Leg Veins

Laser Leg Vein Treatments

What are Leg Veins?

Leg veins are engorged veins that appear on the surface. They usually make a branching pattern. Leg veins may cause pain and discomfort, potentially leading to other complications. However, leg veins may only be a cosmetic issue and cause no pain.

How do unwanted leg veins occur?

Leg veins can appear due to pregnancy, aging, or due to vascular problems. Veins in the lower body have to work hard to push blood back to the heart, so this can cause the blood to pool in the lower part of the body. This pooling causes the veins to appear on the surface, resulting in visible leg veins.

What type of methods are used to treat leg veins?

Compression socks and lifestyle changes can improve the look of leg veins. Exercise is also useful, especially for overweight or obese patients. There are also several laser treatments available. Depending on the size and or thickness of the vein a physician may use 2 different methods either a non-invasive non-surgical minimal pain laser treatment or if its a ticker vein then surgical laser ablation may be necessary. 

What types of lasers are used to treat leg veins?

Several types of lasers can be used to treat leg veins. One option is the long pulsed Nd:YAG laser, which has a wavelength of 1064nm and is one of the most common gold standard types of lasers to treat veins. The long pulsed 1064 nm Nd:Yag laser is highly effective in treating all types of vascular conditions including both red and blue veins. The Dual Accento laser system provides amazing results in removing unwanted veins.  This laser can penetrate to deeper layers of the skin, easily targeting and treating leg veins. The laser emits high energy light, which destroys the damaged skin or veins painlessly.

What are the benefits of leg vein removal?

Removing leg veins with 1064 nm Nd:Yag laser treatment does not require downtime and is also non-invasive. Because the lasers are focused, the surrounding skin will not be damaged. Additionally, laser treatments are not painful.

Who is a good candidate for leg vein removal?

Almost anyone can receive laser treatment for leg veins. Patients who have severe illnesses or a history of blood clots should not receive this treatment, unless they have been cleared by a doctor. Any patient who has not reacted well to past laser treatments should not get this treatment.

What is the average cost of leg vein removal?

Treatments can cost between $600 and $1000, but the price will vary based on the size of the area that needs treatment and the number of sessions necessary. Insurance may cover some of the cost if the leg veins affect the patient’s quality of life by causing pain. If the leg veins are not painful, insurance will not cover the cost as removal would be a cosmetic procedure.

How many treatments will I need?

Depending upon how severe the veins are, the amount of treatments can differ. Most patients will need two to six treatments in order to achieve the desired results. Patients who have large veins or a lot of veins may need additional treatments.

How long will each treatment take?

Patients can expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes receiving each treatment. If the area being treated is large, then the procedure can last longer.

How far apart are treatments?

Patients normally go four to six weeks in between treatments in order for their skin to heal. Some patients experience the appearance of new veins, which then require additional treatment sessions.

What should I expect before treatment?

Be prepared to ask your doctor any questions related to the treatment and your personal health. Your general practitioner can recommend a dermatologist or a specialist. You can also expect your doctor or specialist to go through a list of questions to determine if you’re a good fit for laser therapy.

What should I expect after treatment?

Some patients develop small bumps under the treated skin, but these will go away on their own. The treated skin can become red and will sometimes bruise. However, both of these reactions are normal and are not cause for concern. Be sure to stay out of the sun after having a laser treatment in order to protect the skin.

How permanent is the treatment?

Though there is no cure for leg veins, the laser treatment is permanent on the veins that are treated. This will not prevent new veins from forming. If new veins appear, further treatment will be needed.

Where can I go to find a treatment?

Most dermatologists can treat leg veins. There are also specialty clinics that focus on cosmetic procedures that offer laser treatments as well.