, additional treatments may be required. After each treatment session, the skin may appear reddish and may have a cat-scratch appearance. This should go away over the next two days, however.

A variety of lasers and light sources may be used for treatment. These may include the long-pulse alexandrite, diode and long-pulse Nd; Yag lasers and various intense pulsed light devices. For more information about the types of lasers and light sources used, individuals who are interested should seek consultation with a specialist in their area. Individuals should also discuss their candidacy for treatment with a specialist. Those with symptoms of varicose veins may be evaluated to determine if they are suffering from spider veins or varicose veins, and based on the results may be encouraged to seek other forms of treatment. Laser therapy is usually used to treat small spider veins and is not as effective when treating larger varicose veins.

Insurance will not cover the cost of laser and light therapies for the treatment of spider veins, as this is considered a cosmetic procedure. Varicose veins that are considered a medical concern and cause symptoms such as pain and heaviness may be covered by insurance, but other forms of treatment may be necessary. For more information, patients should speak with their insurance company and a specialist in the Venice area.

Learn more about laser light therapy in Venice, Florida.