Veins: Laser Spider Vein Therapy

Spider veins usually take on one of three basic patterns. They may appear in a true spider shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point. They may be arborizing and will resemble tiny branch-like shapes. Or they may be linear and appear as thin separate lines. Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the arborizing pattern often appears on the outer thigh in a sunburst or cartwheel distribution.

Varicose veins are larger – usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter – darker in color and tend to bulge. Varicose veins are also more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders. Surgical treatment is often necessary for this condition.

A number of factors contribute to the development of darkened veins, including heredity, pregnancy and other events that cause hormonal shifts, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications.

Today, removal of spider and varicose veins can be accomplished safely with our medical lasers, which target individual veins for precise results.

During your treatment, light energy is delivered through a special laser hand piece to the targeted vein in a series of brief pulses. The blood vessels, but not the surrounding tissue, absorb the light energy. This heat absorption causes a coagulation of the blood vessel, which is subsequently absorbed by your body.

One or two treatments should remove the veins for good, but on occasion one or two additional treatments may be necessary. Treatments should take place three to four weeks apart.

Most patients are pleased with the difference spider vein treatment make on their body. The skin of your legs will appear younger, clearer and more healthy-looking. If you’ve been wearing long skirts and/or slacks to hide your spider veins, you’ll now be able to broaden your fashion horizons.