Laser Spider Vein Therapy
Laser Spider Vein Therapy
Our facility uses the state-of-the-art Cutera Laser system.
Make unsightly facial and leg veins a thing of the past, thanks to the Cutera Laser. No more painful injections! With the most advanced technology, a unique design, and a longer wavelength, the Cutera Laser can safely and effectively treat both tiny superficial face veins and deeper blue leg veins on men and women of all skin tones.
Spider vein treatments are the perfect way to reduce the appearance of those pesky spider veins! Because the spider veins are treated using a non-surgical laser method, with a state-of-the-art Cutera Laser, it is extremely gentle and there is no pain.
What to Expect
- The Cutera Laser combines the ideal laser wavelength with the most flexible parameters to deliver a superior vascular laser system. It treats a broad range of vessels from tiny spider veins to deep blue reticular veins quickly, safely, and effectively. Patients with dark, light or tanned skin can experience outstanding results.
- Spider veins are small blood vessels near the surface of the skin that are dilated. They are most visible on the legs and the face. This treatment works to reduce the appearance of these veins.
- The Cutera Laser delivers pulses of light energy which cause the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the vessel which is later reabsorbed by your body. Blood flow will then be redirected to veins deeper below your skin’s surface, where it should be.
Treatment Plan
Pre-treatment
- Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment
- No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment
- Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc.
- Some medications or supplements may increase the risk of bruising. Consult with your physician
- Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.)
- Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment
- History of herpes or cold sores may require an antiviral prescription prior to treatment
Post-treatment
- Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to prevent further sun damage
- Bruising, redness and swelling are common and resolve with time
- A “bug bite look” is common and usually resolves in 1-2 days
- Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days
- Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days post-treatment
- Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.
- Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.)
Leg vein treatments only:
- Compression stockings (20-30 mm/hg) are optional
- Avoid high impact activity 3-5 days
- Hemosiderin staining (brown staining) may occur after a treatment and usually resolves with time (can take 1-2 years) but, on a rare occasion, it may be permanent
- Strict avoidance of sun exposure may decrease risk of permanent hemosiderin staining
- Large leg veins may take many months to resolve and should not be re-treated before then
- Consult with clinic about when to resume skin care regime.
Services
FAQs
Who can be treated with the Cutera Laser?
The Cutera Laser features a unique design and long wavelength that allows treatment of patients of all skin tones. Your physician will advise you if Cutera Laser Vein Therapy is right for you.
What types of veins can be treated?
The Cutera Laser can remove unsightly veins from all parts of the body. Small, facial veins (or “telangiectasia”) can be treated quickly without bruising or complication. Spider veins and large blue leg veins can also be treated with excellent results. Knotty varicose veins are not good candidates. A careful evaluation with your physician will help you determine which vessels can be treated and the best course of treatment.
How does this compare to Sclerotherapy?
Your doctor will advise you on the best course of action, but many physicians and patients prefer Cutera Laser Vein Therapy because there are no painful injections.
What about blood blisters and port wine stains?
Blood blisters or “hemangiomas” respond very well to Cutera Laser treatment, usually with just one session. Patients with port wine stains and other vascular lesions who had given up on finding a solution have been overwhelmed by the success of their Cutera Laser vascular treatments. Consult your physician for a thorough evaluation.
How many treatments will I need?
Often, patients find that one or two treatments are sufficient. However, the number of treatments necessary depends on the number, color, and size of the vessels being treated. Since individual results vary, ask your medical professional about your specific condition.
Do the treatments hurt?
Most patients experience a stinging sensation as the pulses of energy are delivered through the handpiece. Although no local anesthesia or pain medication is typically required, many patients opt to use a topical anesthetic prior to treatment. Following the treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent.
What happens after the treatment?
Following your treatment, some redness or bruising may occur. When larger veins are treated, a tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few weeks or months following treatment. Patients who have leg vein treatments may be advised to wear support hose for a short period of time.
What are the possible side effects?
Although many patients report few if any side effects, those most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin. These effects typically last for less than 24 hours. Some patients may experience bruising and, in rare instances, blistering may occur. Consult with your medical professional for complete information about the benefits and risks of treatment.
Are there any restrictions on my activity after treatment?
Patients generally resume most normal activities immediately. However, it is recommended that you avoid vigorous activities such as strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours after treatment. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun. As always, it is a good idea to limit your sun exposure.
When will I see results?
Most patients find that the majority of the treated veins have shown significant improvement within two to six weeks of treatment. However, your final results may not be apparent for several months. Over time, it is possible for new veins to appear, but these too can be removed with the Cutera Laser.