Lasers are used as an alternative to or complement to sclerotherapy for small veins. At the Cosmetic Vein and Laser Center, we use the Extended Pulsed Dye Laser (V-Star) and the Long Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser (CoolGlide) and the sequentially pulsed Cynergy™ Laser (pulsed dye and NdYAG combination laser) for the treatment of spider veins on the legs (and face). These lasers all work on the same basic principle: a light beam is pulsed over the veins, causing them to dissolve while sparing the normal skin from injury. Laser therapy is effective for superficial, red colored, and thin spider veins, but is less effective for larger, deeper and darker colored veins. One treatment usually takes 5-30 minutes depending on the number of veins to be treated and are performed at 8-week intervals. It is important to have underlying varicose veins treated prior to spider vein treatments so as to eliminate the source of some spider veins.
FAQs
What is Spider Vein Laser Treatment Like?
Eye protection is worn and pulses of laser light in combination with skin cooling are performed. Most patients describe the sensation as a rubber band snapping on the skin and are well tolerated.
Does laser treatment of spider veins work for everyone?
Most patients can achieve good results for superficial, red colored, and thin spider veins. For darker and larger veins, injection sclerotherapy may be more effective and used in conjunction with laser treatment.
Does insurance pay for spider vein laser treatment?
Most insurance companies consider spider vein laser treatment cosmetic. Most insurance plans only pay for surgical removal and EndoVenous Laser Treatment for varicose veins.