Laser Vein Treatment

* Actual Spa Lumina client

Background information

Many people are embarrassed by the appearance of spider veins on the face or legs. Spider veins are actually dilated or stretched blood vessels that appear on the legs, not “broken” blood vessels, as is commonly thought. Their precise cause is unknown, but it is thought that heredity, excessive standing, weight gain, hormonal changes and pregnancy may be some of the causes.

Laser technology has become an important factor in the treatment of vascular deformities such as hemangiomas, port wine stains, and spider veins. Most clients require 2 to 3 treatments spaced over 3 to 6 months. Laser vein removal can help to restore your skin to a more youthful appearance.

There are many benefits of laser removal of unwanted blood vessels. In general, larger areas can be treated with less discomfort than other procedures. While no procedure will completely eliminate all vascular lesions permanently, laser treatments tend to be the most successful (up to 90% of all lesions removable) and the most long lasting (up to two years). This is particularly true with the Cutera^® Xeo laser used by Spa Lumina. This laser is another Spa Lumina exclusive to Simcoe county.

In addition, Laser vein removal does not break the skin, meaning there is no need for bandages, tapes or support stockings. There is no down time, and people are able to return to full activities immediately after treatment.

Currently, cosmetic lasers are unlicensed in Canada. Anyone can legally perform the procedure. At Spa Lumina however, all laser care is either performed or supervised by Dr. Sohail Gandhi, a physician with over 13 years of clinical experience. All clients will first be assessed by him, to determine their suitability for laser treatments, and to have their laser settings personally adjusted by him.

* Actual Spa Lumina client

How does it work?

At Spa Lumina, we use only the best laser for vein removal. The Cutera^® Xeo laser is a noninvasive light therapy device specifically designed to eliminate undesired blood vessels from all parts of the body. The Cutera^® Xeo laser generates a pulse of intense, concentrated light directed through a small, cooled hand piece gently applied to the treatment site.

This laser energy passes through the skin to the blood vessels. There is then selective damage to the lining of the target blood vessel without damage to the surrounding tissues and skin. The destroyed blood vessels are reabsorbed by the body, and the flow of blood is directed back down into the deeper vessels, where it belongs.

The Cutera^® Xeo laser can be used just about anywhere on the body, and usually requires no anesthesia or other treatment. Even sensitive areas such as the nose and cheeks can be treated easily and with minimal discomfort. In Addition, the Cutera^® Xeo Laser is able to safely and effectively treat all people – including those with tanned, very dark or even black skin.

In women, the most common areas for treatment are blood vessels on the thighs, lower legs and ankles. In men and women unwanted red blood vessels on the nose and face, including those associated with acne rosacea and with sun damage, are successfully treated. Cherry hemangiomas, and spider hemangiomas on the face , upper chest and other parts of the body are other commonly treated lesions.

Typically, one or two treatments are needed for facial vessels; and three or four treatments may be needed on the legs. Treatment can be done every 6 weeks on the face, and every 3 months on the legs. Cherry hemangiomas (red dots on the body) usually only require one or two treatments.

You may feel a tingling or snapping sensation like a rubber band. There is no bleeding and no open wound is created. Many clients find that they have less discomfort if they shave the area to be treated at least a couple of hours BEFORE coming in for treatment, because freshly shaved skin is often somewhat less sensitive. People can be apprehensive before the first treatment, and so many do report that the first is somewhat more uncomfortable than subsequent treatments.

Redness often has faded greatly by the next day. It would not be uncommon for the skin to be slightly drier that evening . We can recommend a moisturizer for you if you wish.

Occasionally there can be increased or decreased pigment in the treated area. This is seldom a major cosmetic problem, and generally resolves after several months. There usually is some short term redness and swelling. This subsides within a week. Bruising can occur occasionally when treating small (2-3 mm) blood. This is more of a nuisance than a major problem, and usually resolves within a few weeks without needing any treatment.

Schedule a free consultation at Spa Lumina, to discuss any of these procedures in further detail.

Financing available through Medicard.