Laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in your blood and collapses the unwanted vein. The appearance of veins and broken capillaries will either dramatically fade or completely disappear during the treatment. Some vessels may show temporary swelling that will subside after a few hours to a few days. The redness of treated vessels will gradually disappear as the healing process occurs. This may take between two and eight weeks.
Most patients see excellent improvement after just one or two treatments. Everyone responds differently to treatments. Some people need only one treatment, while others may require more.
Serious complications are rare. Common side effects include:
- Temporary redness and mild “sunburn” like effects lasting a few hours to 3-4 days
- Pigment changes (light or dark spots on the skin) lasting 1-6 months may occur in 5-20% of patients and are most likely in darker skin types and especially in patients with tanned skin.
- Other potential risks include itching, pain, bruising, burns, infection, scarring, swelling, and failure to achieve the desired hair loss. Lasers can cause eye injury and protective eyewear must be worn during treatment.
Pretreatment Instructions:
- Apply sun block SPF 30 to treatment areas that are exposed to the sun. You may improve your results by limiting exposure to the sun, tanning beds or tanning lotions for four weeks prior to treatment.
- Tell us if you have taken Accutane in the past six months or are planning to begin taking Accutane.
- Inform us if there has been any change in medical history since your last visit.
- Shave the area to be treated within 12 hours prior to the treatment.
- Do not use Aspirin, alcohol, NSAID’s (Ibuprofen, Naprosyn) Gingko or St. John’s wart for 10 days prior to treatment. Inform us if you are on Coumadin, Heparin or other anticoagulants.
- Do not use Tetracycline and Zythromax for 7 days prior to treatment.
Post-treatment Instructions:
- Avoid sun exposure and wear sun block SPF 30 for 1 month after treatment on all treated areas that may be exposed to the sun.
- Cold compresses may be applied to reduce redness and swelling.
- Apply 1% Hydrocortisone cream or an ointment in thin layer after cold compresses twice a day .
- Call us at the first sign of persistent pain or blistering.
- Treatment area should be gently washed twice per day with tepid water and mild soap.
- Do not exercise for three days after treatment.
- Do not use alcohol, Aspirin, Advil for 5 days post treatment.
- Do not take hot showers, baths, use hot tubs or saunas for 5 days.
Post treatment expectations:
Expect some redness and swelling, which may convert to a linear scab for 2-3 weeks. Leg vein resolution usually takes about 8-12 weeks. Facial vein resolution takes up to 2 weeks. At the end of this process, some vessels may vanish while others may be lighter or not affected.