If you’re dealing with spider veins, you’re not alone. Millions of people are affected by these small, red, blue, or purple veins that typically appear on the legs, face, and other areas of the body. While they’re mostly a cosmetic issue, they can cause discomfort and even pain. But, there’s good news! Laser treatment can help treat spider veins, and you may be wondering how long it takes for the veins to disappear after treatment. In this article, we’ll answer that question and more, giving you all the information you need about laser treatment for spider veins.

Maryland Vein Center is a state-of-the-art vein center dedicated to helping you achieve optimal vascular health. Our medical providers carefully examine your leg veins, discuss your symptoms, and curate personalized treatment plans to address your specific symptoms and improve your vein health. Our vein center is located at 10215 Fernwood Rd, Suite 301, Bethesda, just outside of Washington, DC in Silver Spring. Please schedule an appointment at your nearest vein center in Maryland.

What are spider veins and how are they treated?

Spider veins are small blood vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin. They can be red, blue, or purple and look like a spider’s web. Spider veins can be caused by genetics, aging, hormonal changes, and other factors. While they’re mostly a cosmetic issue, they can cause discomfort and even pain. In some cases, however, spider veins can also be symptomatic of chronic venous insufficiency, a dangerous underlying medical condition.

The most common treatment for spider veins is endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). During the procedure, a laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein through a tiny incision in the skin. The laser energy collapses and seals the vein, causing the blood to redirect to healthier veins. Over time, the treated vein will fade and eventually disappear. This treatment addresses the root cause of spider veins — vein disease — thus allowing the spider veins to gradually disappear.

However, if you want to target spider veins directly and make them fade away from your skin’s surface quickly, you can undergo sclerotherapy, either as a standalone procedure or after endovenous ablation. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosant medicine into the spider veins to fuse their vein walls, thus rerouting the accumulated blood into healthier leg veins. Over time, the spider veins harden into scar tissues and fade away from the skin.

How long does it take for the veins to disappear after laser treatment?

The length of time it takes for the veins to disappear after laser treatment will depend on several factors, including the size and location of the veins and your body. On average, it can take several weeks for the veins to fade and disappear. It’s important to remember that laser treatment is not a one-time cure for spider veins. You may need additional treatments to fully treat the veins, especially if you have a large number of spider veins. It’s also important to wear compression stockings after treatment to improve blood flow and speed up recovery.

What are the side effects of laser treatment for spider veins?

Laser treatment for spider veins is safe and effective, but like any medical procedure, it does have some potential side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Bruising and swelling: This is the most common side effect of laser treatment and typically resolves within a few days to a week.
• Pain and discomfort: You may experience some pain and discomfort during and after the procedure, but this is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation: In rare cases, laser treatment can cause discoloration of the skin. This is usually temporary and will resolve on its own over time.

What are the benefits of laser treatment for spider veins?

Laser treatment for spider veins offers several benefits, including:

• Improved appearance: The most obvious benefit of laser treatment is that it can help improve the appearance of spider veins. After treatment, the veins will fade and eventually disappear, giving you smoother, clearer skin.
• Pain relief: If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from your spider veins, laser treatment can help relieve these symptoms.
• Quick and easy: Laser treatment for spider veins is quick and easy, taking only 15-30 minutes per session. There’s no need for extensive preparation or recovery time, so you can get back to your daily routine right away.
• Non-invasive: Laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure, meaning that there are no incisions or stitches involved. This makes it a great option for those who are looking for a minimally invasive solution to their spider veins.

What are the risks of laser treatment for spider veins?

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with laser treatment for spider veins. Some of the most common risks include:

• Scarring: In rare cases, laser treatment can cause scarring. However, this is typically mild and will fade over time.
• Nerve damage: In very rare cases, laser treatment can cause nerve damage. This can lead to numbness or tingling in the treated area.
• Recurrence of veins: Although laser treatment is effective at treating spider veins, there is always a risk of the veins returning. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to minimize the risk of the recurrence of veins.

Is laser treatment for spider veins covered by insurance?

In most cases, laser treatment for spider veins is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. However, if your spider veins are causing pain or discomfort, or if you’re diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, your insurance may cover the cost of treatment. Please contact your vein doctor’s office for free insurance verification, and ask them to determine if you can receive insurance coverage for your spider vein treatment.