Spider Vein Treatment
Spider Vein Treatment in San Francisco, CA
Small veins near the skin’s surface are often easy to treat with laser vein ablation. Our team of seasoned professionals at the Appearance Care Center™ regularly performs laser vein ablation using state-of-the-art techniques. We offer spider vein treatment in San Francisco and can assist you in determining the most suitable solution for your unwanted veins from our comprehensive range of vein treatments.
The Appearance Care Center™ specializes in providing non-surgical procedures that deliver maximum results with minimal downtime. If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area and wish to remove unsightly veins, contact us for a consultation.
What Is Laser Vein Ablation?
Laser vein ablation involves using laser energy to heat and close off problematic veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. After treatment, the veins disappear and clear skin is restored. Spider veins on the face and legs can be successfully treated using an Nd:YAG laser.
Your provider at the Appearance Care Center™ may suggest this procedure for smaller facial or leg veins, up to 3mm in diameter. Laser vein ablation is virtually painless and can improve the appearance of your skin without any downtime. For many patients, a single treatment session is enough to remove the targeted veins. The procedure is quick and often used in conjunction with sclerotherapy and photorejuvenation (IPL).
Spider Vein Treatment Recovery
After your spider vein treatment in San Francisco, you may experience some mild side effects. Your skin may temporarily appear red or pink, and you may notice the treated veins appear darker initially. You might also have some bruising around the veins. These things are usually easily covered with makeup.
There is no required downtime after laser vein ablation. You will be able to go back home or to work on the day of your procedure. Your provider will give you a few guidelines to follow to ensure a smooth recovery.
In general, we recommend the following:
- Avoid sun and tanning beds
- Avoid hot showers, baths, saunas and hot tubs
- Avoid exfoliating the treated area
- Avoid skincare products with ingredients that may irritate your skin
Results to Expect From Laser Vein Treatment
Results may not be apparent right away. After the vein is treated, it can take up to a month for the body to fully dispose of it.
Treated veins may not disappear completely; however, they will be much less visible following this procedure. If you want to reduce their appearance as much as possible, we may recommend a series of spider vein treatments in San Francisco or use sclerotherapy in conjunction with laser ablation.
Vein ablation is highly precise and comes with fewer side effects and faster recovery than older methods of vein removal. The veins that are treated with the Nd:YAG laser are gone for good.
FAQs
How Laser Vein Ablation Is Done?
Laser vein ablation is performed here in our San Francisco medical spa. You will put on protective eyewear before the procedure begins. Your provider will first sterilize the treatment area and then apply laser pulses along the length of the blood vessel. Pulses will not be overlapped to prevent excessive heating of the tissues.
If any portion of the targeted vein is still visible after the first pass, your provider will wait 20 to 30 seconds and then make another pass. This will usually achieve complete blanching of the vein. The procedure requires only 20 to 30 minutes.
Laser vein treatments are tolerable for most patients. Your Appearance Care Center™ provider will apply a gel to the surface of your skin to keep it cool and comfortable and help the laser handpiece slide easily across your skin. Most people do not experience pain during or after the treatment, and anesthesia is not required.
How to Prepare for Laser Vein Ablation?
During an appointment at the Appearance Care Center™, your provider will explain what steps you need to take to prepare for laser vein ablation. We will also explain what you can expect during and after the procedure.
In general, we tell our patients to:
- Avoid the sun and tanning beds
- Avoid self-tanners and bronzers
- Do not wax, pluck, have threading or have electrolysis in the designated treatment area
- Avoid medications and skincare products that make the skin more sensitive
- Use oral and/or topical medication to pre-treat and prepare their skin if instructed to do so
Is laser vein ablation safe?
Yes, laser vein ablation is safe compared to more invasive procedures. It does not involve incisions or anesthesia. Complications are rare and significantly reduced by choosing experienced providers like the team at our medical spa.
How many treatments will I need to remove my veins completely?
Many patients need only one laser treatment session to fully remove spider veins. With larger veins, additional treatments may be necessary. A follow-up treatment would be scheduled one month after the first session.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for laser vein ablation?
Most people with unsightly spider veins are candidates for treatment with the Nd:YAG laser. Generally, the more contrast there is between the patient’s skin tone and the vein color, the safer and more effective the treatment. More contrast makes it easier for the laser to differentiate between the vein and the skin. Patients with darker skin tones can have their veins treated with the laser on the appropriate settings.
Does laser vein ablation help circulation?
Yes, laser vein ablation can improve circulation by diverting blood flow to healthier veins once the problematic vein is closed off.
Does insurance cover laser vein ablation?
Most insurance companies cover vein treatments if they are medically necessary, meaning they are causing discomfort and health problems. If your veins are only a cosmetic concern, insurance will not cover their removal.
Book an Appointment
Arrange a laser vein ablation consultation at the Appearance Care Center™ by contacting us here or by dialing [call-number]. You will meet with Dr. Corey S. Maas or one of our other trained providers, who will discuss your concerns and medical history to determine whether you are a good candidate for a laser vein treatment. We may also offer alternatives like sclerotherapy.
