NdYAG Laser Vein Removal

NdYAG Laser Vein Removal

Spider veins are unsightly little red, blue or purple veins usually found on the face or legs. They can occur singly, in clusters or in combination with larger dilated veins called varicose veins. Cherry angiomas are benign tumors made from blood vessels. Spider veins or cherry angiomas are cosmetically displeasing but rarely cause medical problems. Other types of vascular lesions may also be treated with the NdYAG laser.

Spider veins less than 3mm in diameter can be treated with laser. UCosmetic uses the Harmony XL Nd:YAG 1064nm laser for spider vein and vascular lesion treatment. This laser can treat spider veins that sclerotherapy may not be able to treat.The Harmony Nd:YAG laser penetrates the skin to the depth of the spider vein and raises the temperature of the blood vessel causing it to clot. The treated vessel gradually shrinks and disappears. Most individuals require 4 to 6 visits 4 to 6 weeks apart. Each session is approximately 15min long. Laser light is pulsed over the spider vein and feels like a strong rubber band snap. Cooling is applied before, during and after the treatment to decrease discomfort. It is expected to see a decrease in number and/or colour of treated vessels after a treatment series is completed. Although good results are expected, with the focus on improvement rather than perfection, every person is unique and it is impossible to guarantee.

The majority of individuals have uncomplicated treatments. Expected side effects include redness and swelling which can last for a few days and possibly, discolouration or bruising that can last for a few months. Blisters may form. Bruising is increased if you take aspirin or other blood thinners. Rare complications include permanent pigment changes, burns and scarring. The risk of all side effects increases with treatment of facial veins because this is a more sensitive area. Eye damage can occur if protective goggles provided are not worn. Many of these side effects are worsened by sun exposure.

Smoking or second hand smoke exposure can lead to poor tissue healing and may increase the risk of infection and other complications.

The Harmony NdYAG laser cannot be used on veins near or on a tattoo or near the eye. Treatment is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active infection or a tattoo at the site, if you have a sunburn in the treatment area or plan to have UV exposure in the immediate future, have a light sensitive disorder such as porphyria or light-triggered seizures. Certain medications such as thiazides (for high blood pressure), certain antibiotics (such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin or sulphonamides), sulfonylureas (used to treat diabetes), phenothiazines (used to treat certain emotional problems or induce sleep), Accutane, Gold therapy, St John’s Wort and Ginkgo Biloba may increase your risk of side effects because of increased sensitivity to light.

Other options for treating spider veins are sclerotherapy if the spider veins are large enough. Other vascular lesions may be treated by surgical removal, AFT Photorejuvenation, camouflage make-up or not doing the procedure is an option. Facial spider veins may also be treated with high quality skincare products such as RevaléSkin and Obagi.

The Harmony NdYAG laser can only treat existing spider veins and vascular lesions. It does not prevent new ones from forming. When multiple varicose veins or tortuous varicose veins are present this is an indication of a problem with the whole superficial vein system and this would require another type of treatment offered by U Cosmetic.

Prior to the procedure you should:

· not shave your legs the day before or the day of your procedure.

· avoid sun exposure and tanning bed for 3 to 6 weeks before treatment.

· expect test patch treatments may be done prior to a full treatment to evaluate skin responsiveness if you have skin risks.

· notify at consultation or at your treatment appointment if you have a social or important event in the near future.

· notify at consultation or treatment if your medical situation changes.


During the procedure you may/will:

· feel discomfort like a sharp rubber band snap. If the treatment is very painful then let your technician know immediately.

· Appear pink, red or swollen in the areas treated or form a blister


After treatment you should/may:

· apply ice packs or cool compresses immediately following the procedure (for 20 minute periods, 2-3 times minimum) to decrease redness, swelling, bruising, discolouration and tenderness. This usually subsides within a few hours to a few days. Bruising and discolouration may last at a site from 2 weeks to 2 months or more.

· avoid sun exposure to the treated area but if unavoidable use a good quality sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to 30.

· resume normal day-to-day activities today and exercising in 3 to 5 days.

· shower with tepid water. Avoid exposure to hot water in baths, hot tub, or sauna for 1 week.

· apply Fucidin H cream if you blister after your procedure. This can be purchased at U Cosmetic or a prescription may be written. To prevent scarring and for optimal cosmetic result, do not pick, scratch or disturb blisters or healing wounds in anyway.

· notice an improvement immediately. This may be temporary as the vein spasms from the treatment. Improvement usually occurs over a 2-week period and in some cases may take up to 8 weeks or more after repeated treatments. The spider veins may initially turn darker red after treatment. This is part of the normal healing response.

· Contact the clinic at anytime if you have questions. We are here to help you and would like your experience to be a pleasant one.