Vein & Vascular Treatments

Give your skin a consistent, smooth appearance.

Vascular skin issues encompass a range of blood vessel conditions that affect the appearance and health of the skin. These issues can manifest in various forms, including visible blood vessels, discoloration, and lesions, and are commonly seen on the face and legs.

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that often appear blue or dark purple and bulge from the surface of the skin. They occur when the valves in the veins do not function properly, causing blood to pool and veins to twist.

Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small red, purple, and blue vessels that resemble a spider’s web or tree branches. They are typically visible on the surface of the skin, most commonly on the face and legs. Such conditions are often caused by factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, prolonged standing, and aging. Numerous other vascular issues, such as hemangiomas, rosacea, and venous lakes, can also be apparent on the face and body.

While vascular skin issues are often considered an aesthetic concern that can lead to self-consciousness, certain conditions can also pose health risks, including discomfort and potential circulation problems. Regardless of the type of vascular skin issue, several treatment options — including laser therapy, sclerotherapy, the use of energy-based devices, and surgical procedures — can greatly enhance patient outcomes.

Key Benefits of Vein & Vascular Treatments

Achieve a Smooth, Even Skin Tone
Restore a uniform skin tone and reclaim a youthful appearance in areas such as the face and legs.
Prevent Health Complications
Correct issues with blood flow that can lead to circulation issues and discomfort.
Boost Self-Confidence
Counter the effect of prominent veins or patches on the skin that make you self-conscious about how you appear and what you wear.

Given the diverse treatment options and unique needs of each condition, it is crucial that your physician is not only board-certified but also a true expert in the use of lasers and vascular skin issues, with access to a wide range of devices and treatments.

Vascular skin conditions are extremely common and manifest as visible blood vessels, discoloration, and lesions, impacting both cosmetic appearance and overall well-being. The key to obtaining the best outcome in treating such concerns is to match your unique issue with the most suitable technique, ensuring treatment is not only effective but minimally invasive. Here are some common vascular skin conditions and methods of treatment:

Varicose veins, characterized by their raised and bumpy appearance, are common and result from blood flow problems, often causing discomfort and self-consciousness. Varicose veins can be treated with in-office procedures such as sclerotherapy, surgery, radiofrequency ablation and laser therapy if compression stockings have been ineffective. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition, patient goals, and your physician analysis.
- Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical compound into the veins, causing them to collapse; polidocanol (AscleraⓇ) and sodium tetradecyl sulfate (SotradecolⓇ) are FDA-approved sclerosing agents.
- Surgical options include vein stripping and ligation, ambulatory phlebectomy, and endoscopic vein surgery.
- Radiofrequency ablation uses an image-guided device that treats varicose veins with heat to close off and shrink the affected areas. It is generally recommended for patients with significant vein enlargement, discomfort, or other complications not responsive to conservative treatments.
- Laser therapy, including endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and surface laser treatment, uses focused light to heat and seal varicose veins, with EVLT being minimally invasive and effective for larger veins.

Telangiectasias or spider veins are small, widened blood vessels on the skin. They are related to issues like rosacea, Poikiloderma of Civatte (a chronic skin condition that causes red or brown patches), and spider angioma (a small red mark that resembles a spider). These issues are best addressed with laser treatment because this method effectively targets the fine, web-like vascular networks without harming surrounding tissues.
Capillary malformation, also known as “port wine stain,” is a type of birthmark that appears as a reddish-pink or purple patch on the skin. Laser therapy is also highly effective because it allows for precise targeting of the affected capillaries.
Cherry angiomas, small red spots caused by dilated blood vessels, respond well to both laser treatment and radiofrequency ablation. Both methods provide minimally invasive solutions.
Pyogenic granulomas, rapid-growing, reddish lesions caused by abnormal blood vessel formation, can be treated effectively with laser therapy or sclerotherapy, depending on their size and location.
Venous lakes, which typically appear as dark blue lesions on sun-exposed areas, are amenable to laser treatment, which can gently eliminate these vascular accumulations.
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition caused by inflammation and dilation of facial blood vessels. It is characterized by redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps, which can lead to discomfort and distress. Rosacea is often triggered by factors such as hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, temperature extremes, sun exposure, stress, and certain cosmetic products. Common treatment options for rosacea include topical medications, oral antibiotics, laser therapy, and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers.
- While these methods can gently diffuse unwanted blushes of red, restoring the harmony of your skin, rosacea treatment can also be challenging. This is primarily because its exact cause is unknown, making it difficult to target the root problem. Additionally, rosacea is a chronic and relapsing condition, meaning symptoms can vary over time and in response to various triggers; treatments must often be individualized and ongoing.

Ask your physician about risks, benefits, and realistic outcomes for each treatment option.

While laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and sclerotherapy are effective for treating various vascular lesions, it’s important to be aware of potential risks.

Lasers work by emitting focused light that penetrates the skin to target and heat specific tissues, such as blood vessels, causing them to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body. This process is effective in addressing vascular skin issues like rosacea and varicose veins by reducing visible redness.

While this therapy is generally considered safe, it can occasionally lead to hyperpigmentation, in which parts of the skin darken, causing an uneven skin tone and complexion. Although rare, lasers can also cause various forms of scarring. These include hypertrophic scars, which are thick and raised, and atrophic scars, which are indented. Severe bruising (purpura) and blistering are also possible side effects, though they are generally temporary.

Radiofrequency ablation, similar to laser therapy, uses heat to close off blood flow in a problematic vein. While it is generally considered low-risk and highly effective, it carries risks that include scarring, changes in skin pigmentation, and potential blistering.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution to collapse veins, in turn causing their appearance to fade. While this is a very commonly used procedure, it carries risks too. These include rare anaphylactic reactions, superficial and deep venous thrombosis (blood clots), and skin necrosis (tissue death). More commonly, patients may experience telangiectatic matting (the appearance of very thin spider veins) and pigmentation changes.

Be sure to discuss all risks, given your unique situation and health status, with your provider. This is essential to form an effective and safe treatment plan.

Before you go

Before your vascular treatment, discuss all your concerns and treatment options with an experienced vein and vascular specialist. This will enable you to match your issues with the most appropriate solutions.

Be sure to tell your physician about all the medicines you are taking. There are several common ones that can impact treatment outcomes, including those that can increase the risk of scarring (e.g. isotretinoin) or severe bruising (e.g. NSAIDs, Warfarin, vitamin E, and ginkgo). Expect to avoid sun exposure and skin irritants as you prepare your skin for the procedure.

During the procedure

On the day of treatment, your doctor will select the appropriate method based on your particular vascular skin issue.

Lasers and radiofrequency ablation are minimally invasive and typically use topical or local anesthesia, targeting the veins with heat to close them off. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the veins, causing them to collapse and fade, often using only local anesthesia. Surgical options may be necessary for severe cases; they are mostly performed under local anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be used for more extensive procedures.

Vein & Vascular Treatment Aftercare

Post-treatment, you may experience temporary redness or sensitivity. You will likely need to wear compression stockings for a period of time. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities. Sun protection is also crucial to aid healing and prevent pigmentation changes, especially after laser treatments. Many treatments may require multiple sessions separated by four to six weeks.

Follow your doctor’s specific aftercare instructions for optimal recovery and results. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor progress and address any additional concerns.

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