Laser for Veins Sherman Oaks

The success rate for laser vein removal is very high. However, you may need about three treatments for the final result.  If visible veins are something that bother you, then laser vein removal is definitely worth it as it is safe, effective, and can prevent the possibility of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Laser vein treatment can be uncomfortable, but not too painful as it feels like a rubber band snap against the skin. Most patients tell us it’s a 2 out of 10 level pain. Topical numbing and cryotherapy (Zimmer machine) is available to help make it an even more comfortable experience.

The swelling, bruising, and redness takes 1-2 weeks to dissipate. However, it usually takes more time for the vein to collapse and for the body to absorb it. The process of actual vein getting broken down, absorbed, and removed by the body can take 6-10 weeks.

Unless you bruise (which is unlikely with the Cutera Exel V laser), there’s no downtime after vascular laser treatment. However, if you experience bruising, it usually resolves within 1-2 weeks.  While pressure stockings are recommended for 2-3 weeks to reduce recurrence, you can resume your normal activities right after the treatment.

They are both good modalities with small differences. Sclerotherapy is a little more invasive since it requires multiple injections. Laser may be more limiting for very superficial pink vessels (capillaries) in darker skin patients, as it can irritate the pigment cells to release more pigment (hyperpigmentation can occur). Sclerotherapy is more limiting when treating a large web- like spread of smaller size veins (capillaries), as it’s difficult to get inside these small vessels with the needle.

This depends on your insurance policy, the severity of your varicose veins (if it imposes a risk for DVTs), and the insurance contracting of the office you’ll go to. But usually for cosmetic purposes, insurance doesn’t cover laser vein treatments.

On average, three treatments are needed. However, we have seen results even with just one round. Therefore, you should schedule a consultation before the treatment, so you can discuss this with the chosen experienced practitioner.

The most effective treatment for varicose veins is surgical removal of the vein. However, this option is usually more invasive, has more downtime, and is generally more costly. Lasers (Cutera Exel V & V Beam being the strongest), radiofrequency, and sclerotherapy injections such as Asclera are less invasive and hence the first step for most people if the varicose veins are small. For large varicose veins, there’s usually valve abnormalities and surgery will be the only effective option.

With time, the body can continue to grow veins as it did in the first place. Treatment usually does not increase vein growth. However, if a varicose vein is large, then immediately or soon after treatment the blood can get redirected into another existing superficial vein and make it more noticeable.  In that scenario, the other vein may also need to be treated.

Possible side effects are bruising, mild swelling, and tenderness. A gray shadowing (ghosting) is common after the vein is successfully removed. More serious but rare side effects include skin burn, discoloration, and DVT blood clots.  Also bear in mind that ablating larger varicose veins can cause other veins to pop out more as they are more likely to be caused by actual vein valve issues (as opposed to normal healthy veins that are close to the surface).

After vein laser treatment we advise you to stay away from the sun, avoid sauna, jacuzzi, staying sedentary, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, prolonged sitting or standing, and crossing your legs in a seated position for a week. It’s a great idea to wear pressure stockings to aid in the collapse of the veins and reduce risk of the vein passageways from re-opening. You should also avoid flying for 2 weeks after the treatment.

If you have varicose veins you have a higher risk for DVT (deep vein thrombosis) blood clots, so it’s better to remove them.

It is normal and expected for veins to look darker and redder after laser treatment, it takes weeks to months for your body to absorb the vessels walls after the ablation.  Also, bruising can take a few days or weeks to heal.