Does Laser Vein Removal Really Work for Spider or Varicose Veins?

Laser vein treatment can be performed in various ways. Their efficacy depends on selecting the right laser for the job. Intense pulse light treatments (IPL) send thermal energy to the vein from the surface of the skin. These are often used for small spider veins or broken capillaries on the face. Other surface laser treatments beam more powerful lasers through the skin to target veins in the body. And endvoenous laser treatments administer laser energy directly to the vein, by inserting a laser fiber through the skin. Endovenous lasers are used for leg veins, large varicose veins, and deep veins, as well as vein disease.

Laser vein removal is effective when the right laser is selected and the vein specialist is trained in the technique. If you had a prior laser treatment that failed, your vein specialist likely used the wrong laser. Surface treatments like IPL can’t close deeper, larger veins. The amount of heat required to do that would damage the skin. Leg veins often require an endovenous laser treatment to fully disappear. Many cosmetic clinics and dermatologists lack the technology to close off large leg veins. Book an appointment with board certified vein specialists on Long Island to ensure you receive the best laser treatment.

Endovenous lasers and surface lasers are both effective, but they’re used for different types of vein issues. For instance, surface lasers like IPL can treat telangiectasias (spider veins) in your face that result from sun damage or skin irritation. But a varicose vein in your leg might require an endovenous laser treatment, because damaged leg veins often stem from a disease called Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

With this disease, valves in the veins fail to close properly, which allows blood to flow in reverse and engorge the vein, making it varicose. Leg veins are more prone to this issue than facial veins, since leg veins must pump blood against gravity back to the heart. Endovenous laser treatments can treat larger veins than surface lasers without damaging the skin, since they’re inserted in the vein. They can also treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency, which makes them the better choice for many leg veins.

Endovenous lasers are a better choice than surface lasers for varicose vein treatment. Since varicose veins are often larger than spider veins, they tend to require more thermal energy. Doctors inject tumescent anesthesia around the vein to protect the surrounding tissue. Then, they can heat the laser enough to close off a large vein without damaging the skin above it. While it’s an effective method, many vein doctors recommend radiofrequency ablation over endovenous laser ablation. Radiofrequency heats veins like lasers do, but radiofrequency uses sound waves instead of light, so it’s more comfortable for some patients.

If you want to remove your varicose vein or spider vein, not just manage the symptoms, you need a vein treatment. Wearing compression stockings helps some patients with swelling and cramping, but it won’t make the vein completely disappear. Some patients receive no relief from wearing compression stockings. Others can develop complications from compression, if they have certain health conditions or take certain medications.

The first step is to see a board certified vein doctor who can analyze your vascular health. If compression stockings are right for you, they’ll provide you with the right size. And if compression won’t help, they’ll discuss your treatment options. Laser treatments are one of many minimally invasive options. Our vein doctors will customize the treatment plan to suit your needs and preferences.

Yes, all surface and endovenous laser treatments are minimally invasive. These are non-surgical procedures that are conducted in your doctor’s office without general anesthesia. Most treatments take 15-30 minutes, and you don’t need downtime afterward. You can resume your typical work and social schedule immediately.

Surface laser treatments do not prevent future vein damage, but endovenous lasers can. If a surface laser treatment is performed correctly, that vein will not return. But surface lasers don’t treat the underlying cause, so new vein damage can develop. Endovenous lasers can erase the visible vein damage, and also close off veins with broken valves, preventing a recurrence. If varicose veins or spider veins run in your family, there’s a good chance you have Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Choose a vein doctor, not a cosmetic vein specialist, since vein doctors can treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

Does laser vein removal really work? The answer depends on the laser and the vein specialist. When the right laser is selected, and the vein specialist addresses underlying causes, laser treatment has a high success rate. It’s gentler and less complicated than surgical removal, since it closes the vein inside the body, rather than cutting it out.

A board certified vein specialist with minimally invasive training is the best choice for laser treatment. These doctors can perform both surface and endovenous laser treatments. They also have the ultrasound technology to identify and treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Visit our Long Island vein clinics for customized, innovative laser treatment.