What is Laser Vein Removal?
Commonly found on the face and upper thighs, spider veins are little blood vessels that branch out and become visible underneath the skin. Spider veins can be caused by many factors (like age and genetics) and can appear purple, red, or blue, which makes them hard to hide. Over time, spider veins tend to increase in number and become more visible. Because of this, we highly recommend seeking treatment at the first sign of unsightly veins. To minimize the visibility of veins on the face or body, Clear Lake Dermatology performs noninvasive laser vein removal treatments with Lumenis® M22™ and Candela GentleMax Pro technology. Our board-certified dermatologists can create a customized plan that meets your treatment needs and aesthetic goals.
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who are ideal candidates for laser vein removal?
Laser vein removal treatments can reduce the visibility of small to mid-sized blood vessels on your face or body. Commonly known as spider veins, these blood vessels are usually not a medical problem, but they may cause cosmetic concerns. Many people with spider veins tend to avoid revealing clothing (like shorts and swimsuits) or use a lot of cosmetics to conceal visible veins. Laser vein removal works best for patients who maintain good overall health, don't have blood clots, and aren't pregnant.
how does laser vein removal work?
We complete laser vein removal in one of our private procedure rooms. Most of the time, these treatments take 20 – 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area needing treatment. During your vein removal procedure, we'll have you sit in a reclined position while we cleanse and prepare your skin. If needed, we can apply a numbing cream before your procedure to minimize any discomfort. We'll then pass handheld laser device across the treatment area so the energy can target any visible veins. The laser emits several pulses at the treatment area without affecting the rest of the body. The abnormal blood vessels absorb the laser energy, which collapses and closes the walls of these vessels.
What to Expect after Laser Vein REmoval?
After your laser vein reduction session, you may experience redness, bruising, or swelling. These side effects should subside in 7 – 10 days. For optimal healing, you can wear compression or support garments to encourage blood circulation. Following your appointment, you may return to most of your normal routine, but it's important to frequently apply sunscreen to any treated skin when out and to avoid sun exposure entirely as much as possible. Some patients see improvements immediately, but this varies for each person. To help you achieve your desired results, our dermatologists will discuss realistic expectations and provide recommendations on how many follow-up appointments you'll need. More spider veins will likely appear over time, so you may need additional treatments every few years.
Plan Your Procedure
- Average Cost
- $325 - $500
- Recovery Time
- 1 - 2 weeks
- How Long It Takes
- .5 - 1 hour
- Follow Up Time
- 4 - 8 weeks
Laser Vein Removal FAQ
Where can laser vein removal be used?
Visible veins may be found on your face, upper thighs, back of the legs, and near your ankles. In most areas of the face and body, laser vein removal can be an appropriate treatment method. Our state-of-the-art laser system uses precision so the nearby tissue and skin are unharmed.
Does the vein go away?
Laser vein removal treats the vein with a beam of light that heats it to destroy it. The technology is precise and highly focused on the target area, so it won't damage the nearby skin. When the vein has collapsed, it takes about 1 – 2 months for it to be reabsorbed and disappear.
Is laser vein removal painful?
Prior to the treatment, we may apply a numbing cream to your skin. Most patients report feeling a slight snap or tingling sensation when the laser is aimed at the vein. Most lasers on the market, including ours, are equipped with a built-in system that provides a cooling effect. This reduces discomfort while at the same time, prevents the laser from getting too hot, which may cause damage to the area.
Related Treatments
Remove Spider Veins
Instead of covering or concealing unwanted blood vessels on your face and body, try noninvasive laser vein removal at Clear Lake Dermatology in League City or Webster, TX to improve the appearance of your skin. During your consultation, our board-certified dermatologist will examine your spider veins and create a customized treatment plan to best address your condition.