What is it?

A procedure that reduces the number of small diameter superficial veins by using laser light.

What does it accomplish?

The purpose of the Laser Vein Removal procedure is to reduce the visibility and the number of superficial 'spider veins' that are present in the legs or face . The medical term for this condition is Telangectasia.   They usually occur in the face or the legs. They have been noted in pregnancy, vitamin B deficiency, and estrogen excess, and varicosity.   Spider veins in the face can be caused by sun damage, age, and heredity. The standard treatment for these problems has been Sclerotherapy and Electrocautery.   Sclerotherapy is the injection of certain scar producing substances into the lumen of the vessel in order to obliterate them. Electrocautery uses heat to do the same thing. In laser vein ablation, the laser selectively heats and coagulates the vessels. This is a much more specific treatment of veins and thus has a very low incidence of adverse affects.

Who is a candidate for this procedure?

Individuals who would like to have a reduction in the number and visibility of spider veins in the face or legs.

What happens during the first consultation?

In the first consultation you will get a chance to discuss your concerns with our patient care coordinators and Dr, Marefat. We will tell you what you need to know about your procedure and will help you determine what is best for you.   You will receive information booklets, review before and after photographs, and receive pricing on the procedures.

How is it done ?  

We usually perform this procedure in our office.   The skin of the area to be treated with the laser is cleaned and shaved. The laser light causes coagulation of the blood inside the vessels. This in turn causes scarring and closing down of these channels of blood. Several generations of lasers have been introduced in the past several years. Selective ablation of tissue is the mechanism of inducing injury in most lasers. Different target cells are affected by different wavelengths. The range of wavelengths extends from 500 nm lasers that primarily affect vascular structures to the 1064nm wavelengths that affect water and melanin.

Procedure: Laser Vein Removal continued

Is it permanent?

No. Many individuals interested in laser vein removal have already had other procedures to eliminate these unsightly veins. However ,   they soon find out that no matter what technique is chosen for removal of these veins the affects are not permanent. New veins continue to form in the legs and replace the ones that were ablated. The fact remains that none of the techniques for vein removal are able to permanently eliminate the appearance of new veins.   Even the veins that have been treated may sometimes return with the same severity. The lasers that are used for vein ablation reduce the size and number of these veins however they cannot prevent your body from forming new ones.   Clusters of veins become sparser or less visible, but complete elimination is unlikely.

How many times do I have to be lasered?

This depends on the severity of the problem and the color of the veins. Some colors are more susceptible to the laser light and are easier to treat. It is almost certain that you will need several treatments. The best way to deal with these annoying veins is to periodically treat your leg or face with laser in order to keep them from becoming bigger or more numerous.

What can I expect after this procedure?

There will be a minimal amount of swelling and redness in the area that was lasered.   Your skin may appear as having 'cat scratches'. But this will quickly resolve in a few days. You do not need any down time with this procedure. This is really something you can do and go back to work the next hour.

How many visits do I have after surgery?

Treatments are generally spaced every 2-3 months apart.   There is no rule with regards to when you should have your next treatment. This depends mainly on what level of perfection you want to achieve. You may have as many visits as you want . In most cases when there is sufficient reduction in the number of spider veins further treatments may not be necessary.

When can I cover my bruises with make-up?

You should not have any bruising with this procedure.

Am I a good candidate?

The ideal candidate for a Laser Vein Removal is a person who has small diameter (0.1-1mm) vessels of the face or legs. You should have realistic expectations about the results that you will achieve with this procedure.

What does the procedure cost?

The cost of this procedure is based on treatment time. Here are some guidelines that will help you determine roughly what you could expect. Remember that these are only rough estimates . These estimations include the cost of the procedure and the follow-up care. The fee may be subject to change without notice. The best way for you get an accurate cost analysis is to see a doctor.

Laser Vein Removal:     $150 / 15 mins

How do I pay for this procedure?   

You can pay for surgery by certified check, Credit card, or cash. Payments for cosmetic surgery are expected prior to the procedure. If you are scheduling several weeks in advance of surgery you can pay by personal check.

Are there scars?

No. There are no scars with this procedure

Does it hurt?

The patients have a stinging pain during the procedure.   If you have resistant veins that require high-energy pulses of light you may feel some discomfort. Generally the pain is not that bad and pain medications are not necessary prior to the procedure.

Will I be awake during this procedure?

Yes. You do not need any sedation or local numbing medicine with this procedure.

Where is the procedure performed? (i.e. office suite or hospital)

The procedure is performed in the office.

Are medical photographs taken?   Yes. In all cosmetic and reconstructive cases medical photos are taken. Photographs are mandatory because this is the only way for us to compare you before and after results. Photographs in plastic surgery serve much the same role that x-rays serve for orthopedic surgery.

Date Revised: 1/23/07

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