Laser therapy – Varicose veins

What are varicose veins:

Varicose veins are one of the most common cosmetic problems in women. By varicose veins we mean small superficial vessels that end up in the skin and appear on any part of the body.

What causes varicose veins:

Their appearance may be due to hereditary factors, prolonged exposure to the sun, and heat, e.g. sauna, Turkish bath, whirlpool etc. In addition, there are hormonal factors, such as chronic taking birth control pills. In women, varicose veins also occur frequently during pregnancy.

Finally, standing is a factor that also acts on the appearance of varicose veins, especially on the legs.

 

What is laser treatment for varicose veins:

Laser treatment for varicose veins is gaining more and more ground in recent years as excellent results can be achieved under the right conditions. It is the most common method used and can treat their entire range, from the thinnest to a network of varicose veins called hemangiomas.

Lasers have the property of emitting at a certain wavelength, to be better absorbed by the target, ie the varicose veins. Specifically, the energy of the varicose vein laser is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood of the vessels that we have chosen for treatment. The heat generated causes the blood to clot inside the vessel causing its destruction. Within the next few weeks the vessel disappears and the blood is expelled by natural mechanisms.

The choice of energy and pulse duration of the varicose vein laser varies depends on the morphology, color and size of the vessel.

The most suitable laser for varicose veins is the Nd-YAG laser, with a wavelength of 1064 nm.

Is laser treatment for varicose veins painful?

Laser treatment for varicose veins is not very painful and most patients generally consider it well tolerated.

Does laser treatment of varicose veins have side effects?

Recovery is quite short and side effects include redness and swelling of the treated area that subsides immediately after application. The use of sunscreen after laser treatment of varicose veins in these areas is necessary to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

When should laser treatment be repeated?

The frequency of laser sessions for vascular lesions depends on the number of vascular lesions.

What are the results and what should I watch out for after the laser application?

The results are permanent and the treated vessels never reappear. However, new lesions may appear on other parts of the skin.

When it comes to treating varicose veins of the lower extremities with laser, standing for 2-3 days after the session, intense exercise and hot baths should be avoided. Walking improves blood circulation.