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1. Introduction
Laser treatment (laser sclerotherapy) is useful for treating very small veins which are unsuitable for micro-injection sclerotherapy. Laser treatment is particularly suitable for treating small veins on the face. Laser treatment can also be used to treat miniscule red flare veins (telangiectasias) on the legs which are too small to inject. The best results in legs are achieved when laser treatment is combined with micro-injection sclerotherapy.
2. How does laser treatment work?
The vessels are treated with a series of highly targeted laser light pulses. The laser light energy is absorbed by the blood within the vessels and converted to heat which causes coagulation and collapse of the vein wall. After treatment the damaged blood vessels gradually disappear over the next few weeks. Some areas may require several treatments over a period of weeks. Once the vessels have gone the treated area returns to the natural colour of your skin.
3. What happens during laser treatment?
The treatment is performed in the out-patient clinic treatment room. Eye protection (goggles) is worn by the doctor and patient to protect against damage by the bright laser light. Treatment consists of placing a small handpiece or scanner against the skin surface and activating the laser. Very short pulses of laser light (lasting thousandths of a second) pass down a fibreoptic laser cable as the handpiece is moved along the vein. The beam of laser light is very narrow (1 - 4mm diameter) providing very controlled damage to the vein and minimal damage to the surrounding skin. The treatment usually lasts for about 20 minutes during which as many veins as possible are treated.
4. Does laser treatment hurt?
When the laser is activated some patients may feel a sensation of a hot pinprick with each pulse of laser energy. However, this lasts for fractions of a second. Most patients do not find this too uncomfortable. A local anaesthetic cream may be applied to numb the skin before treatment commences.
5. After laser treatment.
The treated skin is covered with an antibiotic ointment and a simple dressing applied. On the legs, a compression bandage or stocking should be used for several days after treatment. Exercise and hot showers / baths should be avoided for up to 5 days. It is particularly important to avoid high impact sports until the skin has healed. A moisturiser and/or Aloe Vera should be used until the skin has healed. Sun-exposure should be avoided if possible and sunscreen (Factor 15 or greater) should be used for protection until the skin has healed. Thereafter, it is best to avoid suntanning the treated areas for several months otherwise the treated skin may become hyper-pigmented (permanently darker) compared to surrounding (untreated) skin. No Aspirin, anti-platelet agents or anticoagulants (Warfarin) should be taken during the treatment period as these medicines thin the blood.
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Nuffield Hospital Derriford Road Plymouth PL6 8BG |
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