Spider Veins

1. What are spider veins? Back to Top
Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are tiny visible vessels just underneath the skin. They develop most commonly on the face and legs. For our purposes, when we talk about spider veins we are talking about the small veins on the face. If the veins to be treated are leg veins or include leg veins, click here to go to the leg vein page.

2. How does laser treatment work for spider veins? Back to Top
The light energy from the laser (or Intense Pulsed Light device, or IPL) is delivered to the vein in a series of brief pulses. The energy is absorbed by the blood vessels and causes them to coagulate. The body then absorbs the coagulated vein which causes it to disappear from the surface.

Coagulating these small vessels does not compromise circulation.

3. How soon can I see results? Back to Top
Because laser vein treatment works by causing the unwanted vein to break up and dissolve, resolution of the unwanted vein will take place over the course of several weeks to months, depending on your situation.

4. What are the side effects? Back to Top
The most common side effect is bruising around the treated area. This will resolve within days of the treatment, and occurs only with some lasers used.

5. Is there much downtime associated with the treatment? Back to Top
There is no down time with vascular treatments. Normal activities can resume immediately after treatment. However, if bruising occurs, it usually dissipates within a week. Rigorous activity should be avoided for 24 hours.

6. Who is the best candidate for treatments? Back to Top
Prior to treatment, your candidacy will be assessed by your physician. Laser vein treatments work best on those who suffer from small surface blue, red, and purple broken capillaries and spider veins. Vascular treatments are safe for all skin types. This procedure is not, however, performed on varicose or raised veins.