Dr's Photo
Roberta Palestine, MD

The Dermatology Center and Rockledge MedSpa
6410 Rockledge Drive
Suite 201
Bethesda, Maryland 20817

P. (301) 530-8300
F. (301) 530-4638
My Website

Laser Spider Vein Treatment - Bethesda, MD

Millions of women and men are bothered by unsightly spider veins on their faces and legs.

Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are those small red, blue and purple blood vessels that appear most frequently on the face and thighs.

Varicose veins are usually larger than 1/4 inch in diameter and may appear raised with a bluish color. They may also be related to more serious vein disorders and require a careful evaluation by your doctor prior to treatment.

Laser Vein Therapy

Today's new medical lasers provide safe and effective non-surgical treatment options for the removal of spider and varicose veins. New, advanced laser treatments are performed by our doctor for patients in our region to deliver a precise dosage of energy to each vein. During your treatment, light energy is delivered through a special laser handpiece to the targeted vein, in a series of brief pulses. The light energy is absorbed by the blood vessels, but not the surrounding tissue. This heat absorption causes a coagulation of the blood vessel, which is subsequently absorbed by your body.

Will Laser Vein Therapy work on my veins?

Prior to treatment our physician will review your medical history to determine how long you have had a problem with your veins and the severity of the problem. We need to determine your skin type and if there has been any prior surgery or treatment on your veins. We may test to determine if there are any underlying venous problems. If there are, further testing may be advised before laser vein therapy is attempted.

What are Laser Vein Treatments like?

First, we will identify the veins to be treated. We then proceed to deliver pulses of light (laser) energy along the length of the vessel, larger veins first. The light energy causes the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the vessels, which are then absorbed by your body. Most laser therapy patients report little discomfort. Some experience a mild burning sensation when we pulse the laser.

How many Laser Vein Treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required varies with the size and depth of each vein. For the maximum long-term resolution, multiple treatments may be necessary. However, if new veins appear, additional treatments are required. Treatments may be in 3 - 4 week intervals.

Are there other treatments available for spider and varicose veins?

Yes. Laser vein therapy may be combined with injection sclerotherapy.

During sclerotherapy a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein through a micro-needle.The tiny needles generally cause very little pain. The sclerosing solution causes the vein to blanch (turn white), then gradually disappear. A typical treatment may last for 15 - 20 minutes and consist of multiple injections.

What is recovery from Laser Vein Treatments like?

After our doctor performs your laser treatment, you may be asked to wear support hose or special heavy duty stockings to help keep pressure on the veins. This will help keep the treated veins closed. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few weeks when larger veins are involved. While each vein may require several pulses from the laser, most will disappear in 2 - 6 weeks. Keys to success with laser leg vein therapy include the avoidance of hot baths and strenuous exercise, and may include the short-term use of compression stockings.

Patients are generally encouraged to resume most normal activities immediately. We do ask that you refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24 hours. Although your final results may not be apparent for several months, most of our patients enjoy the comfort and the look of legs without unsightly red, blue and purple veins.