What types of veins are suitable for treatment?

Deep blue, purple reticular leg veins with a diameter of 0,5mm - 2mm (< 3mm in size) are in the majority of cases more suitable for quick effective treatment with the GentleMAX^TM laser. Spider vein clusters can also be treated successfully, but typically, one to three treatments are needed for significant improvement of spider veins. We do not treat facial veins greater than 1.5mm. Treatment can be done every 6 weeks on the face, and every 2-3 months on the legs.

Larger deep veins and varicose veins which bulge out above the skin surface, cannot be treated with our laser and you need to consult your doctor for a referral to a vascular surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

What exactly happens during a vein treatment?

The GentleMAX^TM laser system delivers pulses of light energy, which cause a vascular spasm to occur where the linear vessel will darken and return to normal over a matter of seconds. The form of the vessels will change after treatment and these results vary from the vessel darkening in colour to appearing as a wheal and flare cat’s scratch. Over the next few weeks, the vessel will gradually fade and/or shrink. In some cases the blood within the vein coagulates or causes the vessel wall to collapse and then over several weeks is absorbed by your body, and gradually fade away. Blood flow will then be redirected to veins deeper below your skin’s surface, just where it should be. Patients normally resume routine activities immediately.

How many treatments are needed?

It depends on:
•    The desired degree of blood vessel reduction
•    Hormonal status
•    The area being treated
Multiple vein treatments may be required to shrink the vessel but sufficient time is necessary for the repair process before proceeding with the next treatment.
In general a lesser number of treatments are required with clients who have skin types 1 & 2 (light coloured).

What will happen on treatment day?

Other than your regular skin care routine, there is no standard preparation for this procedure. There are no restrictions on what you may eat or drink prior to your appointment. Some people take a pain killer such as Panadeine to prevent or reduce discomfort. Some medication may need to be avoided, but this will be discussed in detail at your initial consultation.
Please shave the areas to be treated before you come in for treatment. Excess dark hair above the surface of the skin absorbs and wastes laser energy, reduces the amount of energy that reaches the blood vessels to be treated and also increases the chance of skin irritation.
When you come for treatment, it is important that your skin is completely clean and free from any foundations, powders, perfumes, hairsprays or deodorants on the areas being treated. Makeup can be re-applied immediately after a GentleMAX^TM laser treatment.

Special considerations
Clients with medical conditions such as Diabetes should have clearance from their primary physicians before treatment.
We do not treat patients with fresh sunburn; we need your skin to be as natural in colour as possible.

Post treatment care:

Aloe Vera gel with Solarcaine and menthol will be applied to the area and clients will be asked to keep applying this to the treated area over the following week.
Client’s will be asked to apply a broad spectrum sun block SPF 30+ to the treated area at all times if exposed and avoid activities that cause vasodilation or increase blood pressure for 3-5 days. (This will be covered in detail at consultation and clients will receive written information)

How are charges determined?

In general charges are based on time, and degree of difficulty and expertise that go into the treatment. You will receive a quotation of the charges at your first visit.
Additional "touch-up" treatments on small troublesome areas can be arranged at relatively low cost. There is no safety limit on the number of treatments a person can have. People who have been partially treated with other types of blood vessel removing laser and/or injection sclerotherapy might in some cases need a smaller number of laser treatments.

Can I be treated if I’m pregnant?

Treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or while the mother is breast-feeding.

Once treated, will my veins reappear?

We cannot treat your predisposition to develop varicose or spider veins, so new veins may reappear in the same area or in other areas within the next few years. Usually a touch-up treatment to remove new veins will be needed every 3-5 years. Some veins may not show any improvement if they are deeper than they appear.

Will my private health insurance reimburse me?

Spider, reticular veins and telangiectasias are considered cosmetic problems and are not covered by most of the private health insurances.

What causes spider & varicose veins?

Leg veins are associated with heredity, or genetic predisposition to weak vein walls and vein valves, is the main reason why varicose and spider veins develop. This means that there is a 60-80% chance that someone in your family already has vein problems. Once you have defective or damaged valves, some contributing factors that could accelerate the progression of the disease include, pregnancy, birth control pills, hormones, lack of exercise, prolonged sitting or standing and even obesity. The aging process increases the likelihood of varicose and spider veins.
Facial telangiectasia (spider/thread veins) are also associated with hereditary or genetic influence but can also be attributed to chronic sun damage and wind exposure, acne rosacea, and excessive topical corticosteroid use. If you are prone to flushing, try to minimise alcohol, hot spicy foods and extreme and repeated heat or cold exposure and always use a broad spectrum 30+ sunscreen for maximum UVA protection.
There is unfortunately as yet no known prevention method for veins, other than to take care of your health, watch your weight, exercise regularly and wear support stockings if you are travelling or standing for prolonged periods.

Other Vascular lesions treated:

Cherry hemangiomas or cherry angiomas (red dots on the body) also known as Campbell de Morgan spots are made up of clusters of tiny capillaries connected to the circulatory system and filled with blood at the surface of the skin forming a small round dome, which may be flat topped. They range in colour from bright red to purple. As they grow larger, they tend to expand in thickness and may take on the raised and rounded shape of a dome. Cherry angiomas appear spontaneously in many people in middle age but can also, although less common, occur in young people. Sometimes they present as a flat red or pink area.
The underlying cause of the development of cherry angiomas is far from understood, but some chemicals and compounds have been linked as a cause. They are harmless, except in very rare cases at any age, that involve a sudden aggressive eruptive appearance of many angiomas.
These can be removed safely in 1-3 laser treatments dependant on size, but a clearance certificate is required from a physician to ensure the lesion is non-cancerous prior to removal.

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The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended in any way to substitute professional medical advice during an in office consultation and examination by a physician. Any photos from this web site including text “Copyright: Cosmetic Laser Solutions” may not be copied and reprinted in any way without written permission from Cosmetic Laser Solutions.