Will Laser and Light Therapy Eliminate Spider Veins?

Spider veins may be troubling and very embarrassing for those in the Las Vegas, Nevada area and around the nation. They may not cause the medical symptoms that varicose veins do—pain and heaviness in the legs—but their unappealing appearance may lead many to feel self-conscious and embarrassed. Therefore, treatment is quite important for many sufferers of spider veins, as the unsightly appearance of the condition may affect the personal, social or even professional lives of those suffering from them. Laser and light therapies have helped many individuals find relief from this venous condition so they may put it behind them.

A variety of lasers and light sources may be used to apply treatment to patients suffering from these conditions. Examples include the long-pulse alexandrite, diode and long-pulse Nd; Yag lasers and intense pulsed light devices. Others may also be used and it is important to discuss the laser or light source being used in one's particular treatment. Most specialists will take the time to discuss the different options and will recommend certain light sources or lasers to their patients. Light devices are generally used along with cooling methods to keep the surface of the skin cool throughout treatment. Cooling methods may include cool gel, chilled air and others.

Laser treatment involves the use of a focused beam of light delivered through a small handheld device. The light targets the problem vein in a series of brief pulses. The energy from the laser light is absorbed by the blood vessel lining and the blood within the vein. This leads to the coagulation, or clotting, of the blood, which is later absorbed by the body. In most cases, anesthetic is not required during treatment. Patients may feel a slight tingling sensation as the laser is fired. If pain is felt, a topical anesthetic may be applied prior to treatment. A cooling method is used to help reduce pain.

Patients interested in laser or light therapies will be evaluated prior to undergoing treatment to ensure they are a good candidate for treatment. Spider veins are a cosmetic concern only and do not cause symptoms. Those with symptoms such as pain and heaviness in the legs will be further evaluated to ensure that they are not suffering from varicose veins. If suffering from varicose veins, other methods of treatment may be recommended. Laser therapy is generally used for small spider veins and is not effective in treating larger varicose veins.

Possible risks associated with laser vein treatment are minimal. The eyes will be shielded during treatment to avoid accidental exposure to the laser light. State of the art cooling systems are used, so treatments generally carry low risk and are pain-free in many cases. Two to six treatments may be required to reach optimal results, although this varies depending on the size and the number of veins being treated. As spider veins are considered a cosmetic concern, procedures to treat them are not covered by insurance. Patients should consult a vein specialist in the Las Vegas area and their insurance company for further information.

Learn more about laser and light therapy in Las Vegas, Nevada.