Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are thin red clusters of capillary veins located at the surface of the skin. They appear reddish or bluish, and often in a “spider-web” pattern. The bluish coloured veins known as Reticular veins generally take place behind the knees and are situated deeper in the skin. Further, the thin veins which are connected to the reticular or spider veins are often referred to as the thread veins.
While conservative, non-surgical methods can slow the development of spider and reticular veins and alleviate their symptoms; only restorative techniques such as IPL will remove them completely.
IPL devices have unique settings for treating different skin concerns. So, it allows the customized procedures to meet specific skin requirements. The light pulses can feel mildly uncomfortable but it is definitely not painful. The light pulses may have a tingling sensation on your skin like hot snaps or a rubber band.
The duration of session depends on the size of the area to be treated. With an IPL laser treatment you can expect healing the redness of the skin, vascular lesions, pigmentation and damaged skin cells. So, how IPL actually works is by affecting the damaged/pigmented skin cells and makes them vanish eventually. This also boosts the natural collagen growth giving you a radiant skin because of the new skin cells.
After treating your spider and reticular veins with IPL, Dr. Nivedita may recommend over the counter pain medications to alleviate mild discomfort. Avoid sun exposure after your IPL session. You will be able to resume normal activities immediately after your IPL treatment.
During the initial weeks following treatment of your spider and reticular veins, the treatment area will redden, fade and eventually disappear. Spider vein treatments sometimes require up to 8 IPL sessions a few weeks apart to achieve the optimum cosmetic result.
IPL treatment is a mild, non-invasive procedure, so side effects should be minimal and may last for couple of days in some patients. Palomar Max G IPL laser, maximizes aesthetic outcomes while minimizing procedure risk and reducing downtime with minimal redness or swelling.
So far improvements seem to last for several years. To keep a clear, undamaged skin it is advisable to have follow up sessions of the treatment. Also, the regular use of sunscreen is a must.
A topical anesthetic cream may be used on the area being treated before the smooth surface of the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hand piece is gently applied to your skin. The pulses of light may produce a slight sting or pricking. Generally a series of treatments is advised to provide excellent long-term results, minimal adverse effects and high patient satisfaction.
You can immediately resume all regular activities. By dividing the treatment into 6-8 sessions you get gradual improvements with low risk. This is a wonderful no downtime procedure.
You should see some immediate improvement in only one or two treatments: however successive treatments may be needed depending on the severity of your condition.