Laser Leg Vein Treatment FAQs
Do you suffer from varicose veins? These raised, enlarged veins can be troublesome, causing the legs to swell, burn, itch, or ache. Legs might also feel heavy and fatigued. In extreme cases, they can bleed and cause skin discoloration or even ulcers. If you’ve got varicose veins and you’re ready to do something about them it may be time to consider laser leg vein treatment. Here, we answer some common questions about the procedure.
- What is treatment for varicose veins like? Many of today’s treatments for varicose veins are minimally invasive, with no downtime. You can resume normal activities immediately, and often, the treatments are even covered by insurance.
- How are vascular lasers used to treat varicose veins? Using a highly concentrated beam of light, the laser delivers just the right wavelength of energy to the right tissue. This causes the faulty vein to close, and your body automatically reroutes the blood to healthy veins. The treated vein become fibrous tissue and is eventually reabsorbed into the body.
- Is the procedure painful? Most patients report a tingling sensation, but no pain. The procedure is done in the office, and no anesthesia is required. There’s also minimal scarring, bruising, and swelling, if any at all.
- What’s actually involved in the treatment? It only takes about 45-60 minutes, but pre and post treatment procedures can cause the appointment to last about two hours. The doctor uses Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) technology to send an intense, gentle burst of light into the target area. You’ll be able to resume normal activities within a day, though it may be wise to refrain from strenuous activity or lengthy periods of standing for about two weeks after treatment.
- Are there any risks to laser leg vein treatment? Every medical procedure carries potential risks and complications. Before your appointment, the doctor will go over all the possible complications, which include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, paresthesia (numbness or tingling), and skin burn. For most patients, though, the only side effect is temporary redness and, occasionally, bruising.
Whether you have veins in your legs that are troubling you or you need help caring for your skin, Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology is committed to providing superior, professional skin care in a manner that’s practical, efficient, and compassionate. With over 30 years of experience providing dermatological services in Salt Lake City, we provide a variety of services, from cosmetic skincare to treatment for skin cancer. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and licensed cosmetic service providers, along with our friendly staff, are here to provide you the care you need in a comfortable and professional atmosphere. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us through our website or call (801) 682-4715 today.