Say good bye to your unwanted facial and leg veins!

Unsightly facial and leg veins are a problem for millions of men and women.  These veins may occur as clusters of red or purple veins, or as scattered linear veins.  With the advancements in medical lasers over the past few years, we are now able to safely and effectively treat these abnormal vessels.  In most cases we are able to achieve similar, if not better, results than treatments of the past with fewer complications.

Varicose Veins
Varicosities are large blue veins that twist up and down the leg.  These veins bulge and are very unsightly, often causing pain and swelling.

Reticular Veins
Reticular veins are the deeper bluish veins that form the criss-cross networks that are seen in the lower extremities.  These vessels are larger than the spider veins and often “feed” the spider veins.  They will need to be treated in order to successfully rid any area of spider veins.

Spider Veins
Spider veins are the small red and blue veins that lie close to the skin’s surface.  They are connected to the larger, deeper veins, but have no essential function.  These are commonly found on the outer thigh, inner calf, ankles and behind the knees.  Regardless of where they are located, they are ugly.  Surveys have shown that women are more concerned about these than most other cosmetic problems.

The Science
Lasers work by emitting a specific wavelength of light that passes through the skin and is preferentially absorbed by its target.  This light energy is then transformed into heat energy upon reaching its target.  In laser vein treatments, the light energy is absorbed by blood cells where it is transformed to heat, damaging the vessel and causing it to scar down.  The body will then absorb the vessel in 4 to 8 weeks.  Although the vessels have been successfully treated, more may develop in the future requiring maintenance treatments.

Where to Treat
Just about anywhere on the body can be treated.  The legs and face are most commonly treated.

Treatment
Renaissance has multiple treatments available for these unwanted vessels—sclerotherapy (discussed on the sclerotherapy page), IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser. During the treatment, the laser will be firmly placed against the skin in the area to be treated.  At this time there will be a cold sensation as the laser cools the skin to protect it.  When the laser is fired there may be a slight stinging or snapping sensation as the blood cells “pick up” and transmit the energy to the blood vessel.  Multiple treatments may be necessary in order to determine the exact amount of energy that is necessary to destroy the vessel without causing complications.  On average 2 to 4 treatments are usually required to treat any one vessel; however, many will be treated with a single treatment.  Treatments are typically performed every 2 to 6 weeks, but clearance may not be seen for 1 to 2 months.

Safety
Laser and IPL treatment of unwanted veins is a very effective and safe procedure.  Although it is very unusual to develop complications from this treatment, there are multiple potential complications.  As with any laser treatment there is the risk of burns, scarring and pigment formation or pigment loss in the treated area.  Also, there is risk of bruising or bleeding.  Rarely, there is no improvement or development of telangectasia matting (the formation of very small vessels forming a spider web like appearance).

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation to determine the best treatment for your unwanted facial or leg veins.