Nonsurgical vein reduction sessions at Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center may minimize the look of small or mid-sized veins on the body and face. Frequently called spider veins, these visible blood vessels are rarely a medical issue; however, they are deemed a cosmetic problem. Affected men and women tend to avoid certain clothes (such as swimsuits and shorts) or use a lot of concealer to attempt to cover up their spider veins. Laser vein treatments are a good option for people who have generally good health, don’t have blood clots, and aren’t pregnant.

Nonsurgical laser vein removal sessions are completed in our Leesburg, VA office in about 20 – 40 minutes, based on the number of areas being addressed. For your laser vein reduction, you will be asked to relax in a reclined position in one of our treatment rooms as the skin is cleaned. At your request, a local numbing cream may be used before the procedure to reduce any discomfort. The laser handpiece is passed across the skin so the wavelengths can reach the spider veins with multiple pulses that don’t harm the rest of the body. The abnormal blood vessel soaks in the energy of the laser, which closes the walls of the veins. You will be allowed to leave immediately to get back to your regular routine.

Right after your laser vein reduction session, you may notice swelling, redness, and bruising; however, these side effects usually dissipate in about 1 – 2 weeks. For optimal healing, compression or support garments may be worn to encourage the circulation of blood. It is necessary to avoid extended exposure to UV rays and you are encouraged to use sunscreen on treated skin. Certain patients notice improvements right away but outcomes will be different for every person. In your consultation, potential results will be reviewed as well as suggestions on the number of treatments necessary to get your optimal aesthetic. More spider veins will likely form in time, so follow-up procedures may be performed as needed.

Laser vein removal is a treatment that is priced based on how many veins are being treated and how many sessions are needed to attain the desired results. During your consultation, we will evaluate your veins, the size of them and location, and determine the scope of the treatment process to help establish a cost. Our office offers numerous payment options as well as special financing for cosmetic procedures.

Laser vein removal works well for veins of all sizes and types. Depending on the types of veins present and the size, some treatments may work better than others depending on what is being addressed. Lasers work great for spider veins and are now considered the gold standard treatment for most cases; however, patients who have certain types of spider veins may be better candidates for sclerotherapy, which injects a solution into the vein to remove it. Larger veins such as varicose veins respond well to lasers, but if the vein is large and bulging, surgery may be necessary. Veins treated with laser vein removal have a smaller chance of returning than if sclerotherapy alone is used. We will work with each patient to determine their best treatment choice based on their specific concerns and goals.

Yes. Laser vein removal treats the vein with a focused beam of light that heats up the vein and then destroys it. The technology is very precise and is highly focused on the target area, which helps it to not affect nearby skin. Once the vein dies off, it takes about 4 – 6 weeks for it to be reabsorbed by the body and disappear.

Spider veins can be found on the face, upper thighs, back of the legs, and around the ankles. Anywhere a spider vein exists, laser vein removal can be an appropriate treatment method. Our state-of-the-art lasers use precision when treating the specific vein so the tissue and skin around the veins, regardless of how delicate the area is, is generally unaffected.

Prior to the procedure, we typically will apply an ointment or local anesthetic to numb the area. Most patients report feeling a slight tingling sensation or slight sting as the laser focuses on the vein. Most lasers on the market, including the one our practice uses, have a built-in cooling system that helps provide a cooling effect. This minimizes discomfort while at the same time prevents the laser from getting too hot, which can result in a burn or additional damage to the area.