Laser vein treatment is when a laser is shone onto the problem areas. The laser produces a high-intensity burst of light which gives off a lot of heat energy. This energy gets absorbed by different tissues, depending on how the laser is calibrated. The light will usually pass through the skin and destroy the cells underneath the skin such as the blood filled vessels which give that veined look.

Lasers can be used on skin pigment problems such as spider veins, freckles, age spots, port wine stains, roascea (red rashes), birthmarks, scars, stretch marks and some tattoos. Not all marks will disappear however you should be left with a noticeable reduction in colour. The success of the laser treatment will depend on the type of laser used and the severity of the pigmentation that you have.

When you go for laser treatment, the first thing that will happen is an anaesthetic cream will be applied to the area so that it is numb. You will also be asked to wear a pair of goggles to protect your eyes. Even though cream has been applied to the area, some people will still feel a mild burning or stinging, or a sensation rather like someone snapping an elastic band against the skin. The number of treatments you will require depends on the type of problem that you have. Red veins are normally treated over three separate sessions, each about a week or more apart.

After the treatment, the area may feel hot to the touch and be a slightly red colour. These symptoms should fade quickly. Sometimes, you may find the area bleeds a little or forms small blisters. Both of these things are normal and the area shouls be left to heal naturally to avoid any scarring.

As with anything, there are risks attached to laser vein treatment. There is a small risk that the area may have permanent changes to the colour of the skin, or that the skin itself will scar.

If you don’t want to go for this treatment, there is little you can do to sort vein problems except by using make-up to hide the area. Some conditions such as rosacea can be treated with antibiotics instead. To avoid the appearance of new veins, it is advisable to limit your exposure to the sun, avoid excessive drinking and avoid eating spicy foods.