At Laser Aesthetics of Cape Cod in Hyannis, MA, patients often arrive curious about how a beam of light can make a red or blue vein fade for good. Lasers are used for many different types of visible veins on the face and other parts of the body, using perfectly calibrated light energy. We will go over how visible veins form and what happens inside a vessel each time the laser is used.
How Visible Veins Form
A healthy vein carries blood back toward the heart using one-way valves that keep the blood from flowing in the wrong direction. Sometimes, these valves malfunction or become weak, and the wall of the vessel may stretch. Blood pools instead of moving on, and often sits closer to the surface where it can be seen through the skin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that gives the veins their red, blue or purple tint.
What Vein Conditions Can You Come In For?
- Spider Veins on the Legs: Spider veins are thin, damaged vessels that branch across the skin like a web. They show up on the thighs, calves or ankles where the pressure from standing or sitting in the same position is the highest. They are usually painless, but can come with some mild itching or burning.
- Facial Telangiectasia: Facial telangiectasia are tiny vessels on the face that have widened with time. These red lines are common around the nose, cheeks and chin and can be caused by sun damage, genetics or the natural aging process.
- Reticular and Feeder Veins: Reticular veins are slightly deeper and often feed the visible spider veins above them. Many patients never notice these blue-green vessels, but treating them can slow the return of surface veins.
How Do Lasers Treat Veins?
Laser vein treatment relies on a principle called selective photothermolysis. It was first described in a 1983 study in Science by Anderson and Parrish. During photothermolysis, the laser sends light that only the vein absorbs, leaving nearby skin untouched. Three things go into this process:
Absorption of Laser Energy
The laser’s color, or wavelength, is chosen to match what is best absorbed by hemoglobin. The laser targets hemoglobin directly, where it turns into heat. The surrounding skin absorbs far less, so the energy stays concentrated where it is needed.
Pulse Duration
The pulse duration of a laser should be long enough to heat the targeted vein, but not so long that the heat spreads outward. The pulse duration is how long each burst of light lasts. We match it to the size of the vessel to keep the heat inside the vein and away from the surrounding skin.
Spot Size and Energy
Spot size is the width of the laser beam on the skin, and the energy is how much power each pulse delivers. Larger vessels require more energy, and deeper vessels need a wider spot size. Both can be adjusted to let the laser reach the target vein.
What Happens Inside the Vein After Each Pulse
- The Wall Heats From Within: The hemoglobin absorbs the light and heats within milliseconds. That heat transfers to the vein wall from the inside, raising its temperature enough to damage the lining.
- The Vessel Collapses Shut: As the wall heats, its proteins break down, and the vessel seals closed rather than staying open.
- Blood Flow Reroutes Naturally: Closing one small surface vein does not affect circulation. Blood simply shifts to nearby healthy vessels, which happens almost immediately and without any noticeable change to the leg or face.
- The Body Clears the Debris: Over the following weeks, immune cells break down and reabsorb the sealed vessel. This is why a treated vein often fades gradually instead of disappearing the moment the laser passes over it.
Do Different Veins Need Different Wavelengths?
A shallow red facial vessel and a deeper blue leg vein absorb light differently, so one laser setting cannot treat every vein well. Research on optimal wavelengths for vein-selective treatment shows that vessel depth, size and oxygen content all impact which wavelength works best. Cheryl Heinzmann, our RN and laser specialist, holds laser certifications from Cutera and Cynosure and selects settings based on the vein in front of her.
What Happens During a Laser Session?
Skin and Vascular Assessment
Before we apply any light to your skin, we will examine your visible veins and discuss whether they are good candidates for laser treatment. We map out your veins to determine which ones should be treated to give you the most benefits. We flag anything that should be medically reviewed and ask if you are experiencing any symptoms from your visible veins.
Laser Settings Matched to Your Skin
All our lasers are FDA-approved for skin treatment. We will calibrate the wavelength, pulse and energy levels to your particular veins, fine-tuning our equipment with each session. We may use multiple settings during one treatment session to get the best results.
Sensations During Treatment
Lasers typically create a quick snapping sensation on the surface of the skin from the heat energy. It is tolerable for most people, and no anesthesia is needed. The length of your treatment will depend on the vein’s size and color. Shorter sessions cover smaller areas, while larger areas will take longer.
First 48 Hours
Some redness, swelling and light bruising are normal right after treatment, and most of it settles within hours. You can apply ice to help with any discomfort. Be sure to avoid any sun exposure during this period to keep your skin calm.
Book a Consultation to See Which Approach Fits Your Veins
Laser vein treatment is a targeted, physics-driven process, and results depend on the person calibrating every setting. Cheryl Heinzmann has more than 15 years of experience and performs these treatments daily, with medical oversight from Dr. William Fenney, who has served Cape Cod since 1985. Why go off Cape? Call 508-778-6363 or request a consultation to find out which approach fits your veins. Refer a friend and receive $50 toward your next treatment.