Leg Veins up to 3.5mm in size can be completely removed with the use of Laser. The laser treats these vessels noninvasively and without the use of painful needles. Recent laser vein therapy has been found to be the most effective method to treat this condition. Laser leg vein treatments work by selectively heating vein walls until they collapse and seal shut. The sealed vein is then absorbed by the body over a period of months.
You will start by meeting with a staff member to discuss your medical history, determine your eligibility, discuss details of the actual treatment and schedule a treatment time. After arriving for your appointment, the treatment site will be cleaned and a topical anesthetic may be applied. If anesthetic is used, you will need to wait as it takes effect. Immediately before treatment, the anesthetic will be removed and safety glasses will be placed over your eyes.
Your physician will apply a clear gel to the skin on which the chilled laser handpiece will glide. The laser beam will be adjusted to precisely match the diameter of your vein. The handpiece will be held against the treatment area. Laser pulses will be delivered evenly along the length of the vein. In many cases, you will see part of the vein disappear with each pulse. Several veins can often be treated in a single session.
Many describe each laser pulse as a warm sting; and laser pulses delivered into larger or deeper veins may be more uncomfortable. To help manage comfort and safety, the system is equipped with a chilled sapphire tip which cools skin before, during, and after each pulse. Any concerns you have should be discussed with your physician prior to treatment. Depending on the level of treatment, your physician may offer a topical anesthetic to help numb the skin prior to treatment.
Treatments can take 5 to 30 minutes or more depending on the size of area to be treated. If a topical anesthetic is necessary, you should allow 20 to 30 minutes or more for it to take effect. This is best discussed with your physician before treatment.
Most patients experience considerable improvement after 2 to 3 treatments, with 3 to 6 week intervals, depending upon the severity of skin condition and level of treatment.
Soon after treatment, a red mark, resembling a "cat scratch" may appear in the treatment area and persist for a few days. Following treatment, avoid hot baths and heavy exercise. Special care should be taken to limit sun exposure to the treated area for at least a week. Sunscreen may be applied immediately after treatment.
You will notice an improvement, or in most cases, elimination of veins; however, if veins develop, you may need additional treatments.