Side Effects of Laser Spider Vein Treatment?

Thank you for your question.

It is true that is that not all lasers are safe for all skin types and misuse can result in permanent darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation) of the treated skin. These changes tend to affect darker skin to a greater degree, however there are lasers that are successful for darker skin types. In our San Francisco Bay Area practice we use an Nd:YAG laser that has been shown to be safe and effective on most skin types.

The fact that you are being asked about your tanning history is a good thing. Knowing how one’s skin typically responds to UV exposure and last exposure is part of a thorough pre-laser treatment assessment and useful in determining the appropriate laser treatments and settings.

I hope this helps.
 

Hello,
Lasering the veins is an excellent procedure. Just be careful as this can cause hypo or hyperpigmentation if performed by poorly trained clinician.

 If the veins are on the face, no worries.  But if they are on the legs, pigmentation can be a risk for the first year, and if pigmentation occurs, then you will have to wait months to a year for that to fade, or treat with a tattoo laser and this will help reduce the color.

Hi AAmom.  It's likely that the facility considering this procedure for you is asking about your skin type and tanning habits because they are not using the correct technology.  In the legs, the best laser for small spider veins (less than 1mm) is the long pulsed Nd:Yg laser (1064).  

Using this laser, even if you are olive skin toned, is not a problem.  We use it for African Americans with spider veins and it is perfectly safe.  It is likely this facility is trying to use an IPL or pulsed dye laser, which is an inferior technology for the legs.  We would recommend finding a facility that uses the proper laser technology or as others have suggested consider sclerotherapy.  Good luck.

Although topical lasers can be used for leg spider veins, the gold standard for leg spider vein therapy is sclerotherapy.  I would recommend that you see a vein specialist for an evaluation before commencing spider vein treatment in a spa setting.