Leg Vein Removal in New York City

Laser Vein Removal

Who wants the unsightly web of purple, blue, or red spider veins on your thighs, ankles, and calves? And those tiny red lines from broken capillaries on your nose and cheeks aren’t exactly attractive. At Laser & Mohs Dermatology of New York, we treat these veins and broken capillaries with our Lumenis Nd:YAG laser, which safely and effectively removes them.

What Are Spider Veins?

Whether due to aging, pressure from too much standing, hormonal changes, or weight gain, our legs can develop spider veins. Gravity is also to blame, as veins need to move de-oxygenated blood from the extremities back up to the heart. In the legs, this is an uphill path. As we age, our surrounding muscles provide less help supporting the blood flowing back up to the heart. This allows the blood to pool in places, creating spider veins and larger varicose veins. Spider veins can be seen through the skin because they are relatively close to the surface.

What Causes Broken Capillaries?

Broken capillaries are similar in appearance to spider veins, but are more often red in color. Like spider veins, they don’t pose any health risk but are cosmetically unappealing. Broken capillaries usually occur on the cheeks and nose. They are the tiny veins that show through the skin surface, as spider veins do. Although broken capillaries can result from a number of factors such as hormonal changes, on the nose and cheeks they are primarily the result of sun damage.

Lumenis Laser Procedure

In a laser vein removal session, Laser & Mohs Dermatology of New York will start by applying a topical anesthetic to the treatment area. Next, the Lumenis laser wavelength is set to match the color of the vein or capillary, be it purple, red, or blue. We then deliver the laser energy in shorts bursts. The light energy penetrates the skin surface and the blood in the targeted vein absorbs the energy. The energy converts to heat and coagulates the blood inside the vein, causing it to collapse and seal. Over the next few weeks, the vessel will disappear and the body’s lymphatic system will remove all of the blood. Thanks to the precision of the Lumenis Nd:YAG laser, we are able to precisely target the vein without harming nearby tissue.This precision allows the use of the laser on broken capillaries on the nose and cheeks. Sclerotherapy, the other method of removing spider veins, is not used on the face, but lasers allow treatment of these more sensitive areas with great results.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Laser Vein Removal?

Laser vein treatment works on various skin types and vein issues while allowing patients to avoid undergoing invasive surgery. However, laser vein removal isn’t for everyone. The ideal candidates must meet some basic qualifications.

The types of vein issues treated by laser vein removal include:

Spider veins
Broken capillaries
Reticular veins
Venous lakes

Patients with these skin concerns who are in good health and have realistic expectations and goals concerning the procedure are likely perfect candidates for laser vein removal.

Those with diabetes, skin cancer, vitiligo, herpes, or who are pregnant may not be good candidates for laser vein removal. Additionally, patients on blood thinners or Accutane may also be disqualified from laser vein removal. Contact our office to learn more.

How Long Will the Results of My Laser Vein Removal Last?

The results are permanent when a physician administers laser vein removal treatments correctly. However, some patients may require two to four treatments to clear up their spider veins, broken capillaries, or other skin concerns.

While laser vein removal may permanently remove the spider veins treated, the treatments do not prevent new spider veins from appearing.

How Do I Prepare for Laser Vein Removal?

When preparing for laser vein removal treatments, you should speak with your healthcare provider about stopping any blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, for a few days before treatment.

Additionally, patients should stop smoking and drinking alcohol a few days before their treatment and arrive well-hydrated. If advised, patients should bring compression stockings for use after their procedure.

How Long Will the Laser Vein Removal Procedure Take?

The length of each treatment depends on the area and the vein being removed, but treatments of small spider veins generally take only 15 minutes, while more prominent veins can take up to an hour. Spider veins and broken capillaries generally only require short treatments.

What Is the Difference Between Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

Varicose veins bulge above the skin. They are large and often twisting veins that commonly occur in the legs over time, as veins continuously fight gravity to flow upward.

Over time, more pressure is placed upon the valves in the veins, causing blood to leak back down and put pressure on the vein walls, causing them to dilate. As a result, the blood builds up pressure in the vein, weakening the walls and causing the vein to bulge.

Varicose veins can be a cosmetic or medical concern, and they may become painful over time.

Spider veins are much smaller and thinner than varicose veins. They are often red or slightly purple and—as per their name—may look like spider webs that sit just under the surface of the skin. Spider veins do not bulge and are commonly found on the legs or the face.

Like varicose veins, spider veins appear from blood not flowing properly. Spider veins are generally only an aesthetic concern and are rarely painful.

Schedule an appointment at Laser & Mohs Dermatology of New York to find out whether you’re a good candidate for laser vein removal. We’re here to help you!

Is Laser Vein Removal Painful?

Because the pulses of laser energy are followed by pauses where no energy is delivered, this allows the skin to cool during these delays. Also, the Lumenis laser has a cooling tip that prevents it from overheating and causing skin damage. The combination makes laser vein removal quite comfortable. When the laser pulse is delivered the patient will feel a slight tingling sensation.

How Many Laser Treatments Will I Need?

Many spider veins and broken capillaries respond to a single treatment very well. Others are more stubborn and may require two to three treatments to fully clear. We space these treatments at 4-6 week intervals.

Advantages of Using Lasers for Vein Removal

Whether you prefer laser vein removal or sclerotherapy — we offer both treatments at Laser & Mohs Dermatology — there are differences. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the vein to make it collapse and close off. Some people don’t like the numerous injections and the sclerant can cause itching and irritation for a short period of time after your session. Lasers, obviously, don’t involve any injections and they can treat numerous veins in the area at one time.

Recovery from Laser Vein Removal

Immediately after your treatment, patients often feel a slight bump on the skin above the treated vein. This passes in a few hours. The treated area will also be a little red, as if slightly bruised. If you’re treating a number of veins, wearing compression hose for up to two weeks helps the body start on the process of absorbing the now unused veins. Strenuous activities should wait a day or two, but otherwise, there isn’t any real “recovery” time.

Schedule a Consultation

Do you think Laser Leg Vein Removal sounds right for you? Contact Us today for more information, or Make an Appointment online for consultation.