You may have heard about spider veins and the way they can be treated with laser therapy and sclerotherapy. However, you may still have some questions and concerns about the procedure. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about spider veins and laser treatment, including whether or not spider veins come back after laser treatment and sclerotherapy.

Maryland Vein Clinics is a state-of-the-art vein clinic led by highly skilled, board-certified vein doctors who listen to your concerns and curate personalized treatment plans to address your symptoms. We offer minimally invasive treatments for spider veins and varicose veins, such as sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation, and our vein doctors support you through every stage of the journey.

You can visit your nearest vein clinic at 10215 Fernwood Rd, Suite 301, Bethesda. Please schedule an appointment at your nearest vein clinics in Maryland.

Do spider veins come back after laser treatment?

The short answer is that it depends. While laser treatment can reduce the appearance of spider veins, they may return over time. This is because the underlying causes of spider veins, chronic venous insufficiency, can’t be addressed with laser therapy. If you have underlying vein disease, simply removing the spider veins would be similar to painting over a stained wall instead of fixing the leaky pipes underneath — the spider veins will return.

It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to minimize the risk of new spider veins. Wearing compression stockings and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting can also help prevent the recurrence of spider veins.

Why is sclerotherapy considered better than laser therapy for spider veins?

Sclerotherapy is generally considered the most effective treatment for spider veins. Laser therapy is generally offered at medical spas because it can also be performed by laser technicians, and doesn’t necessitate a vein doctor’s involvement. Laser therapy involves channeling laser energy into the spider veins and broken capillaries visible on the skin’s surface, which makes them shrink and gradually diminish from the skin’s surface. This method isn’t highly effective, and it can take several sessions spaced weeks apart for the results to appear.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosant medicine into the unhealthy spider veins. Each injection effectively closes one spider vein, turning it into a hardened scar tissue eventually reabsorbed by the body. After a few weeks, all spider veins get reabsorbed by the body and fade away from the skin’s surface. Furthermore, since sclerotherapy is performed by vein doctors at vein clinics, they’re more likely to use duplex ultrasound tests to visualize the root cause of spider veins and also treat underlying vein disease, thus minimizing the risk of spider vein recurrence.

Can varicose veins return after treatment?

Minimally invasive treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser ablation, are highly effective in treating varicose veins. However, like any medical procedure, there is a chance that the veins may return.

The return of varicose veins after minimally invasive treatments is influenced by several factors, including genetics, age, lifestyle, and overall health. Those with a strong family history of varicose veins or who are overweight or have a sedentary lifestyle may be more likely to experience the return of varicose veins.

However, the risk of the return of varicose veins can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting. Wearing compression stockings and following your doctor’s recommendations can also help prevent the return of varicose veins.

How long does spider vein treatment last?

The duration of spider vein treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the veins, the type of treatment, and the patient’s overall health. Laser therapy, for example, typically requires several sessions to achieve optimal results, with each session lasting from 15 minutes to an hour. Sclerotherapy, on the other hand, usually only requires one to three sessions, and the results are more long-lasting.

How long for spider veins to disappear after laser treatment?

The time it takes for spider veins to disappear after laser treatment can depend on several factors, such as the size and location of the veins and the number of treatment sessions required. Typically, improvement can be seen within a few weeks of the first session, with full results visible after several weeks to a few months. In some cases, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Spider veins usually disappear within three weeks, but larger varicose veins may take several months to disappear.

What happens after varicose vein treatment?

After varicose vein treatment, patients can expect temporary side effects, such as swelling, redness, or bruising in the treated area. These side effects are normal and typically subside within a few days to a week. You must follow your doctor’s instructions for post-treatment care, which may include wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs, and avoiding strenuous activity for a period of time. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions based on the type of treatment you received and your individual circumstances.

In the days and weeks following treatment, you may notice a gradual improvement in the appearance of your varicose veins. Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor can help monitor the status of your varicose veins and ensure optimal results. Your doctor may also recommend additional treatments or lifestyle changes to maintain optimal results.

What is the radiofrequency ablation varicose veins success rate?

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins and has a high success rate. Studies have shown that up to 98% of patients experience significant improvement in the appearance and symptoms of their varicose veins after radiofrequency ablation.