Small veins and capillaries under the facial skin or on the legs can become damaged over time. These veins can develop feeders that become unsightly. Known as varicose veins, these and other abnormal blood vessel formations are treated in various ways. Laser treatments are becoming more and more popular because of the permanent healing experience by most patients.
At Pender MediSpa, we use the most advanced laser instruments available for the treatment of facial and leg veins. The new standard is the Elite MPX laser. This instrument delivers precise wavelengths of light energy to exact locations without damaging the surrounding tissue. We recommend this type of laser treatment for anyone suffering from facial redness due to the presence of unwanted micro-veins. We also suggest the Elite MPX laser treatment for those who have found it difficult to treat leg veins using injections or skin resurfacing techniques.
How the Laser Treats Facial and Leg Veins
The Elite MPX is specially designed to work on different-sized veins by focusing the energy in several distinct focus widths. It also is equipped with an Intense Pulsed Light system, meaning it can be used to treat damaged skin layers adjacent to the vein itself.
Patients who undergo this type of laser treatment are subjected to a tiny laser beam that is constant or pulsed depending on the depth and size of the vein. The blood and some of the vein wall is cauterized. This encourages the growth of scar tissue, and this results in the blockage of blood flow. After several treatments, the vein is entirely dried up, but smaller capillaries in the region continue to deliver blood to the surrounding cells. The tissue is therefore not damaged in any way.
What the Patient Should Expect
We examine the areas to be treated and develop a customized schedule of laser treatment sessions. The size of the vessel determines the amount of exposure to laser light energy. The treatment itself involves the patient lying on a comfortable padded table or reclining chair. The instrument is precisely calibrated for a certain depth because one patient’s skin may be thicker than another’s, and the vein itself may be close to the surface or slightly deeper.
The laser beam light is absorbed by the blood. This dries up the vein and forces blood to be delivered by other veins in the nearby region. Scar tissue eventually forms and allows for complete healing. After several weeks, another session is completed during which another region of the vein is likewise cauterized. If necessary, damaged skin is rejuvenated by using the Intense Pulsed Light feature on the Elite MPX.
Recovery and Side Effects
We rarely advise our patients to use any specific medication on the face or legs after a laser treatment for small vein removal. In some cases, we provide the patient with a special leg stocking bandage or facial bandages that protect the skin from exposure to sun or pollutants.
For those patients who have poor circulation in the area to be treated, we may first perform a deeper, more thorough laser light cauterization on the main vessel, with subsequent treatments on the smaller-sized spider veins. If this is the case, we may recommend using some medication on the treated area between sessions.
Side effects of laser light treatment are rare and include swelling and redness. These symptoms usually disappear within a day or two. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the session is completed.
We recommend the Elite MPX laser treatment for anyone suffering from unsightly surface veins on the face or legs. Our medical team will work with you to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan for your needs. Contact Pender Medispa today to schedule your consultation.
