Laser treatment for varicose veins
Laser treatment effectively causes leg veins to fade and
disappear. With few, if any, side effects, and no downtime, this
in-office procedure is non-invasive and effective.
Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for both spider veins and
varicose veins. In this procedure, the doctor injects a solution
into the vein that causes its walls to seal shut. Sclerotherapy may
be accompanied by temporary stinging or cramps, small sores,
bruising. Certain veins may require an in-hospital procedure,
surgical stripping, which involves making an incision in the skin
and removing the damaged blood vessel. Ambulatory phlebectomy
removes undesired veins through a series of tiny incisions along
the path of an enlarged vein.
Unlike other options, laster treatment does not incorporate
needles. It is not an invasive surgical procedure, and requires no
local or general anaesthesia.
Get out your swimsuit!
Prominent leg veins are a widespread source of embarrassment.
While not life-threatening, they may force you to ‘cover up’, and
deny yourself the pleasures of outdoor activity, warm weather and
light, free clothing.
In the past, leg vein treatment was painful and invasive, but
today this problem can be solved quickly by virtually painless
beams of light. In just a few treatments, your unsightly veins will
fade from view, while you take centre stage pool-side.
How does The Nd:YAG laser work?
Laser light penetrates the skin, raising the temperature of the
blood vessel and safely coagulating it. Treated veins gradually
shrink and become less visible or disappear altogether. The laser
allows for customized treatment of veins, including some of those
that do not respond to other treatment methods.
What to expect?
Treatment may vary from 15-30 minutes. Multiple sessions
spanning several months may be necessary, but the exact number of
treatments depends on the size of the vein and your body’s ability
to heal. During your consultation, you will receive an estimate of
the number of treatments required to obtain optimal results. No
special pre- or post-treatment care is required, but patients are
advised to limit sun exposure and use sunscreen for several weeks
before and after treatment.
What types of veins can be treated?
A variety of leg veins, ranging from the most superficial to
deeper blood vessels respond well to laser therapy. Candidates for
this therapy include ‘spider veins’, very small veins caused by a
dilation of the minute vessels that sit near the skin’s surface,
and reticular veins, the small, bluish coloured veins that carry
blood to the skin’s tiny vessels. The laser causes no actual damage
to the overlying skin. However, temporary bruising and darkening of
the skin may result, and will disappear in several days or weeks.
Fading is generally excellent, but it may take several months to
see final results.
Does it hurt?
While pain tolerance is an individual matter, most people
tolerate AFT pulsed light treatment well, and describe the
sensation as a rubber band snap to the skin. The majority of
patients require no anaesthesia, though topical anaesthetic is an
option for sensitive areas.
Is it safe?
The laser’s parameters are specially designed to match your skin
type, assuring exceptionally exact and gentle treatment. Patients
of all skin colours can be treated safely. Clinical trials
conducted by leading authorities on laser light document its safety
and effectiveness.
Rewards of laser treatment for leg veins
- Treat very small to mid-sized veins
- Safe and effective
- Non-invasive, non-surgical
- No injections
- No anaesthesia