Whether you or someone you know deals with spider veins, you can improve the skin’s surface by getting rid of them with YAG vascular laser treatment! YAG laser treatments are used for a variety of treatments, including Telangiectasia (aka broken capillaries that look like red squiggly lines, most often around corners of nose and cheeks, often from rosacea), PIE (post-inflammatory erythema aka red acne scarring), cherry angiomas, venous lakes, and spider veins on the legs and arms. As a trusted procedure, your estheticians at the Southwest Michigan Dermatology’s Laser & Skin Care Center are happy to offer it to help our patients deal with their spider veins.
What Are Spider Veins?
Usually found on the face or legs, spider veins look like tree branches or spider webs. They can usually be seen under the surface of the skin as clusters of red, blue, or purple veins. Different things can cause spider veins. Some of the most common include:
- Genetics
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Sun exposure
It’s important to remember that while these risk factors may increase your chances of developing spider veins, they do not guarantee that you will have them. The good news is, Southwest Michigan Dermatology can help you with laser therapy treatments if spider veins appear!
Can You Prevent Spider Veins?
Regular exercise has been shown to be beneficial for preventing new spider veins. If you have been told that you might be prone to spider veins, compression socks or compression stockings can also help. If you sit for prolonged periods of time each day, you may also increase your risk of spider veins.
Laser Treatment for Leg Veins
This treatment for spider veins is a great option for any Fitzpatrick type I-IV. Specifically, it is a 1064 YAG, solid state laser with a garnet lasing medium. The time it takes for the procedure to start showing results varies from person to person. However, it is always more than a “one and done” type of treatment. On average, it takes 3-6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart for treated veins to show a lasting visual difference.
This procedure can have some quick and temporary heat at the treated area that may linger for a few minutes. Ice packs after treatment are always available if any patients would like one.
Patients who can’t have our spider vein treatment include patients who are on photosensitizing medications. If you have any questions about photosensitizing medications or what qualifies as such, please reach out! Patients also cannot have treatment while using sunless tanners, as the laser can pick up the wrong pigment and potentially cause burns.
If you schedule this appointment with the Laser and Skin Care Center, you can expect to:
Start with a Physical Exam
We review your overall skin health by performing a physical exam. For spider veins, we look at the area where you are experiencing them to see if the size, depth, and coloring make you a viable candidate for treatment.
Go Over Your Treatment
So that every patient feels comfortable and knows what to expect, we go over your treatment plan to make sure you fully understand the procedure. Often, we may also perform a test so you know what to expect during treatment and to make sure your veins are responsive to treatment. If you have any questions, our specialists do everything they can to answer them, so you go into your procedure with confidence.
Receive Laser Therapy
Our team provides your treatment over the course of a few weeks! Each appointment is fast and simple, helping to reduce the appearance of spider veins over time. With enough treatments, our past patients have seen great results!
Are There Any Risk Factors?
Spider veins on their own are mostly harmless and typically do not cause any physical symptoms. For the most part, they may cause itching around the veins or cramping legs that feel tired, heavy, or fatigued. You may be able to help relieve these symptoms through this treatment!
After receiving treatment, we recommend patients to avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods, avoid crossing their legs, or wearing high heels while going through treatments for spider veins on the legs. This minimizes any risk and will aid in giving you brighter, clearer skin!
Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
When scheduling YAG vascular laser treatment with Southwest Michigan Dermatology, it is important to note that we cannot treat varicose veins. Varicose veins and spider veins are distinct from one another, and the method that we use specifically treats spider veins.
Differences Between Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Varicose veins are twisted veins that are usually blue, red, or the color of your skin. Some larger varicose veins close to the surface of the skin may look rope-like and make skin bulge out. They can typically be found on the thighs, the back and front of calf muscles, or near the ankles and feet.
When visiting Southwest Michigan Dermatology, we’ll help you identify which type you have and recommend treatment based on what we find!
Self Care After a Procedure
Aftercare is extremely important when treating vascular issues. It’s important to keep the area cool, keep your heart rate/blood pressure low, and avoid exercising for 3-5 days depending on the area/treatment target. Compression socks/hose are a must when treating the legs for best results. You can even elevate your legs above heart level to help relieve venous pressure.
Treatment also makes skin more photosensitive and prone to hyperpigmentation from sun damage. Keeping the area covered, if possible, and always wearing SPF are a must. Patients may experience bruising in the treatment area, which can take several weeks to gradually fade.
Schedule Treatment Options with Professional Dermatologists
Whether you’ve experienced new spider veins and are looking for an answer or want something done about spider veins you’ve dealt with for years, Southwest Michigan Dermatology’s Laser and Skin Care Center can help! Our team will help you avoid any invasive treatments by providing laser treatment. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation to take the first step toward better, brighter skin!