Blisters after 3rd spider vein treatment with laser (Photo)

Question

These blisters showed up after my 3rd treatment using a laser on my remaining spider veins. The other treated areas did not give these results. What can I do to make sure these do not scar? I have been putting neosporin and vaseline on the areas. They are upper thigh. How long will these be around? Did I screw up my legs worse than before? Going back to place that treated them, about 2 weeks after the treatment. Had this done a week ago.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s important to distinguish between varicose veins and spider veins when choosing between laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and vein surgery. With two board certified vein specialists, our center uses a combination of visual examination, functional flow measurements, ultrasound, transillumination, and infrared light to map out vein networks prior to therapy. Lasers can be used to treat deep varicose vein insufficiency, vein perforators, and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is ideal for spider veins and reticular veins. Whereas surgery is reserved for severely incompetent varicose vein segments.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Tif Siragusa, MD · Answer

In general, sclerotherapy works better when it comes to treating spider veins on the legs. Lasers and other devices typically work better for smaller veins on the face which have less pressure in them. It looks like the laser delivered more energy in these areas than your other areas. Depending on how deep the burn is, sometimes these completely fade but sometimes they do not. I would recommend finding some Arnica gel to apply to the areas 2 to 3 times a day. If you have any additional treatments I’d avoid the laser on your legs.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Topical laser burn injury can occur and is discussed in the informed consent prior to laser treatment(s).It is VERY important to follow up with the treating facility and physician before you seek to go elsewhere. In the interim, tryp topical creams which are used to lighten the skin in the form of Sclerovase and Scleroquin plus as well as oral supplements that help the healing process (see link below). Avoid sun exposure and use Spectrase from Kare Skin.

Reza Tirgari, MD · Answer

I agree that the laser treatment looks like it was a little aggressive, or they treated larger veins with laser, which can sometimes lead to the same results.
Neosporin or silvadene cream are appropriate.  Keep the area covered and away from the sun to reduce inflammation.  Cool packs immediately after the laser treatment would have helped, although it may be late for that.
Sometimes, using cortisone cream twice a day can reduce inflammation further and the chance of abnormal pigmentation.

John Landi, MD · Answer

Pictures look like laser burn which can occur following a topical laser treatment.  I would use silvadene cream and avoid sun exposure to these areas for several months.  These should heal over about 6 weeks.

Blisters after 3rd spider vein treatment with laser (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Burns after spider vein treatment

Answer: Burns after spider vein treatment

Answer: Laser burn

Answer: Laser burn

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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Blisters after 3rd spider vein treatment with laser (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Burns after spider vein treatment

Answer: Burns after spider vein treatment

Answer: Laser burn

Answer: Laser burn

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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.