What It Is

Laser treatments are safe, effective, non-surgical options that target vessels under the skin while bypassing the skin itself. The laser light is absorbed by hemoglobin causing the vessel to coagulate and subsequently be absorbed by the body. Vivia Center offers laser vein removal in McLean, VA.

Below is a list of vascular skin conditions that can be treated.

  • Pigment Lesions/Port Wine Stains

  • Vascular Lesions/Benign Pigmented Lesions

  • Spider veins/Broken Capillaries

  • Leg Veins/Dilated Blood Vessels

How Does it Work?

Prior to your treatment, a topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area. A laser is then applied to the vein to be removed. The laser light is absorbed by hemoglobin, a substance in the blood that gives it a red color. Brief light pulses are delivered to the vein, causing the vessel to coagulate and subsequently be absorbed by the body. The wavelength enables the beam of light to reach the target vessels under the skin and to bypass the skin entirely. This greatly reduces the side effects of skin discoloration and ulcerations which have been problems with other laser systems.

Safety and Side Effects

The procedure results in rapid healing with minimal side effects. Some patients experience temporary skin discoloration, reddening of the skin, bruising, and occasionally blisters. These conditions subside over a couple of weeks to a couple of months. After treatment, sun exposure should be limited to short periods of time with a sunscreen.

Results

Studies have shown an average of 70% improvement after one to two treatments on the face and after three to four treatments on the legs.

Comfort

The procedure has mild discomfort and patients describe the feeling as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin.  A topical numbing cream may be purchased in order to help with discomfort during the treatment.  Mild bruising or swelling may occur on the treatment area up to a week after the procedure.  This is a normal occurrence after most spider vein removal treatments.  An ice pack and calming gel is applied during and after treatment in order to help with any minor swelling or discomfort.

Still on the fence about laser vein removal? Learn about laser vein removal aftercare. If you’re ready to try laser vein removal, visit Vivia Center in McLean, VA.