Why didn't PDL laser work and are there other options to treat fine spider veins on the side of my knee? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I am looking for advice on how to treat these very fine spider veins on the side of my knee. I have previously had Vbeam on the face with a dermatologist with success, and he said to address these veins a PDL laser is the best option. I asked about sclerotherapy and he said they are too fine. I did the patch test 10 weeks ago and when I came back we both agreed it did not work. I asked him what other options I had and he said if it did not work there is nothing else that we can do until they are worse. Is this correct and are there better lasers? I will add photos with the vein and patch test circle. There was zero change. Also, the green bruises are unrelated so please ignore those in the assessment. Many thanks for any insight

Laser Skin Solutions - Portland · Answer

Evaluating very fine spider veins on the side of the knee can be quite challenging, as vessels in lower extremity areas are often under higher hydrostatic pressure than facial veins, and their depth and caliber can impact how well they absorb light energy. While a Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) or Vbeam is an exceptional gold-standard tool for superficial facial vessels, tiny or low-flow veins on the body may require different wavelengths or pulse durations if they fail to respond during a patch test.
Additionally, while traditional liquid sclerotherapy is sometimes bypassed if vessels are deemed too fine, alternative micro-sclerotherapy techniques or longer-wavelength vascular lasers (such as an Nd:YAG laser) are frequently utilized by experienced providers to successfully target deeper or more stubborn leg veins rather than simply waiting until they worsen.
As an advanced licensed esthetician in Portland, I always emphasize that while skin and aesthetic procedures are my primary focus, working with an experienced vascular specialist or dermatologist to explore secondary laser wavelengths or specialized injection techniques is essential when initial vessel treatments do not yield the desired clearance.
Recommended Next Steps:
Seek a Second Opinion from a Vascular Specialist: Consult with a board-certified dermatologist or vein specialist who has access to alternative vascular laser modalities, such as a 1064nm Nd:YAG, which can penetrate deeper for fine extremity veins.
Re-evaluate Micro-Sclerotherapy Options: Discuss whether specialized micro-sclerotherapy techniques using tailored sclerosant concentrations might be viable for smaller-caliber vessels than initially assessed.
Manage Lower Extremity Vascular Pressures: Understand that veins on the legs can be influenced by underlying venous reflux or pressure, making a comprehensive vascular evaluation beneficial for long-term clearance.

Why didn't PDL laser work and are there other options to treat fine spider veins on the side of my knee? (Photos)

Answers (1)

More Pulsed Dye Laser Questions

What is the current gold standard for individual broken capillaries? (Photos)

What can be done about this lingering redness two months after having a pimple drained? (Photo)

Will the Pulsed Dye Laser work for rosacea?

Bad red skin...what laser procedure would help? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS