Spider veins can be easily eliminated with in-office procedures that take less than an hour. Treatment does not interrupt your lifestyle. Treatment involves one or both of these procedures:
Laser Treatment
The tiniest veins can be eliminated with laser techniques. For optimum results, we select the specific type of laser energy that will be most effective on each tiny vein. During your treatment, light energy is delivered through a special laser handpiece to the targeted vein, in a series of brief pulses. The light energy is absorbed by the blood vessels, but not the surrounding tissue. This heat absorption causes a coagulation of the blood vessel, which is subsequently absorbed by your body. Our PalomarLux™ laser is rated as the leader in effectiveness and the most comfortable leg vein treatment available. It is safe for all skin types and usually three to five sessions deliver the best results.
Sclerotherapy (Vein Injections)
If “feeder veins” are present, they will need to be injected to prevent them from creating more spider veins in the future. This popular method sends a sclerosing solution into the vein through a micro-needle. The injection process feels similar to a mosquito bite. The solution causes the vein to blanch (turn white) and then shrink and gradually disappear as it is absorbed into the body. A typical treatment may last for 15 - 20 minutes and consist of multiple injections.
What happens to the treated veins?
Both the laser and injection methods stop the blood flow in the vein. The blood is re-routed and the treated vein is absorbed into the body. This is a “silent” process; you will not feel anything. Because this absorption process takes several weeks, your veins will not disappear immediately following treatment, but will gradually fade over a period of 3-8 weeks. Usually a second or third laser treatment is required to completely eliminate the visible vein.
Which method is right for me?
Dr. Taylor will consider your medical history, the length of time you have experienced vein problems, and the severity of any related vein problems, if any are present, before recommending which treatment is best for you. In some situations, patients get best results from a combination of laser therapy and sclerotherapy.
Treatments are sometimes referred to by trademark names in advertising and online information. This can be confusing to the patient when comparing treatment options. Trademark differences are usually about parameters of the equipment more than about the method. The most important questions to ask are: “How does this method work?” “How qualified is the physician who will be treating my veins?” and “How much experience does the physician have with this treatment method?” With Dr. Roy Taylor at Bayside Vein & Laser Center, you have the assurance of knowing you are being treated by the most highly credentialed vein specialist in northwest Washington. His methods and equipment are selected for optimum results and patient comfort, based on research and experience rather than on advertising appeal.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required varies with the size and depth of each vein. For the maximum long-term resolution, multiple treatments may be necessary. However, if new veins appear, additional treatments are required. Treatments may be in 3 - 4 week intervals.
What is recovery like?
Patients are generally encouraged to resume most normal activities immediately, but to refrain from vigorous activities and hot baths for the first 24 hours. Walking is encouraged because it increases blood flow through the other veins.
Some patients may be asked to wear support hose for a few days to keep pressure on the treated veins to help keep them closed. Occasionally, a patient might experience some mild bruising around the treated areas, which usually disappears after the first week. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few weeks when larger veins are involved, but that gradually disappears, as well.
Treatment Advantages
• Quick and convenient, in-office
• Safe for all skin types
• Completed in 3-5 visits
• No downtime
Testimonials
“This procedure calls for a little patience, but it’s worth it. At first I wasn’t sure if I got good results, but from 3-8 weeks I noticed a big difference. The purple lines on my thighs are actually gone.” - NL
“I feel really lucky to have such an easy way to get rid of my spider veins.” - BT