Laser Vein Removal with Nd:YAG™
If you are dealing with unsightly reticular veins and their negative side effects, you’re not alone. At Summit Skin & Vein Care in Lee’s Summit, we have the treatments and therapies that will restore the clear beauty of your skin.
What is Laser Vein Removal?
Laser vein removal targets deep blue veins reticular veins that respond best to the precise energy level and wavelength of light that is used in the laser treatment. Laser vein removal is non-abrasive—your doctor won’t have to make any cuts or use needles. Rather, a small beam of laser light travels through the skin and is absorbed by the blood within the vein on the basis of its color. The resulting heat coagulates or clots the blood and destroys the function of the vein. Your veins will slowly fade and disappear after laser vein treatment.
What is Nd:YAG™ and How is it Used for Laser Vein Removal?
Nd:YAG™ is the laser treatment component of the LumenisOne™ system and is used for larger, deeper veins (i.e. reticular veins). Nd:YAG™ stands for Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet, a laser that produces a wavelength capable of penetrating deep into the skin where it is absorbed by hemoglobin and melanin.
Laser Vein Treatment Recovery
The recovery period for laser vein treatment is typically very short—most will return to their normal daily routine next-day. Here are some tips to ensure your recovery goes smoothly:
- You’ll want to avoid direct sun exposure, especially without the use of sunscreen, for 3 to 4 weeks to prevent dark spots and new spider veins from forming.
- Avoid doing vigorous activities and exercise for 1-3 days.
- Don’t take hot baths for 24 hours.
- Some patients will need to wear compression socks for a short period of time following their treatment, though they’re no longer standard after Nd:YAG™ treatments.
Laser Vein Treatment Frequently Asked Questions:
Does laser vein removal hurt?
Laser vein removal is not painful—though some may experience discomfort after the procedure during the recovery process. You may feel slight sensations of burning, itching, or pain over the vein due to nerve damage. However, pain during recovery is much less likely after laser vein removal than after vein stripping surgery. For any pain that prevents you from doing your normal activities, you should call your healthcare provider immediately.
Is laser vein removal safe?
Yes—this vein treatment process is safe and does not affect or damage any of the surrounding tissue.
How many treatments for laser spider vein removal?
Typically, 1 to 2 treatments are enough to start seeing significant improvements in vein appearance. However, for long-lasting results, multiple treatments in 8-week intervals are optimal.
What are the differences between reticular veins, varicose veins, and spider veins?
The Nd:YAG™ laser is best suited to treating reticular veins, which fall somewhere on the spectrum between varicose veins and spider veins. Varicose veins are dark, twisting veins that bulge above the surface of your skin. Spider veins are tiny networks of veins that are smooth beneath the surface but dark and visible. Reticular veins are blue-green or purple in color and are generally about half a millimeter smaller than a varicose vein. Like spider veins, they are smooth beneath the surface of your skin. Reticular veins feed into spider veins and can worsen them, whereas varicose veins do not have any effect on spider veins.While reticular veins are smooth, they can still have the “ropey” appearance one comes to expect from varicose veins.
Is anyone able to get laser vein removal?
The following individuals are not ideal candidates for laser vein removal:
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- Women who are pregnant.
- Those with diabetes.
- Those who have a family history of skin cancer.
- Those with an active infection or a history of herpes simplex in the treatment area.
- Those taking a medication for which the light exposure used in this procedure is contraindicated.
- Those with a history of clotting disorders or those who take anticoagulants.
- Those who have a history of skin keloids.
If you are unsure if you’d be a good candidate for laser vein removal, contact Summit Skin & Vein for a consultation with a professional who can discuss your health conditions and treatment options.
Call Summit Skin & Vein for Laser Vein Removal in Lee’s Summit
Learn more about this safe and effective laser vein treatment today by calling Summit Skin & Vein Care in Lee’s Summit at (816) 533-4398.