Is it possible to be burned from Laser Light Therapy?

I have very sensitive, fair skin that burns easily. Is laser light therapy safe to treat the spider veins on my thigh, or is there a chance that the treatment could injure the surface layers of my skin?

Answers from doctors (4)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Apr 19, 2022

It is always possible for a laser to injure ('burn') the surface of the skin, even in those with fair complexions. the darker the complexion, the greater the chance of injuring the skin using a 'vascular' laser, i.e., a laser used to treat blood vessels. There are many factors that can result in injury to the skin including the wavelength of the laser, the energy being administered, and the adequacy of the simultaneous cooling of the skin as treatment is administered, among other variables. Be sure to consult with someone who has expertise and experience treating vascular lesions with laser and who can provide many examples of before and after photographs of their own patients - not photos from a third party or a manufacturers brochure.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

It is always possible for a laser to injure ('burn') the surface of the skin, even in those with fair complexions. the darker the complexion, the greater the chance of injuring the skin using a 'vascular' laser, i.e., a laser used to treat blood vessels. There are many factors that can result in injury to the skin including the wavelength of the laser, the energy being administered, and the adequacy of the simultaneous cooling of the skin as treatment is administered, among other variables. Be sure to consult with someone who has expertise and experience treating vascular lesions with laser and who can provide many examples of before and after photographs of their own patients - not photos from a third party or a manufacturers brochure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 01, 2010

Yes it can damage the skin. Pretty unusual but can happen.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes it can damage the skin. Pretty unusual but can happen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Feb 01, 2010

We actually avoid using light therapy for spider veins on the legs, sclerotherapy works better.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

We actually avoid using light therapy for spider veins on the legs, sclerotherapy works better.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jan 30, 2010

Yes it can damage the skin. Pretty unusual but can happen.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Yes it can damage the skin. Pretty unusual but can happen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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