The energy from the laser is absorbed by the blood in the vein, converted into heat, and the vein walls are subsequently destroyed.

• Your skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dried, removing any makeup, creams, oils, topical anesthetics or self-tanning products before laser treatment.
• If you have had a history of herpes simplex virus and are scheduled for facial vein treatment, prophylactic antiviral therapy may need to be prescribed.
• The intended treatment area should not be exposed to sunlight or tanning booth light for 14 days prior to treatment.
• Please discontinue using any products like Renova, Differin, all alpha hydroxyl acid products (those containing glycolic or lactic acid), salicylic acid products and other topical acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide 1 to 2 weeks prior to your appointment if you are receiving laser treatment on the areas where those topicals are being applied. This can make your skin more susceptible to damage from the laser.
• Please avoid antibiotics and/or any photosensitizing medications during the time of treatment.  For patients who are on antibiotics, please allow two weeks from the last day of your medication to come in for an appointment. If taking any hormone stimulating or anti-depression medication, please notify our technician prior to treatment.  Many of these medications can make you photosensitive and susceptible to damage from the lasers.
• Avoid aspirin or other blood thinning drugs (vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba), ibuprofen, or arthritis medication for 2 weeks before and after treatment as these medications can lead to excessive bruising.
• Avoid alcohol and/or smoking for two days before and after treatment.
• Shave treatment area 1 day prior to your appointment.
• You cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding to receive treatment.
• If you develop a fever or other illness before your appointment you must reschedule.

Laser Vein Removal treatment will take place in our Laser Treatment room. You will be asked to wear safety eyewear to protect the eyes from the laser light. We guide the laser throughout the treatment areas with a small hand piece.

• A cool compress or gel pack may be applied for comfort following your treatment.
• Avoid bathing or washing with very hot water, avoid hot tubs or saunas. Use tepid water. You may feel like you have a mild to moderate sunburn. Minor crusting or minor peeling of the surface layers of the skin is not unusual.
• You may resume your normal daily activities immediately, but avoid strenuous aerobic exercise for 2 weeks after treatment.
• Avoid direct sun exposure after your treatment for at least 2-3 weeks. If you do go in the sun, protect the treated area with a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher. The use of sun protection is recommended when going outdoors in order to minimize risk of hyperpigmentation.
• Compression stockings may be worn during the day for up to 1 week following treatment.
• A follow-up examination is recommended. Additional treatments may be required or recommended for desired results.
• Call our office if you experience any severe reactions such as profound pain, intense itching, redness or fever.
• You may experience bruising which will resolve within 1 to 6 weeks. If you experience blisters, apply an ointment and call our office for further instructions.
• We may advise on additional precautions according to the patient, site treated and severity of the case.
• Your risks are minimal. Side effects may include redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering and purpura (a laser bruise) in the treated area—healing time varies from patient to patient. Permanent side effects are rare.