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Pulsed Light Therapy
Target Veins:
This treatment is generally used for small spider veins that are around 0.25-1.0 millimeters in diameter. These are usually red to purple in color and can be in fan shapes, starburst shapes, or in a line. These commonly occur around the ankles and knees, but can show up anywhere on the legs.
How it Works:
Yellow, red, or infrared light is pulsed over the area of spider veins the light causes heat to be generated in the veins and thus cell destruction to occur. This in turn leads to resolution of the vein. Multiple treatments are often necessary.
Treatment Technique:
The type of light and pulse settings is determined initially by the type of veins to be treated. The skin is usually cooled using ice packs or some other type of cooling device. Occasionally a numbing cream may also be applied. A water based gel such as KY jelly is applied to the area to be treated. The light head is then placed over the area to be treated and the device is fired. This may be repeated several times over the same area. Compression socks after treatment may be recommended for a short time.
Treatment Tolerance:
Patients generally tolerate this very well. The most common complaint is pain due to the area becoming too hot. Occasionally there are skin blisters and or burns that form over the area of treatment and this can lead to longer recovery.
Post Procedure Care:
There is minimal care required. Some providers would recommend compression sock use for a short time. Ibuprofen or Tylenol is adequate for any post procedure discomfort. Follow-up is usually 2-6 weeks.
Results:
This varies widely with the type of light used, the experience of the provider, skin type of the patient, and the veins being treated. Generally small spider veins on light colored skin respond well but may require multiple treatments. Darker skin or larger veins may have less than desirable results.