Spider Vein Removal
What are Spider or Varicose Veins?
Spider veins are a smaller version of varicose veins that are typically red, blue or violet in color and resemble spider legs. They are dilated capillaries that can easily be seen through the skins surface. Laser treatment can be a very effective treatment of small Vericose or spider veins. Spider vein treatments with the CynoSure® Elite+™ laser are used to fade, reduce, or eliminate veins.
Clients must understand that results vary with each individual. Therapy using the CynoSure® Elite+™ is not a cure for vein disease.
Our Laser can also be used to treat long term hair removal and sun and age spot removal!
How does Laser Spider Vein Removal Work?
Our CynoSure® Elite+™ Laser penetrates the spider veins by using the heat it generates to coagulate the blood inside the vessel causing it to collapse and seal. The result reduces size and coloration of the spider vein. No needles or incisions are required, and the treatment is non-invasive.
Schedule your Laser Spider Vein Removal consultation at our Denver office today.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments necessary will vary, dependent on the extent of the individuals condition, as well as their healing ability. Some patient’s veins will fade very quickly. Others will slowly fade over the course of a few weeks or months. Depending on the condition, they may not disappear completely, and new spider veins can unfortunately, always develop. Multiple treatments at 6 to 8 week intervals are often necessary.
On average, waiting 2-3 months after treatment is ample time to assess whether another session is needed or not.
What are the Spider Vein Removal Contraindications?
- Are hypersensitive to light in the near infrared wavelength region
- Havesun-damaged skin or have recent unprotected sun exposure, including the use of tanning beds or tanning products, such as creams, lotions and sprays
- Take medication which is known to increase sensitivity to sunlight
- Have seizure disorders triggered by light
- Take anticoagulants
- Take or have taken oral isotretinoin, such as Accutane, within the last 6 months
- Take medication that alters the wound-healing response
- Have a history of healing problems or history of keloid formation
- Have an active localized or systemic infection, or an open wound in area being treated
- Have a significant systemic infection or an illness localized in area being treated
- Have a history of skin cancer or suspicious lesions
- Are receiving or have received gold therapy
- Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Scleroderma, Vitiligo, pregnancy, trying to get pregnant or nursing.
What are the Spider Vein Removal Side Effects?
- Scarring, though rare, can occur following any laser procedure.
- Blistering during treatment may be an indication of sun exposure. Blistering can occur during the first three days following the laser treatment. Blistered areas should be kept moist with an ointment until healed.
- Histamine/Hives: some clients develop raised papules similar to hives. This irritation usually subsides in a few hours.
- Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can occur following the laser.
treatment. Pigmentary changes have been reported to be transient.
although they may last for several months or longer. - Clients will experience some temporary reddening of the skin around the treatment area. You may experience redness and bruising from 5-14 days after treatment.
Steps Prior to Your First Spider Vein Removal Appointment
- Avoid UV exposure 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
- Clients who are sunburned or tanned must call for consultation.
- Avoid sunless tanning products 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
- All products must be completely removed from skin prior to treatment.
- Clients should come to appointments with clean skin in the area to be treated.
- Avoid chemical peels and other laser procedures in the area to be treated for 2 weeks prior and two weeks after your laser treatment.
- Avoid all alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy products (AHA/BHA), hydroquinone, retinols/retinoids, Tazorac, and Differin for 7 days before treatment.
- If you are prone to cold sores, you can take an antiviral medication (such as Valtrex) prior to your treatment.
- Clients should not perform any physical activity that increases body temperature or blood pressure within 24 hours before and after treatments.
- If you have Botox or dermal fillers in the area to be treated, wait 14 days both before and after injection to receive treatments.
- Antibiotics may increase photosensitivity. We recommend that you check with your personal physician prior to receiving laser treatments if you are taking a long-term antibiotic. If you become ill and begin taking an antibiotic, you will need to be off the medication for 7 days before laser treatment.
After Spider Vein Removal Care Instructions
- Avoid any trauma to the skin for up to 2-5 days, such as bathing in very hot water, strenuous exercise or massage.
- A broad spectrum sunblock (UVA/UVB) and SPF 30 or greater should be applied to the treatment area before any sun exposure.
- Avoid scratching or picking the treated area to achieve optimal results. If any scabbing occurs, apply antibiotic cream. Aloe vera gel or any other after-sunburn treatment is advisable. Those with darker pigmented skin may have more discomfort than those with lighter skin, and may require the use of aloe vera gel or antibiotic ointment longer. Follow instructions as specified by your laser professional.
- Keep the area moist. Any moisturizer without alpha-hydroxy acids will work.
- You may shower after treatment in luke warm (not hot) water. The treated area may be gently washed with a very mild soap. The skin should be lightly patted dry and NOT rubbed.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 1-2 months and throughout the course of the treatment to reduce the chance of dark or light spots. Tanning beds should also always be avoided.
- Avoid using any irritants on the skin such as Benzoyl Peroxide or astringents.
- Avoid crossing legs, don’t sit on a chair with lots of pressure on your legs. This can cause spider veins to pop up.
- Clients should avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, sunless tanning lotions and tanning creams for 2 weeks before treatment, during the course of laser treatment and 2 weeks after the treatment.Schedule your Laser Spider Vein Removal consultation at our Denver office today.