Some areas of our body can become a genuine rainbow…! Red, blue or green, the superficial capillaries of the skin commonly referred to as spider veins clutter our beauty capital! This is even more pronounced when the skin is very fair or even transparent. It can be difficult to conceal them unless opting for vascular laser treatment. Let’s take a closer look!
What is a spider vein?
Spider veins are small unsightly superficial capillaries that are red, blue, or green. They can appear anywhere on the body and are often a significant aesthetic concern. They can result from vascular insufficiency, contraceptive use, sun exposure, aging, and also heredity. Spider veins can sometimes appear on the face, neck, or lower back. They are common and even more so in women than in men under 50.
Spider veins can develop in isolation or in clusters and, in such cases, are often fed by a more dilated vein. To overcome daily insecurities and finally dare to wear skirts, vascular laser therapy may be your ideal solution.
How to treat spider veins?
Spider veins are treated using vascular laser therapy. This emits a beam of light that targets the spider veins to be treated without damaging the surrounding tissues. This is known as selective photocoagulation. The blood within the spider veins is coagulated. The vessel is blocked and ceases to function, hence its darker colour. It will naturally disappear after being absorbed by the immune system over a few weeks.
The initial consultation will allow the practitioner to answer all your questions as well as identify any potential contraindications to vascular treatments. They will carry out a clinical examination and sometimes even a laser test to familiarise you with the treatment and assess its reaction on your skin. A reflection period will allow you to make your decision regarding the treatment.
What happens during a session?
To start the session, you will be cleansed of makeup and your skin will be disinfected using an antiseptic solution. The sensation of the laser varies from patient to patient and differs according to the treated areas. At the end of each session, a healing and moisturising cream will be applied to the skin. It will be necessary to keep hydrated for a few days and to avoid sun exposure for about ten days.
Typically, 2 to 3 treatments will be required, and results will be visible after 4 to 6 weeks. The duration of each treatment session is between 10 and 40 minutes depending on the area being treated. The doctor will specify the number of sessions needed based on the area to be treated, skin characteristics, and vessels.
Are there any contraindications to consider?
Vascular laser is not recommended in various cases: when the skin is tanned or following recent sun exposure. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy and in cases of taking photosensitising medications.
After the session, it is crucial to avoid the sun for at least 15 days to prevent the appearance of brown spots. Sun protection is recommended during the month following the session.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself and eliminate all the little imperfections that hinder your daily life!
