Laser Thread Vein Treatment
What is it?
The removal of superficial thread veins using a laser light source.
What is it used to treat?
Laser treatments can be used to treat thread veins on the face, neck and all other areas of the body. Laser treatment works best on smaller sized vessels which means most facial veins are easily eradicated. However, larger leg veins may not be suitable for treatment and varicose veins are definitely not suitable for Laser treatment*.Due to the variability of areas of treatment, and the size of the veins to be treated, it is essential that each patient’s needs are thoroughly assessed before treatment is commenced and a realistic treatment plan and outcome expectation agreed between the patient and the technician.
*patients seeking a solution for larger leg vein concerns should refer to the SCLEROTHERAPY fact sheet. [Sclerotherapy is the treatment of veins by injecting a substance to make the vein shrink and disappear].
How does it work?
A small laser light source is directed at the thread vein. The laser light is absorbed by the blood in the vessel. This creates heat which collapses and seals the vein. The veins are easily reduced or made to disappear completely.How is it performed?
The procedure is performed by a trained technician and is completed in a series of 15 minute sessions.Before therapy can be commenced, your skin type will be assessed. If the outcome of the skin type analysis is satisfactory, you will be able to commence your treatment at the consultation visit.
However, if the outcome of the skin typing analysis raises concerns or places you in a ‘higher-risk’ patient category, the Technician will perform a ‘spot test’ to check your tolerance of the laser therapy and you will be requested to delay commencing your treatment until the outcome of the ‘spot test’ can be assessed.
The treatment itself is relatively painless, but if required the area can be treated with an anaesthetic cream prior to the procedure commencing. Your technician will keep you fully informed of what is happening throughout the duration of the treatment.
Do I need to take any precautions before having the treatment?
You must avoid any kind of tanning for at least four weeks before the procedure. This includes sunbathing, tanning booths, applying fake tan.Any medication you take which may have the effect of ‘thinning’ your blood must be avoided for one week before the procedure. Obviously, you MUST consult your GP before stopping any prescribed medication. However, some ‘over the counter’ medications [especially pain killers] will also fall into this category too – if in doubt ask your local pharmacist.
Aftercare
It is very important that the area treated is protected from sun exposure for at least four weeks following treatment.For 5 days following the treatment we recommend that you:
Do not take strenuous exercise.
Avoid blood thinning medication.
Refrain from hot showers, whirlpools and saunas
You may experience some redness of the skin and minor swelling. This will settle within one or two days but the regular application of ice packs and Aloe Vera gel will help to alleviate any discomfort you may experience.
Some patient’s experience a superficial scratch mark [similar to a superficial ‘cat scratch’ following treatment] – this is normal and will heal within one to two weeks. You may also notice possible ‘hair loss’ at the site of treatment as laser treatment is also used for hair removal.
