Spider Veins
Spider Vein Treatment
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small, dilated blood vessels that appear near the surface of the skin. They can be red, blue, or purple and often resemble a spider web or tree branches, hence their name. These veins commonly appear on the legs and fact, affecting both men and women.
Causes of Spider Veins
Spider veins develop due to various factors, including:
- Genetics: A family history of spider veins increases the likelihood of developing them.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control pills can contribute to the formation of spider veins.
- Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Occupations or lifestyles that require long periods of standing or sitting can increase pressure in the veins.
- Age: The risk of spider veins increases as we age, due to the natural weakening of the veins and valves.
- Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure, especially on fair-skinned individuals, can lead to spider veins on the face.
Symptoms of Spider Veins
While spider veins are often a cosmetic concern, they can sometimes cause discomfort, including:
- Aching or burning sensations
- Throbbing or cramping in the legs
- Itching around the affected area
- Swelling in the legs
Laser Treatment for Spider Veins
At Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute, we treat spider veins with vascular laser therapy — a precise, needle-free approach that clears unwanted vessels without injections or compression garments.
Laser treatment works through a principle called selective photothermolysis. The laser delivers a targeted wavelength of light that is absorbed by the hemoglobin inside the vessel. That energy converts to heat, which collapses the vein wall from within while leaving the surrounding skin untouched. Over the following weeks, your body naturally clears the treated vessel and the pattern fades from view. Blood simply reroutes through the many healthy vessels nearby.
Because the treatment is delivered through the surface of the skin, there are no needles, no injected solutions, and no bandaging afterward.
Our Vascular Laser Technology
We use two of the most established vascular laser platforms in dermatology, which lets us match the technology to your specific vessels rather than applying one approach to every patient.
Aura KTP Laser (532 nm)
The KTP laser emits a green wavelength that hemoglobin absorbs strongly, making it well suited to fine, superficial vessels — particularly the delicate telangiectasias that appear around the nose, cheeks, and chin.
VBeam Pulsed Dye Laser (595 nm)
The VBeam is a longstanding standard for vascular treatment. Its longer wavelength reaches slightly deeper vessels, and its built-in cooling system protects the skin’s surface throughout the session for added comfort. It’s also an excellent choice for diffuse facial redness and rosacea-related flushing.
Your provider will select the right laser — or a combination of the two — based on the size, depth, and color of your vessels, along with your skin type.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your appointment begins with a consultation, where your provider examines the treatment area, reviews your medical history, and confirms which laser suits your skin and vessels.
During treatment, you’ll wear protective eyewear while your provider guides the laser handpiece over the affected area. Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap or warm pinch, similar to the flick of a rubber band. No anesthesia is required, though topical numbing cream is available on request. Sessions are brief, and smaller areas can often be completed in a matter of minutes.
What Happens After Laser Treatment?
Recovery is straightforward. You may notice mild redness, slight swelling, or temporary darkening of the treated vessels, all of which typically resolve within a few days. Some patients see vessels disappear immediately, while others watch them fade gradually over the following weeks.
There’s essentially no downtime. You can return to work and your normal routine the same day. We ask that you avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs, and saunas briefly after treatment, and consistent sun protection on the treated area is important while your skin heals.
Many patients are satisfied after one or two sessions. More extensive vessels may require a short series spaced several weeks apart, and your provider will lay out a realistic plan at your consultation.
Is Laser Treatment Right for Me?
Vascular laser treatment is safe and effective for most patients, but the right approach depends on the size, depth, and location of your vessels as well as your skin tone. Larger varicose veins generally require a different course of care. During your consultation, we’ll assess your veins and give you an honest recommendation, including a referral if another specialty is the better fit.
Schedule Your Consultation
Ready to address your spider veins? Contact Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute to schedule a consultation and learn which laser is right for you.
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