Laser Spider Vein Treatment

During the initial consultation, your doctor will advise you on the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations.

Your doctor will begin with a complete medical history and examine the affected area. He/she may also take photos, give you specific instructions to follow, and give you instructions for pre-treating your skin.

Your doctor will determine if laser treatment ? or another form of removal ? is right for you. This decision may depend largely on your skin type and color, since laser treatment may result in uneven skin coloration, especially in people with darker skin tones. Also tell your doctor if you have had any previous facial surgery, or if you are taking drugs (prescribed or not), herbal supplements or medications.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements), if you have been exposed to significant amounts of radiation, if you have a history of unusual scarring, or if you have had cold sores around the mouth (like herpes or shingles). Also tell your doctor if you have had previous facial surgery, if you smoke, or if you take any drugs or medications, including aspirin.

Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the procedure, and ask to see photos of the doctor?s recent patients, before and after the procedure. Also ask for, and follow up on, patient references. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions to ask your doctor below.

First, the doctor or an assistant will cleanse your face to remove oils on the skin. Next, brief intense, emissions of light from the laser will be used to remove the superficial blood vessels at precisely controlled levels of penetration.

You may undergo an initial calibration session, where several settings of the laser are tried on very small portions of the skin. In this case, you?ll return a few days to a week later to determine which setting worked best for you. The optimal setting will then be used for your first full session.

As the laser works, you may hear it zapping, and smell smoke. Afterward, the treated area will be covered with an antibiotic ointment to eliminate any surface bacteria.

• Are physically healthy
• Are psychologically stable
• Do not smoke
• Want to change their appearance
• Have superficial spider veins that will respond to laser treatment
• Have fair skin or the appropriate skin tone for the type of laser used
• Are not taking Accutane, nor have taken it for the previous 18 months
• Do not have unusual scar formations, such as keloids
• Are well informed about the procedure
• Hold realistic expectations about the outcome

The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you.

Sometimes laser removal is performed in conjunction with sclerotherapy. Your doctor will consider your expectations, the size and depth of the area to be treated, and other factors in deciding which method, or combination of methods, is best for you.

Laser technology has continued to evolve and has dramatically improved over the last several year. Newer treatments include cooling by contact with metal devices, cold air or small blasts of liquid nitrogen to diminish pain and minimize the effects of heat on the tissues.

Semi-permanent or permanent skin lightening may occur in the treated areas. The skin may also become hyperpigmented (darker) immediately following the surgery.

Darkened skin can often be successfully treated with a bleaching cream. Lightened skin tone can be more problematic. In this case, most patients elect to live with the lightened area, but others undergo medical tattooing to even out the skin tone.

Heat from the laser may cause burns or injuries. To reduce the risks involved in this procedure, carefully follow all of your surgeon?s instructions, both before and after surgery.

1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
2. How should I prepare my skin for the treatment?
3. Where is the surgery performed? How long does the procedure take?
4. Are there other procedures that I should consider to enhance the affects of laser removal?
5. How much does the procedure cost?
6. What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
7. What percentage of patients have had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you.)
8. Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
9. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.
10. May I have the names and contact information for several recent laser treatment patients? (Follow up to get first-hand information on the procedure and the surgeon.)
11. Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the surgery? (Either on videotape or ask to view one in real life.)
12. What should I expect post-operatively, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity? Ask if your doctor has a list of activities that you should avoid.
13. Who will be assisting during the surgery? What are their qualifications? (Does the plastic surgeon perform the entire surgery?)
14. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
15. Do you have privileges to perform laser treatment at an accredited hospital?
16. Do you offer patient financing?

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements).
• Tell your doctor if you have been exposed to significant amounts of radiation, have a history of unusual or poor scarring, or cold sores? like herpes or shingles.
• Let your doctor know if you have taken Accutane any time during the year and half before the surgery. This medication can affect your skin?s ability to heal after laser treatment.
• Tell your doctor if you have any serious medical conditions.
• Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
• Carefully follow any instructions your doctor gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
• Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to the procedure.
• Tell your doctor if you have had previous facial surgery.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.

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