Laser treatment of spider veins and varicose veins on the lower limb

The first or concomitant sign of the very common lower limb venous insufficiency is the appearance of spider veins, those purple-reddish or deep claret varicose veins that look like a branching spider or a broom. It is more common in women than in men, pregnancy, the use of contraceptives, certain jobs (with longer periods of staying or walking), and overweight facilitates the development of spider veins and varicose veins. First a couple of dilated capillaries appear then a group of vessels that looks like a brush, a wreath or a broom fades out the skin; spider veins may be annoying cosmetically but they may cause a burning sensation, pain or tension. Spontaneous recovery shouldn’t be expected and since these vessels are damaged functionally too the removal of spider veins or varicose veins is harmless. Nd:YAG laser is applied for the treatment of reticular and spider varicose veins.

The course of the treatment

During the laser treatment of varicose veins the light of the laser is absorbed by the blood’s hemoglobin circulating within the vessel inducing warming up. The warming up damages the treated vein wall; therefore the vein wall sticks together and are ultimately absorbed by the body. Laser light can pass through the upper layers of the skin without damaging them so the removal of varicose and spider veins may be performed safely without any side effects. It may be used when injection therapy is not able to block the vein or in case of fine vessel networks developed as a consequence of the injection treatment.

Do not neglect varicose vein symptoms! Consult with your physician in time and go back regularly for control checkups following the removal of varicose vein and spider vein!

Preparations for the treatment

Direct sunlight, solariums, tanning creams and lotions should be avoided 4 weeks prior to the removal of varicose veins or spider veins and during the whole treatment period to achieve better results and avoid unwanted side effects. If the skin area to be treated is exposed to direct sunlight we recommend the use of broad spectrum sun protection (minimum SPF is 30) without exception.

Is the treatment painful?

Laser treatment of varicose veins and spider veins without local anesthetics is usually unpleasant or painful. You should expect some pain especially when varicose veins located in the deeper layers of the skin are treated and no efficient local anesthesia is used. To soothe the pain and increase your comfort a very effective sapphire contact probe is cooled within the laser unit that cools down the surface of the skin during laser or IPL treatment. Due to the cooling of the treated skin patients with reduced pain threshold may be treated without local anesthesia and children may be treated without sedation.

How many treatments are required?

The result may change individually. Patients usually require 2-6 treatments to achieve the expected result, i.e. the disappearance of the varicose vein or the spider vein. Treatments last for 15-30 minutes.

How long does the healing take?

You can go on with your regular duties right after the laser treatment of varicose vein and spider vein but the use of sun protection products is highly recommended.

Post-treatment skin care

Don’t scrub or scratch the treated area following the treatment of varicose vein and spider vein. Don’t swim and don’t use pools until pigment changes are visible. Apply antibacterial cream twice a day on the affected skin area until pigment changes are present. Don’t shave the affected area in case of peeling. Don’t pick peeling skin. Use moisturizers and leave the peeling skin to fall off spontaneously. If peeling has stopped you can use make-up on your skin. Ice compress may ease your discomfort following the treatment of varicose vein and spider vein. If any suspicion of infection (flushing, increased sensitivity, suppuration) emerges consult with the medical center immediately. If the skin area to be treated is exposed to direct sunlight we recommend the use of broad spectrum sun protection (minimum SPF is 30).

What kind of complications may occur during the laser treatment of varicose or spider veins?

• formation of scar, very rarely
• temporary blistering of the skin
• temporary urticaria-like changes
• the pigmentation of the skin may be changed temporarily, hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation may occur
  atrophic changes
• temporary blushing of the skin around the treated area