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Laser Vein Removal

The Brandeis Medical Center offers laser removal of unwanted, unsightly veins on the face, legs and any part of the body. Laser treatment is a safe and effective method  for removal of unwanted veins. In just a few treatment sessions (and in some cases only a single treatment session) using the gentle power of lasers, you can greatly improve the appearance of skin which is disfigured by unwanted blood vessels and broken capillaries

How does laser removal of unwanted veins work? 

The laser generates a pulse of intense, concentrated light which is directed through a small, cooled hand piece which is placed over the area to be treated.  This laser energy passes through the skin to the blood vessels which you wish to have eliminated. The energy is absorbed by pigment in the blood, causing selective damage to the lining of the target blood vessel without damaging the surrounding tissues and skin. The blood heats the blood vessel, which dies off and is reabsorbed by the body. The flow of blood is re-directed away from the surface of the skin, back down beneath the skin where it should have been in the first place.

What areas of the body can be treated?

All parts of the body can be treated. In women, the most common areas for treatment are blood vessels on the thighs, lower legs and ankles. In men and women unwanted red blood vessels on the nose and face, including those associated with rosacea or sun damage can be treated.             

What are the benefits of laser removal of unwanted blood vessels compared to sclerotherapy?

Small blood vessels which are difficult or impossible to treat with sclerotherapy respond very well to laser vein removal. Because only a beam of laser light is used, there is less risk of bruising compared with injection sclerotherapy which punctures the skin and the wall of the blood vessel. Because the skin is not pierced, there is no need for bandages, tape or support stockings after laser treatment of veins. Laser removal of unwanted veins avoids the discomfort  and downtime associated with sclerotherapy.

How much does it cost?

The cost is approximately $125 for 15 minutes.

What are the risks of laser vein removal?

Short-term side effects may include a reddening of the skin over the treated vessels or local swelling which typically lasts less than a day, although it may infrequently last for a few days. Occasionally there can be increased or decreased pigment in the treated area. This usually resolves after several months. A blister is unusual, and generally will resolve within a week or two with some Polysporin or Aloe Vera. Bruising can occur occasionally when treating vessels on the legs and usually resolves within a few weeks without needing any treatment.

                  

Is laser removal of veins "permanent"?

There is no treatment for veins  which can guarantee anybody "permanent vein removal".  The most realistic description of the results after laser  treatment is "long term vein reduction". This means that after several treatments the total number of unsightly veins is greatly reduced -- generally by 70% to 90%." Most  people are very pleased with this degree of improvement, as  long as they know that this is what to expect before they have  laser vein removal.  Because lasers have been used on a large scale for blood vessel removal for only about last 10 years, we can't know if the results will continue to be effective after 10 years.  However, we do know that stable, long-term vein reduction commonly lasts for at least two years, and some patients who had their last treatment many years ago are still enjoying a high degree of vein reduction.

Should I expect to be "free of unsightly veins" in the treated area after the series of treatments?

No, but most patients experience a 70-90% reduction in the number of unwanted veins in a given area. You should not expect to be "completely free of unwanted blood vessels".

How many treatments are needed?                

Usually, one or two treatments are needed for facial vessels; while three or four treatments may be needed on the legs. Treatment are usually performed every 6 weeks on the face, and every 3 months on the legs.

      

What skin colors can be treated?

Even people who have black skin can be successfully treated.

Which types of vessels respond best to treatment?

Blood vessels you can see with the naked eye tend to respond the best to laser treatment. Vessels so small that they can only be seen with magnification are difficult but not impossible to treat. Vessels larger than 3 mm in diameter, and vessels which are considerably elevated above the surface of the skin, respond better to injection sclerotherapy or surgical removal.

What causes unwanted blood vessels?

Unwanted veins on the surface of the skin of the legs are to some extent an inherited tendency. Unwanted veins can become more common with increasing age. They can also be made worse by prolonged sun exposure, and sometimes become more prominent after childbirth. They can in some cases be associated with varicose veins as well. Unwanted veins on the face  are more common in people who have a condition known as acne rosacea. As with the unwanted veins on the legs; unwanted veins on the face can be made worse by prolonged sun exposure. As with unwanted vessels on the legs, there is  sometimes a history of other family members with a similar problem. Unwanted veins on the face can sometimes be associated with medications like prednisone and other corticosteroids, and with certain skin diseases like lupus.      

Does it hurt?

Patients have described a tingling or snapping sensation like a rubber band. Some areas of the body like the nose are more sensitive than others. Many patients report little or no discomfort at all. If there is unusual discomfort, this can be addressed by applying additional cooling or adjusting the settings on the laser. Those who think they have a low pain threshold occasionally use topical anesthetic cream.  Most people find it helpful to simply take two or three Tylenol and/or Advil 2 hours before coming in for treatment.

        

Are there any pre-treatment precautions?

Avoid tanning for several weeks prior to a treatment as a fresh tan can interfere with the effectiveness of the laser treatment.

 

How should I prepare myself for the treatment?

It is advisable to take 2 or 3 plain Tylenol or Advil to prevent or reduce discomfort. Please shave the areas to be treated before you come in for treatment. If there is just a bit of peach fuzz on your skin, this will not be a problem, because peach fuzz is very fine and fair and  does not absorb laser energy. When you come for treatment, it is important not to wear any makeup-- because makeup can sometimes interfere with the laser energy. Makeup can be re-applied immediately after the laser treatment, if you wish.

 

What will happen after treatment?

There can be redness in the treated area for several days. Also the skin in the treated area may be slightly drier for several days. The treated blood vessels, in particular on the legs, may appear slightly darker for several weeks. Occasionally there can be bruising which usually resolves within several weeks.

Are there any restrictions after treatment?

You can return to work the same day and resume all your regular activities. You should minimize sun exposure and tanning for several weeks after treatment.

Are there any post-treatment instructions? 

Try to avoid tanning for several weeks after treatment, because occasionally the tan could be somewhat irregular in the treated areas.  You do not need to purchase support stockings or special creams, and there is no special routine for you to follow. Blistering after laser vein removal is very rare, but can occur. It will usually resolve over a few days or a week either by itself or with the use of Polysporin ointment cream several times a day. Please call if this happens, or if you have any other problems or questions

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