Varicose and spider veins can be unattractive and, in some cases, painful or uncomfortable.

Patients seeking treatment of these veins hope to make their legs look and feel better with little to no downtime.

Laser treatments for varicose and spider veins provide patients with a non-surgical option.

Two types of laser vein procedures are simple laser treatment and endovenous laser treatment.

How Laser Treatments Destroy Varicose and Spider Veins

Simple laser treatment uses light-based energy to target the varicose or spider vein. This energy creates scar tissue that closes the vein from its blood supply and causes the vein to die.

It takes approximately one-to-two years for the vein to disappear.

Simple Laser Treatment for Spider Veins and Small Varicose Veins

Simple laser treatment is used for spider veins and very small varicose veins. During the treatment, the laser is applied to the skin’s surface and targeted light is directed to the affected veins.

Patients typically require a series of these treatments to be completed every 6-12 weeks.

Sometimes the larger vein that feeds blood to these smaller veins does not promote proper circulation. Consequently, this large vein will require its own surgical or non-invasive treatment before the smaller veins can be lasered.

Endovenous Laser Treatment Is Recommended for Larger Varicose Veins

Endovenous laser treatment is an in-office procedure performed with our best-in-class Cutera laser. We will thoroughly evaluate your leg veins using Duplex Ultrasound to diagnose venous disease and visualize the dilated veins during treatment.

The laser energy is delivered through a catheter that is inserted in the vein.

Recovery From Laser Vein Treatments

Simple laser treatment has little to no downtime, and patients may resume their normal activities immediately after.

Endovenous laser treatment requires the use of compression stockings for at least one week post-treatment.

Physicians also recommend a follow-up visit to confirm on ultrasound that the varicose vein has properly closed.

If you have spider or varicose veins and want to know more about laser treatment options, call the Vein Center of Maryland to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located in Westminster, Eldersburg, Baltimore, Hunt Valley and Bel Air.