Spider and varicose veins are common, affecting up to 80% of the population. These diseased veins don’t usually cause health issues, but they might affect the patient’s self-confidence and the way they feel about their bodies. Some people have pain or cramps in their legs as a result of their varicose veins. At Le Reve Skincare & Laser Center in Fort Worth, TX, we offer a minimally invasive leg vein removal treatment.
How Does Leg Vein Removal Work?
Laser therapy is one of the easiest and quickest ways of removing diseased veins in the legs. This method involves applying laser energy to the treatment area. The device we use targets the veins, but it doesn’t affect the surrounding tissue, so the side effects are minimal. Once the blood vessels have been heated up by the laser, their walls collapse, and no blood can flow through them anymore.
The veins are no longer functional, and the blood finds new pathways. Over time, the body breaks down, absorbs, and excretes the broken blood vessels. Patients start to notice a difference a few weeks after treatment, but the whole process can take several months. Most people need more than one session. Once the initial course of treatment is over, the diseased veins no longer exist, so the results are permanent.
The Treatment Process
Laser vein treatment is minimally invasive. We don’t make any incisions, and general anesthesia isn’t necessary. When you come for your first appointment, we begin by numbing your treatment area with cream. Then, we apply the laser energy to your tissues. Once we’re done, you can get dressed and leave the clinic. No observation time is necessary.
Each session might only take 30-45 minutes, depending on the size and location of your treatment area. During your initial consultation, we determine how many appointments are necessary. Most patients see excellent results after two or three sessions, but some people need more if they have large varicose veins or several treatment areas.
Getting Ready
The process starts with a consultation, during which we look at your veins to determine whether laser therapy is suitable. We’ll also ask you questions about symptoms you’ve been experiencing in your legs, your medical history, your allergies, and the medications you take. If you regularly take drugs or supplements that thin the blood, like ibuprofen, Ginkgo, or Ginseng, you have to pause them approximately one week before treatment.
Avoid waxing or plucking your treatment area on the days before your appointment. We might ask you to shave your legs so the laser can easily penetrate your skin. Wash your skin on the day of your appointment, but don’t apply any lotions or ointments because they could interfere with the therapy. Wear loose pants or a skirt so the treatment area is easily accessible.
Recovering from Laser Vein Removal
It doesn’t take long to recover from each session. Most people resume their regular activities straight away, and some even drive themselves home or back to work. We often recommend that patients bring a friend or family member to the first appointment since they aren’t used to the treatment yet. After the initial session, patients can come alone.
There are a few things you can’t do right after your appointment. Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight because UV rays are very damaging and can interfere with the healing process. Don’t apply harsh cleansers, abrasive substances, perfume, and alcohol to the treatment site. Take lukewarm showers for at least a week, and avoid jacuzzis, hot tubs, and saunas.
Keeping the Results Fresh
As mentioned, the results of laser vein treatment are permanent. Despite this, you might suffer from spider or varicose veins again if you don’t take good care of your legs because other blood vessels can become diseased. If you’re overweight, change your diet and exercise routine. People who carry around excess weight are much more likely to suffer from diseased veins because more pressure is placed on their tissues.
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Get up every hour or two to walk around and prevent the blood from pooling in your legs. If you have family members with severe varicose veins, wear compression stockings whenever you have to stand or sit for more than two hours.
What Are the Main Advantages of Laser Treatment?
There are several leg vein removal treatments, but at Le Reve Skincare & Laser Center, we prefer laser therapy because it’s quick, easy, and successful. Studies have shown that over 98% of patients are happy with this treatment. Because the results don’t fade over time, laser therapy is a cheap and time-saving way of addressing this condition.
Patients love the fact that the treatment only takes a few minutes and that there is no downtime afterward. This makes laser therapy suitable for those who have a busy lifestyle and can’t afford to take time off work. The treatment is safe for almost everyone, and the risk of side effects is extremely low.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most people who have spider veins or mild to moderate varicose veins are good candidates for laser treatment. The method is appropriate for those with light and dark skin, and it is safe for adults of all ages. Before booking a session, we always speak to patients about their health histories to make sure they don’t have a condition that makes laser therapy unsafe.
People who have Hepatitis B, blood disorders like hemophilia, heart conditions, diabetes, and very sensitive skin might not be eligible. Those with a fungal infection, broken skin or eczema have to wait until their condition is under control. Women who are currently pregnant aren’t good candidates because they might be experiencing spider veins related to pregnancy. Their diseased blood vessels usually disappear after the baby is born, so treatment isn’t needed.
Why Do I Have Spider Veins?
Anyone can get spider veins, but they are most common in women and people over the age of 45. They don’t necessarily indicate a health issue because they can appear in healthy people as well as those suffering from medical conditions. Spider veins form when the valves in the blood vessels are no longer functional, so the blood can’t move smoothly back to the heart.
Sometimes, the condition is genetic, but at other times, it appears due to obesity, a trauma in the treatment area, or fluctuations in hormone levels. Pregnant women often experience spider veins. Because these veins aren’t dangerous and don’t cause complications, they only need to be addressed if the patient is worried about the appearance of their legs.
Why Do I Have Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are much bigger than spider veins, and they can cause unpleasant symptoms like pain, cramping, bleeding that is hard to stop, and flaky or dry skin. The skin in the affected area is raised and bumpy, which often makes patients feel self-conscious and prevents them from participating in activities that involve exposing the legs.
People who have family members suffering from varicose veins are more likely to experience them. The condition also occurs due to obesity and when patients spend a lot of time standing or sitting.
Are Visible Veins Dangerous?
Small and medium-sized spiders and varicose veins aren’t usually dangerous. However, large diseased veins can increase a patient’s risk of certain health conditions like deep vein thrombosis, which can be life-threatening. People who have pronounced varicose veins need to see a specialist who can help them determine whether they are at risk.
If you have smaller spider or varicose veins, you can decide whether you’d like to get treated. Come to the clinic if you have any symptoms like pain or cramping in the treatment area. Over time, your pain is likely to get worse, and it might eventually prevent you from moving around freely. You can also get help if you’re worried about the appearance of your legs and if your condition is stopping you from participating in activities you love.
Get Rid of Spider and Varicose Veins Now
People who have spider or varicose veins can come to the clinic and have laser treatment. Leg vein removal is minimally invasive, safe for almost everyone, and quick. Once the laser energy has destroyed the veins, they can’t grow back, so the results of this treatment are permanent. Get in touch with us at Le Reve Skincare & Laser Center in Fort Worth, TX to schedule your first appointment and find out whether you’re a good candidate.
