Facial Reticular & Spider Vein Laser Treatment

Facial Vein Laser Treatment by Board Certified Doctor, Dr. Raffi Dishakjian.

While facial veins cause no physical harm; they are definitely a setback to a great complexion. Facial spider veins are most common around the nose and cheeks; whereas reticular veins (dilated bluish vein, usually from 1 mm to less than 3 mm in diameter) are usually found along the cheekbones, around the temples, and under the eyes. Among the many documented causes for developing facial spider veins, exposure to the damaging Sun rays is the single most important factor. Fair-skinned people of northern European extraction are particularly prone to develop them than olive skinned or dark-skinned people. Facial veins are considered cosmetic in nature and not covered by insurance.

FACIAL SPIDER VEINS LASER TREATMENT

Lasers Vs Sclerotherapy for Facial Vein Treatment

Among the many available spider vein treatment techniques, light-based therapies are by far the most commonly used ones. Light based therapies use either laser beams or intense pulse light (IPL) to target the hemoglobin in the blood vessels and destroy the vessels by generating heat. Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is similar to laser therapy, except that it is gentler and uses broadband light instead of focused monochromatic (single wavelength) light.

Facial veins have certain characteristics that make them particularly suitable for light based treatments. Unlike leg veins, facial spider veins are usually of the low pressure variety and are quite similar to each other in size, depth and color, and therefore these veins respond more uniformly to a particular laser setting. In addition, light based treatments restrict the damage to the facial spider and reticular veins without causing damage to surrounding tissue.

Sclerotherapy injection treatments, on the other hand, carry the uncommon but serious possibility of the injected solution travelling into the network of veins inside the skull or the ophthalmic artery, resulting in loss of vision.

Facial Veins Laser Treatment at Nu Vela

Dr. R. Dishakjian, phlebologist and cosmetic surgeon, uses Cutera's long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser equipped with a contact copper cooling tip for treating the visible facial spider and reticular veins. This Laser is one of the best in the industry in terms of ease of use, power, safety, flexibility and efficacy. It can be optimized for visible facial vessels of any size, color and depth for speedy and effective treatment. During a treatment session, the combination of the effective cooling system and routine use of topical anesthetic cream keeps the discomfort to a minimum level and dramatically reduces the risk for skin wounds, blisters, and ulcerations.

FACIAL RETICULAR VEIN LASER REMOVAL

Very fine and microscopic facial spider veins, on the other hand, are best treated with Sciton's Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment. This technique, incidentally, is also the ideal treatment for facial Rosacea.

When Will I See Results and What Is the Recovery Period Like?

Facial vein treatment with light-based therapies may require several sessions and can take several weeks before the full effect of the treatment is realized. For instance, extensive finer vessels around the nose may require repeat treatment sessions, whereby larger bluish reticular veins under the eyes more commonly require a single session. Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual's capacity to heal. After the laser therapy, the vessels underneath the skin will gradually change from a dark blue to light red color, then eventually disappearing in a few weeks; however, once complete clearance is achieved, the veins remain closed and wearing sunscreen helps prevent the appearance of new veins. Most patients report a high degree of satisfaction with the procedure and relief at no longer having to conceal the unsightly veins.

NOSE SPIDER VEINS LASER TREATMENT

Safety and Side Effects of IPL and Laser Treatment of Facial Veins

Individuals with facial veins need to be evaluated prior to laser therapy laser treatment to avoid uneven skin coloration, which may happen especially in people with darker skin tones. Laser therapy of reticular (blue) veins around the eyes can be safely performed as long as the laser beam can be restricted to a safe zone outside of the eye socket (orbital rim). Other side effects of laser treatment of facial veins can include pain (similar to a rubber band snap) and temporary purpura (purple pigmentation of the skin similar to bruising) and darkened skin. Fortunately, compared to other areas of the body, the healing process of the facial skin is much faster; the perpura resolves in a matter of days, occasional pigmentation or scars heal in a short time, and darkened skin can often be successfully treated with a bleaching cream. IPL spider vein treatment is gentler than laser treatment, and accordingly the side effects mentioned above are less common.

Questions About Cost or the Treatment?

You may reach our Los Angeles medical spa and vein clinic by clicking the "Contact us" button at the top of the page, or by calling 818-832-4500. Our receptionist will be delighted to assist you with any enquiries regarding cost, additional information, or scheduling a free consultation session with Dr. Dishakjian, a cosmetic surgeon and phlebologist.

Click spider and varicose vein treatment Los Angeles to read about other treatment options available at the Center.