I have small varicose veins behind my legs. Can they disappear with laser treatment?

Answers from doctors (9)


Advanced Laser Vein Care

Published on Mar 10, 2015

Varicose veins on the back of the calf may be related to incompetence in the small saphenous vein or from abnormal perforating veins in the calf muscle. Occasionally they may be connected to incompetent tributary veins from the the Boyd's perforator, located just below the upper part of the medial calf. If you have a laser ablation of the the great saphenous vein (which runs down the inside of the thigh and calf) this will not address incompetence in the small saphenous system.

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Answered by Advanced Laser Vein Care

Varicose veins on the back of the calf may be related to incompetence in the small saphenous vein or from abnormal perforating veins in the calf muscle. Occasionally they may be connected to incompetent tributary veins from the the Boyd's perforator, located just below the upper part of the medial calf. If you have a laser ablation of the the great saphenous vein (which runs down the inside of the thigh and calf) this will not address incompetence in the small saphenous system.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Georgia Vascular Institute

Published on Feb 03, 2015

They can but depends on how big they are. If they are fairly large and palpable, you may be better off getting a phlebectomy (removal of the varicose veins with tiny incisions). Otherwise, sclerotherapy may initially be better, followed up with laser treatment.

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Answered by Georgia Vascular Institute

They can but depends on how big they are. If they are fairly large and palpable, you may be better off getting a phlebectomy (removal of the varicose veins with tiny incisions). Otherwise, sclerotherapy may initially be better, followed up with laser treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Goodman Vein & Laser Center, LLC

Published on Feb 01, 2015

I can only give you a general answer since I have not seen your legs. In general, I do not think that surface laser (that is laser treatments) on the skin work for leg veins. There are 2 treatments for small varicosities. Phlebectomy, which is a process where the vein is removed through a tiny incision, is performed with local anesthesia. The other treatment is injection sclerotherapy, where a FDA-approved chemical, sotradecol or polidoconal is injected into the vein. As a note, saline or compounded chemicals should never be injected.

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Answered by Goodman Vein & Laser Center, LLC

I can only give you a general answer since I have not seen your legs. In general, I do not think that surface laser (that is laser treatments) on the skin work for leg veins. There are 2 treatments for small varicosities. Phlebectomy, which is a process where the vein is removed through a tiny incision, is performed with local anesthesia. The other treatment is injection sclerotherapy, where a FDA-approved chemical, sotradecol or polidoconal is injected into the vein. As a note, saline or compounded chemicals should never be injected.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jan 30, 2015

A topical laser will not remove varicose veins. The best treatment for varicose veins would be first a venous reflux ultrasound to identify the refluxing valves, followed by a closure procedure of the valves, then sclerotherapy or microphlebectomies of the varicose veins.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

A topical laser will not remove varicose veins. The best treatment for varicose veins would be first a venous reflux ultrasound to identify the refluxing valves, followed by a closure procedure of the valves, then sclerotherapy or microphlebectomies of the varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Published on Jan 30, 2015

Normally they do. Please have a vein doctor examine your legs. The information rendered by the exam will help him or devise an appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.

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Answered by NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Normally they do. Please have a vein doctor examine your legs. The information rendered by the exam will help him or devise an appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


East Bay Cardio

Published on Jan 30, 2015

Yes, some small veins may disappear with laser treatment. These can also be helped by using a combination of injections and laser. It is best to undergo any type of treatment during the cool months since it may be required for the patient to wear compression stockings, have time for bruises to fade and avoid sun exposure. You will be best served by making an appointment with a vascular surgeon and discuss possible treatments.

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Answered by East Bay Cardio

Yes, some small veins may disappear with laser treatment. These can also be helped by using a combination of injections and laser. It is best to undergo any type of treatment during the cool months since it may be required for the patient to wear compression stockings, have time for bruises to fade and avoid sun exposure. You will be best served by making an appointment with a vascular surgeon and discuss possible treatments.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

Published on Jan 30, 2015

Small spider veins can be treated with laser or sclerotherapy. However, the larger reticular veins almost always require sclerotherapy. But most importantly, one must be worked up for venous insufficiency because if you treat the veins in somebody who has underlying venous disease, the veins will immediately return.

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Answered by Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

Small spider veins can be treated with laser or sclerotherapy. However, the larger reticular veins almost always require sclerotherapy. But most importantly, one must be worked up for venous insufficiency because if you treat the veins in somebody who has underlying venous disease, the veins will immediately return.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Kimmel Institute

Published on Jan 30, 2015

Yes, but you need to have the correct laser to do it. Not all lasers are the same, so while some treat spider veins, others don't. Ask your vascular surgeon for the best options.

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Answered by The Kimmel Institute

Yes, but you need to have the correct laser to do it. Not all lasers are the same, so while some treat spider veins, others don't. Ask your vascular surgeon for the best options.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor East Tremont Vascular

Published on Jan 30, 2015

Yes, laser treatment for small veins gives good results. The size of your veins and type of skin, along with the type of laser,
are important factors in its use.

Answered by East Tremont Vascular (View Profile)

Yes, laser treatment for small veins gives good results. The size of your veins and type of skin, along with the type of laser,
are important factors in its use.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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