Many patients develop multiple unsightly, fine, linear red blood vessels on the nose and cheeks, giving a premature aged look to the face.
Laser Blood Vessel Removal: An Overview
These vessels, also known as telangiectasia or spider veins, are broken capillaries that appear as a result of aging, sun exposure, rosacea, radiation, or surgery. When found on the legs, they are often treated using a procedure known as sclerotherapy. However, sclerotherapy is not ideal for facial veins as it requires multiple treatment sessions, whereas laser blood vessel removal can be done in as little as one session. This is why we recommend laser blood vessel removal for facial veins around the nose and on the cheeks for faster, precise results that provide patients with younger-looking, more even skin tone.
The lasers used for the treatment of facial veins delivers a highly concentrated light beam that targets the blood vessels, sealing them shut. The body then reabsorbs the blood vessels, making them disappear. The blood flow is automatically rerouted by the body to healthy veins, making this an exceptionally safe procedure.
Our board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic laser surgeon, Dr. C. William Hanke, was the FIRST to publish on the effectiveness of the 940 nanometer laser for linear blood vessel removal. Our dermatology practice is world-renowned for our work with lasers for facial anti-aging, skin cancer treatment, acne and acne scar repair and more. Additionally, Dr. Hanke has lectured to other dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons across the globe and has been involved in numerous clinical trials for dermatologic treatments in the United States.
We provide laser blood vessel removal using the Varilite 940/532 laser. The Varilite laser has two wavelengths: the 940 wavelength and the 532.
The 940 wavelength is used to painlessly remove unsightly linear red blood vessels on the face, but is also used for other red skin lesions such as cherry angiomas. The 532 nanometer wavelength is used to treat brown age spots on the face, hands, and arms.
Varilite Laser, As Seen on “The Doctors”
Most linear blood vessels can be removed with a laser in one or two treatments, making it an ideal solution for most patients. You will see results immediately following laser treatment.
The laser is equipped with an anesthetic coolant (cryogen) that is sprayed on the skin to minimize patient discomfort during treatment. Additional topical or local anesthesia is rarely needed.
Your laser vein treatment can be completed in a matter of minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. You should prepare to be in our clinic for at least one half hour, as our staff will want to discuss side effects, prior laser treatments and go over your medical and health history during each session.
After treatment, the area will be slightly red for a few hours or days depending on the type of laser used. Aside from avoiding sun exposure to the area, most patients are able to return to their normal lives immediately following treatment. We will instruct you to wear sunscreen on the treatment area following your laser vein removal.
We primarily use this laser for facial veins, but this treatment can also be used for spider veins on the legs in some cases. Not all leg veins can be treated using this laser blood vessel removal technology, such as varicose veins, and some spider veins would better be treated using sclerotherapy. We can discuss your needs during your consultation to determine what treatment is best for you.