Treatment of Spider Veins

Non-invasive removal of leg veins has finally been achieved
Non-invasive removal of leg veins has been a long sought-after goal of laser surgeons. This has finally been achieved with the FDA clearance of the Vasculight laser. This laser can be used alone or in combination with traditional means of vein treatment such as injections (sclerotherapy) or stripping. It is most effective on veins up to about an eighth of an inch in diameter, which are often called "spider veins." In principle, light energy passes through the skin and is absorbed by the vein, which then heats up and closes off. There is brief discomfort with each pulse but little or no discomfort afterwards. Since the skin is not broken there is no actual healing time as with some treatments. Bruising is possible, especially on the legs, so it's best if aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen are avoided for 2 weeks prior to treatment. (These meds act as blood thinners and can increase bruising.) We also offer sclerotherapy, tiny injections of a solution that irritates the vessel walls and closes them off. This simple, typically painless procedure also has excellent results in removing spider veins from the legs. Your provider will help you to decide which method best suits your particular situation.

How many treatments?
In all leg vein treatments, usually 2 to 3 sessions are required, depending on the severity of the veins. Each session usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. It is suggested patients wear support stockings, available for sale here in our office, for up to 3 weeks after treatment to maximize the results and minimize the healing time. Ask your provider for more information.

What about side effects?
Most side effects are fairly short-term. Some reddening of the skin and localized swelling usually resolves in 2 to 4 days. Most of the bruising usually resolves in 2-4 weeks. Rarely there may be blistering like a bad sunburn after laser, or the rare possibility of scarring such as darkening or lightening of the skin. Your provider will review all the possible side effects with you prior to treatment.

Will the veins come back?
Vessels that are completely removed usually do not come back, however patients who have a tendency to develop spider veins may develop new ones. Remember, it is expected to take more than one treatment to clear leg veins. We usually do a follow-up treatment at 4 - 6 weeks.

Laser Treatment Center Directions

We are located directly across from Evergreen Hospital in the Evergreen Professional Plaza.

Laser Treatment Center

Evergreen Professional Plaza
12911 120th Ave NE
Suite G-100 and 104
Kirkland, WA 98034

Please do not hesitate to call for further directions or information. Our phone number is 425-899-4144.

Going South on I-405:

Take Exit 20 (NE 124th St.). At the exit stop light turn left onto NE 124th St. At Totem Lake Blvd. turn left. Follow to next light (120th Ave NE) and turn right. You are now on 120th Ave. Follow 120th up the hill (past Trader Joe's). Go through light at 128th and then turn into the 2nd driveway on the left. We are in the Evergreen Professional Plaza between 128th and 130th lane. We are in Bldg G towards the rear of the parking lot, Suites 100 and 104.

Going North on I-405:

Take exit 20B (NE 124th St/Totem Lake Blvd). Stay in the right lane towards Totem Lake Blvd. and go under the freeway, proceed through the stoplight onto 120th Ave NE. Follow 120th Ave up the hill (past Trader Joe's). Go through light at 128th and then turn into the 2nd driveway on the left. We are in the Evergreen Professional Plaza between 128th and 130th lane. We are in Bldg G towards the rear of the parking lot, Suites 100 and 104.

Be sure to allow sufficient travel time as this is a high traffic area and there is often construction going on nearby at Evergreen Hospital.