Facial spider veins are a particularly common skin blemish caused by overexposure to the sun, oral contraceptives, hormone therapy, cigarette smoking, and other environmental factors. Although there is a common belief that these veins are caused by excessive alcohol intake, this is rarely the case. These red spider veins can now be treated with the lasers effectively, quickly, and with little to no discomfort.
How does laser treatment work?
What are the alternatives?
What are the treatments like?
How many treatments will I need?
How does laser treatment work?
The lasers used to treat vascular lesions produce a green or yellow light, which is selectively absorbed by the blood within the vessels. The vessels are gently heated from the inside and destroyed without damaging the normal surrounding skin.
What are the alternatives?
Spider veins can often be removed through a process called sclerotherapy, which shrinks the vessel by an injection of a chemical into the vessel. Although this procedure works very well on the legs (especially on larger vessels), it is generally not used for facial veins. Some physicians cauterize the vessels by passing an electric current through a fine needle which has been inserted into the vessel. This treatment can be effective, but it can often be uncomfortable and carries with it a significant risk of scarring. Treatment with a vascular laser is a much safer alternative because of its unique ability to selectively target the unwanted blood vessels without adversely affecting the surrounding skin. In fact, the laser is so safe, it is recommended for the treatment of red birthmarks in infants as young as a few weeks old.
What are the treatments like?
Most treatments cause little to no discomfort. A slight tingling or stinging sensation may be experienced when sensitive areas around the eyes or nose are treated, but anesthetics are rarely needed.
How many treatments will I need?
Facial veins respond exceptionally well to laser treatment. Some patients may require 2-3 treatments for complete fading, but many are satisfied after a single 10-25 minute session.
