What Happens After Laser Spider Vein Treatment: 10 Things to Expect

There are two primary ways to treat spider veins with lasers. The first is a non-invasive laser treatment that sends thermal energy through the surface of the skin. It’s used for facial spider veins and small veins in the legs. The second is a minimally invasive laser treatment that applies thermal energy directly to the vein. This method is best for larger spider veins in the legs, varicose veins, and the cause of such veins, which is usually Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Book an appointment with our Harvard-trained vein doctors on Long Island to learn which type is right for you.

With both surface and endovenous laser vein treatment, you can move around right after the procedure. Neither of these methods uses general or spinal anesthesia, so you remain awake and mobile. Surface lasers use a topical cooling gel. Endovenous lasers use an injectable anesthetic. But neither of these prohibit movement, so you can even drive yourself to and from your appointment.

It’s normal to have a bit of bruising or swelling after endovenous laser vein treatment, since the doctor inserts a tiny needle through your skin. The vein specialist threads a laser fiber through that hollow needle directly into the vein. The laser fiber heats the vein walls, causing the vein to close. Mild bruising or swelling is posible and should resolve in a day or two. If you bruise easily, your bruises may last a bit longer.

With surface lasers, bruising is not likely, since there is nothing inserted in the skin. However, you may have a bit of swelling or irritation from the heat that’s applied to your skin. People with sensitive skin, certain pigmentation, or skin diseases might have more discoloration from surface lasers.

Some patients need to wear compression stockings for 24 hours or up to a week after treatment. This is more common with endovenous laser treatments since these are often used on leg veins. Leg veins must pump blood from the feet to the heart. Compression helps prevent blood from pooling in or regressing through the vein. Compression stockings require a doctor’s input since some patients aren’t advised to use them. A vein specialist can select the right size for you, to ensure they aren’t insufficient or excessive.

Endovenous laser treatments don’t prohibit you from activity. In fact, doctors recommend that you resume moderate activity immediately after endovenous laser treatment in the legs. You’ll be advised to walk, swim, cycle, or whatever you are capable of. When leg muscles contract, they help veins pump blood out of the legs. So, it’s good to move around as soon as you’re able. Avoid strenuous activities like weightlifting for a week or so, based on your doctor’s advice.

If you have a surface laser treatment, you are also able to exercise right away. However, depending on the location of treatment and the type of laser used, the recommendations might change slightly. For instance, if you treat facial spider veins with surface lasers, sweating and increasing your blood pressure through exercise may prolong visible redness or irritation. So, your vein specialist might recommend taking a couple of days off after surface treatments.

Following laser vein treatment, you shouldn’t sit or stand for long periods of time. While it’s rare, you can develop a blood clot if blood pools in the vein. Movement helps pump blood through your veins, so change positions frequently while you heal. This is great advice for the long run too, since people who sit or stand for lengthy periods are more prone to developing spider veins and varicose veins. By taking mini breaks to move around, you can help prevent new vein damage.

Endovenous laser fiber treatments heat the vein walls directly. When these procedures are done correctly, you won’t need follow-up treatments. The vein scars shut and is harmlessly absorbed by the body. Blood is then rerouted into healthy veins nearby. However, it’s possible for new vein damage to develop in the same area if the vein specialist doesn’t close broken valves in deeper veins. So, always choose a board certified vein doctor to reduce the need for additional treatments.

Surface lasers heat veins through the skin rather than heating the vein directly. So, some patients require more than one session to treat spider veins superficially. Choose a qualified vein doctor over a dermatologist to ensure you get the right laser treatment. Leg veins, in particular, often require a minimally invasive, rather than non-invasive, approach. You’ll save time and money by selecting the optimal treatment the first time.

After spider or varicose vein treatment, some patients will benefit from lifestyle adjustments. Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle are helpful to prevent more vein damage. Take breaks to move around if you must sit or stand extensively at work. Some patients can wear compression stockings or elevate their legs while at rest to improve circulation. If you smoke or drink excessive caffeine or alcohol, talk to your doctor about how these affect blood vessels as well.

If you’re wondering what happens after laser spider vein treatment, here is the best part! Your spider veins and varicose veins will vanish, along with any bothersome symptoms like cramping, swelling, and heaviness in your legs. Spider veins take a few weeks to disappear completely. Varicose veins may take four to twelve weeks to disappear. But you’ll notice a difference in your veins within the first week. Visit our renowned vein clinics in Port Jefferson, West Islip, Jericho, or Hampton Bays for quick relief!