How Does It Work?
Your doctor will begin by administering local anesthesia or a sedative to minimize pain. Then, a focused beam of light will be directed at the problem veins, heating and destroying them. Soon, the targeted veins will be broken down and absorbed by the body. It’s a very simple procedure even though the technology that makes it possible is quite advanced.
Who Should Get It?
To put it simply, if you’re having issues with varicose or spider veins, then you should consider laser vein removal. There are some exceptions. If you’re:
- Pregnant
- Diabetic
- Have a blood clotting disorder
- Have a history of skin cancer
then you should look into alternatives. These conditions can greatly increase the risk of complications associated with this treatment.
Does It Hurt?
There is usually some discomfort involved, but it’s much less painful than surgical alternatives such as vein stripping. You’ll also be under local anesthesia during the procedure, further minimizing discomfort. Most patients report a mild and very manageable stinging sensation.
How Long Does It Take?
The procedure itself doesn’t take long at all. You can expect it to last around 30 minutes. However, you should keep in mind that it may require multiple treatments depending on the number, size, and location of the veins being treated. These treatments are usually spaced out by a few weeks to give you ample time to recover.
As far as how long it takes to see results, that varies based on the size of the veins and your health history. You can expect it to take anywhere between 2 to 6 weeks for veins to start disappearing.
When Can I Resume My Normal Life?
Pretty much immediately, with a few exceptions. You should avoid strenuous exercise for a few days. You should also avoid hot baths and showers for at least 24 hours. Other than that, you are able to resume your normal activities right after your treatment. It’s one of the many benefits of this being a non-surgical procedure.
Hopefully, this has given you a better idea of whether laser vein removal is something you want to pursue. If so, then your next step is to set up a consultation with a professional cosmetic surgeon. They’ll be able to tell you more about the procedure and whether it’s right for you.
Looking for an experienced cosmetic surgeon to perform your laser vein removal? Dr. DeMercurio has over 9 years of experience in the field. Please, contact us at The Florida Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today to find out more about treating your problem veins with laser vein surgery.
