Laser and Light Therapies to Treat Spider Veins

Spider veins are problematic for many individuals in San Diego, California as well as in other parts of the country. They may be purplish or bluish in appearance, and may cause plenty of embarrassment for some individuals. Laser and light therapies work to treat these problem veins as an alternative or complement to sclerotherapy. They work by pulsing energy to veins so they seal closed, which eventually leads the vein to dissolve. The procedures must provide adequate heating to accomplish this goal, and several sessions of treatment may be necessary to reach optimal results.

Several different types of lasers may be used to provide effective relief from spider veins. These may include long-pulse alexandrite, diode and long-pulse Nd; Yag lasers and various intense pulsed light devices. During treatment, the physician will likely use a cooling method such as gel, chilled air or others to keep the patient comfortable throughout the procedure. This may also help to lower the risk of injury to the skin during treatment. Those interested should consult a San Diego vein specialist to discuss the different types of lasers used and to help them determine which may be right for them.

Patients will be evaluated before laser treatment to help them determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. Patients with small spider veins may be considered good candidates, while those who have larger varicose veins may not be considered candidates. Patients are not required any preparation prior to laser therapy, which is typically performed in a doctor's office or a clinic. Most treatment sessions take about 10 to 20 minutes to perform.

Laser treatment only treats the very small superficial veins. Pulses of light energy are administered in a sequential fashion to provide the patient with treatment, closing the problem veins so blood may no longer flow through them. There may be a slight tingling sensation when the laser fires. If there is any pain or discomfort present, a topical anesthetic may be applied prior to beginning the procedure. The skin may have a reddish appearance following the procedure, although this usually goes away after a few days. Most patients may resume their normal activities after the procedure, and the final results may be apparent after a few months. Patients may be satisfied with their treatment results after a short period of time, though.

Learn more about laser and light therapies in San Diego, California.