Laser Treatment For Spider Veins Costs
Most spider vein laser treatments cost approximately $200 to $500 per session. In many cases, only one treatment session is required to achieve the desired results. In cases of larger spider veins or multiple spider veins, two or more treatments may be needed.
Am I a candidate for laser treatments for spider veins?
Ideal candidates for vein removal using lasers are adults who want to get rid of unsightly spider veins. Laser treatment is typically used to treat small spider veins, not large varicose veins, which are often thicker and darker than spider veins while protruding from the surface of the skin. Lasers can even be used to treat spider veins on the face. Most men and women in good overall health are able to undergo this treatment. Treatments are not recommended during pregnancy or in patients with bleeding disorders.
What are laser treatments for spider veins?
Today, there are many different laser types that can be used for laser vein removal and other laser-based cosmetic procedures. During laser treatment for spider veins, the beam of laser energy passes through the skin and is concentrated on the spider vein. The specific wavelength of laser light used is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood. As the blood heats, the vein is destroyed and collapses in on itself.
Laser treatment for spider veins steps
On the day of the treatment, lotions, creams, and makeup should not be applied to the area of skin that will be treated. The doctor may ask you to shave or clip hair in the target area, as dark hair may absorb some of the laser energy. The patient should wear comfortable clothing that allows the doctor access to the body part to be treated.
This procedure is done in the doctor's office, and typically takes less than half an hour. Everyone in the treatment room must wear protective goggles while the laser is in use. No anesthesia is required, although a topical anesthetic can be applied if you are worried about pain during the procedure. Most laser systems used for this procedure have a built-in cooling system, so the tip of the laser device will be cool against your skin. A cooling gel may also be applied to the skin. While the laser beam is entering your skin, you may feel a slight tingling or stinging.
Following the laser procedure, patients are able to return home immediately. Within four to six weeks of the laser treatment, the vein is reabsorbed by the body. Vein removal using laser treatments is permanent, but it does not stop new veins from forming. Additional treatment sessions may be required for the treatment of large veins or multiple spider veins.
Laser Treatment Recovery and Healing Steps
Following laser treatments, there is no downtime, and most patients are able to return to their daily activities immediately, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for the first few days. Because the laser beam is only absorbed by the hemoglobin, it avoids damage to the surrounding tissues, resulting in a very short recovery period. It is important to avoid sun exposure and wear support hose during this time. Any pain experienced is minimal, and can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications.
Laser Treatment Side Effects and Procedure Risks
Immediately following laser treatment for spider veins, the treated skin may be red and slightly swollen. Most redness will have subsided within a day or two. In rare cases, the treated area may develop increased or decreased pigmentation.