Although their exact cause is unknown, it is known that spider veins are related to abnormal blood flow in the affected veins. Any condition or activity that puts pressure on leg veins(e.g, gaining weight and sitting or standing for long periods of time), can contribute to their development. In women, spider veins often appear during pregnancy. Other contributing factors include sustaining an injury in the affected area, taking medications that affect hormones, such as birth control pills, advanced age, and a family history of spider veins. Spider veins on the nose or face, which typically appear as unsightly red or pink clusters, may also be related to overexposure to the sun.

Although many spider veins in other parts of the body are most often removed through a process called sclerotherapy, facial spider veins are usually too small to be effectively treated in this way. When the veins are small and close to the skin’s surface, laser removal is often the most effective treatment.

Before	After

How long does the procedure take?
The amount of time varies from fifteen minutes to one hour, depending on the size of the area being treated, as well as the severity of the problem. Usually, more than one treatment may be needed to achieve the desired results.

Will I need to stay in a hospital?
Laser removal is usually performed in a doctor’s office, and a hospital stay is not necessary.

How much pain is there?
You may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation as the laser penetrates your skin. However, pain is minimal and no anesthesia is required. Many patients liken the feeling to a rubber band snapping on the skin.

Before	After

What can I expect after the procedure?
You may experience some redness and swelling of the treated area, which should disappear within a few days. Generally, the veins will turn a purple color that resembles a small bruise, and then gradually fade within 5-10 days. Ice packs are usually recommended to reduce the swelling. Frozen aloe vera gel is also commonly used.

What is the recovery period like?
Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal. Some redness or purple discoloration may persist for several weeks, or longer. The redness will gradually lighten to a pink tone, and then to a lighter, more natural color.

What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
Although laser removal of spider veins may not erase all imperfections in the skin, most patients are satisfied with the results. After treatment, the unsightly red veins are significantly diminished and the skin is returned to a more natural, uniform state. It is important to remember, however, that laser removal does not deter the normal effects of aging and that treatment does not prevent the occurrence of new spider veins.

Before	After