Denver and Lone Tree, Colorado

Laser Treatment of Veins and Redness Questions

What conditions can be treated?

• Rosacea
• Redness
• Facial Veins
• Telangiectasia
• Spider Veins
• Broken Capillaries

What will the vein laser treatment do?
Your physician or licensed nurse will use the vein laser to restore your skin's youthful appearance. Broken capillaries and other visible vascular structures will be gently eliminated from the visible layers of your skin's surface. This laser has the ability to provide a treatment that is optimized to your skin condition. Unwanted vessels will be preferentially heated by the laser's energy and become less noticeable.

What area can be treated?
All skin areas can be treated. Popular areas are the face, neck, chest, and legs. Discuss your needs with you physician or licensed nurse.

Is there a risk?
There is little risk in the vein treatment of benign conditions. In some cases repeat treatment will be necessary depending on your response to the treatment and the result desired. Your physician or licensed nurse will discuss the potential risks of your specific condition prior to treatment.

How long will it take to recover?
Your healing time will depend upon your actual vein treatment. There is virtually no down-time and you may resume moderate activity immediately. You may experience erythema (redness) which may last several days. Your physician or licensed nurse can answer questions about temporary changes to your skin color and how they may be camouflaged.

What should I expect after treatment?
Your skin will have a pink or red color that will resolve over time. You will need to avoid direct sun exposure, or use a sun block of at least SPF 15 when outdoors.

Will it be uncomfortable?
There should be little to no discomfort, however this varies from patient to patient and depends on the depth of the vein treatment. There is no need for anesthesia and your physician or licensed nurse will discuss your options to properly manage any discomfort from the treatment. There should be no lasting post treatment discomfort.

What will happen during the procedure?
Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. The vein laser beam will be delivered to the area of your skin being treated. You may briefly feel a warm or hot sensation as the laser pulses are preferentially absorbed in the unwanted vessels, heating and destroying them. Your procedure may take a few minutes to a half an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated.

What aftercare will I need?
It is important to follow your physicians or licensed nurses instructions. You may be given some kind of skin care products and instructions on how to use them. This will minimize your risk of inflammation and redness and ensure the shortest response time. Any vessels denatured by the laser will be reabsorbed by your body over a period of time in a natural cleansing process. Most small capillaries will become invisible almost immediately since they will no longer contain blood flow. Your skin will be sensitive to ultraviolet light, and you must avoid direct sun exposure. Many of the conditions treated by the laser will have been caused by sun exposure, so avoiding the sun will prolong your new youthful appearance. You need to fully cover your skin or use a good sunscreen whenever you go outdoors.

The decision to have vein treatment is a very personal one, and it is also an important medical decision. To have a detailed discussion, schedule a vein treatment consultation with Dr. Broadway at Broadway Plastic Surgery today.