Until recently, lasers were used primarily for facial veins, which are small, superficial and red. The legs have been difficult to treat with lasers because the skin is thicker and the blood vessels comprising the spider veins are deeper than those elsewhere on the body. With most lasers, penetrating through a tan is a risky procedure since the tan absorbs most of the laser energy and can burn the skin. But the newest lasers use wavelengths just beyond visible light to penetrate the skin without heating the pigment, thereby reducing the risk of burning or injury to the skin. The procedure is also more comfortable for patients because the skin is cooled just before or just after the laser pulse strikes the skin, and the new wavelengths allow more energy to be released into the skin so that the overall treatment is more effective with fewer side effects.
Patients undergoing laser treatment for spider veins can resume normal activity immediately.
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. American Academy of Dermatology, 1999. All rights reserved. Produced by NetOn-Line Services .