Less Painful Treatment for Treating Broken Capillaries?

Question

Recently, I underwent a laser treatment for broken capillaries. I don't recall the type of laser the doctor used, but I found after a couple of minutes, that it was unbearably painful. Is there a less painful way to rid myself of those pesky broken capillaries?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Laser therapy is an ideal treatment for broken capillaries that are caused by sun damage or rosacea.  These vessels can be heated using selective photothermolysis.  Alternative treatments are less effective. Your experience is not typical of laser treatment for broken blood vessels.

William Groff, DO · Answer

While IPL treatment may be less painful than lasers, this technology is less effective and has a much higher chance of side effects when compared to the lasers that Dr. Kuo mentioned.  Pulsed dye lasers are considered the gold standard for the treatment of vascular lesions (capillaries), and will give you the best results in the fewest number of treatments.  For my patients that are pain-sensitive, I will use topical 4% lidocaine and give the patients the option of taking valium and or vicodin/percocet.  There is no reason that you should have to suffer through these treatments.  Seeking out an established dermatologist that specializes in laser procedures will be the best way to ensure that your pain issues are addressed properly.  Take care, Dr. Groff

Amir Moradi, MD · Answer

The perception of pain is different for every person even on a day to day basis.  You'll find that some days you're more tolerant of pain than other days.  It helps to be well informed about the laser and the provider before the treatment, so at least, you're rest assured that you're in good hands and that the treatment should have a positive outcome.  Second, you can opt to have a topical numbing cream placed at least 30 minutes prior to the procedure.  During the procedure you can even hold or have at hand, an ice pack.  The ice distraction works well especially when the duration of treatment is very short.  Finally, if you still cannot tolerate the procedure, there is always injection of anesthesia to the local area.  But now that you have experience with the procedure, just remind yourself that the pain is short-lived.  Good luck!

Margaret Weiss, MD · Answer

Certain types of numbing cream can be used to reduce the discomfort from laser treatment of facial veins.  The type of laser and the settings also make a difference.  It is important to give your treating physician or licensed midlevel provider (RN, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant) feedback about any pain you feel so they can make adjustments for your comfort.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It depends where you are being lasered (this is not an acceptable English word). If the area is over bone, such as around the ankles, it is more painful than in the inner thigh where there is more fatty tissue under the skin.
The same is said about tattoos - people who have had tattos around the ankles and foot will tell you that it hurts more than a tattoo in the lower back. As always, topical anesthetics help with pain reduction and most people are able to get lasers on the face for spider veins or in the legs with minimal discomfort.

Less Painful Treatment for Treating Broken Capillaries?

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Answer: Laser treatment for facial veins does not need to be painful

Answer: Laser treatment for facial veins does not need to be painful

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Answer: Pain with laser for Spider Veins Telangiectasias

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Less Painful Treatment for Treating Broken Capillaries?

Answers (8)

Answer: Laser treatment for facial veins does not need to be painful

Answer: Laser treatment for facial veins does not need to be painful

Answer: Pain with laser for Spider Veins Telangiectasias

Answer: Pain with laser for Spider Veins Telangiectasias

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.