IPL Leg Vein Treatments

Each year millions of women and men seek treatment for unsightly spider veins and painful varicose veins. Spider Veins, or telangiectasias, are those small, red, blue or 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.

IPL Leg Vein Therapy

Today's new pulsed light sources provide safe and effective, non-surgical treatment options for the removal of spider veins. The advanced IPL treatments allow your doctor to deliver a precise dosage of energy to each vein, with minimal risk to the skin. During your treatment, light energy is delivered through a special handpiece with filters to the targeted vein, in a series of short and/or long pulses. The light energy is absorbed by the blood vessels. This heat absorption causes a thermocoagulation (clogging) of the blood vessel, and a gradual absorption by the body.

Will IPL therapy work on my veins?

Prior to treatment your doctor will review your medical history to determine how long you have had a problem with your veins and the severity of the problem. Your doctor needs to determine your skin type and if there has been any prior surgery or treatment on your veins. Your doctor will test to determine if there is any underlying venous abnormality. If there appears to be an underlying abnormality, further testing may be advised prior to your light therapy.

What are IPL treatments like?

First your doctor will identify the veins to be treated. The larger veins are usually treated first. Using a delicate handpiece fitted with special filters, your doctor applies intense pulsed light energy to the vein. Light therapy targets the blood pigments, causing the blood within the vein to coagulate and close down the vein. Most light therapy patients report little if any discomfort. Some experience a transient, mild burning sensation when your doctor pulses the light source.

How many treatments will I need?

Significant improvement is realized in most cases with one or two treatments. The potential for maximum long-term resolution increases after an additional one or two treatments. However, new veins may occur and additional treatments are generally required for optimum results. These treatments may be in three to four week intervals.

Are there other vein treatments available?

Yes. IPL 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 to 20 minutes and consist of multiple injections.

What is recovery like?

You may be asked to wear special support hose to help keep pressure on the veins. This will help to keep the veins closed. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week. Blistering and scabbing are unusual. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few weeks when larger veins are involved. While each vein may require several pulses, most disappear in two to six weeks. Keys to success with light leg vein therapy include the short-term use of compression stockings, and the avoidance of hot baths and strenuous exercise.

Patients are generally encouraged to resume most normal activities immediately. You will be asked to refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24 hours. Although your final results may not be apparent for several months, most patients enjoy the comfort and the look of their legs without unsightly red and blue lines.

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with a board certified physician. To find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you to contact one of our doctors for a private consultation.

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