Laser leg vein procedures reduce the appearance of superficial red, purple and blue veins. For this purpose, we use a Palomar laser (1064 nm. Nd:YAG), a state-of-the-art laser.

Ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area and then the target veins are treated with pulses of laser (light) energy. These pulses seal the vein with heat. The procedure requires 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of veins involved. Subsequent treatments are suggested at 8 to 12 week intervals. 2 to 4 treatments are usually needed for long-lasting results.

laser leg vein therapy
laser leg vein therapy

FAQ

A candidate for Laser Leg Vein treatments is anyone who has leg veins that are less than 5mm in size, that understands the risks, costs, and time necessary to achieve the full benefit of the procedure, who has realistic expectations of the ultimate outcome.

If you have an underlying problem with the deeper valves in your veins, or veins that are larger than 5mm, you may not be a good candidate. This can be determined during your consultation.

If you are pregnant, take aspirin or other blood thinning medications, or have a medical condition that prevents your blood from clotting properly, you should not have this procedure.

Lasers are machines that produce a beam of light that has a specific biological target. Some lasers target blood vessels and are absorbed by these. The laser light is then absorbed by hemoglobin, a substance in the blood that gives it a red or purple color. This heats up the blood vessel enough for the vessel to be heat sealed or damaged. Over time the body reabsorbs these damaged vessels.

If a vein goes completely away with treatment, it should not return, but occasionally the body reopens the vessel before it is completely reabsorbed or the vessel only partially responds. Because of this we find that most people need 2-4 treatments that are 8-12 weeks apart. Also the factors that contributed to the enlarged veins such as standing for long periods of time, female hormones, pregnancy, being overweight, or a family history of varicose veins may not change, and therefore, new veins tend to form over time.

With the laser treatments, there is some discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure is over, there is no discomfort.

The veins treated will usually look darker and a bit swollen after the procedure. There may be small pink bumps that resemble mosquito bites that can last a day or two.

Uncommonly, a skin wound such as superficial blisters and scabs can occur, which heal within 2 days to 14 days. Use of antibiotic ointment on a regular basis usually results in uneventful healing.