Laser treatment for veins

Surface laser treatment is an option for small spider veins on the face and nose. It can also be used on spider and small veins on the legs and body, particularly for people who have not responded to sclerotherapy.

Laser light is preferentially absorbed by the red colour in the blood flowing through the vein. The light converts to heat, causing the vein to shrink. No special dressing or stocking is required afterwards.

Who it suits

Surface laser is generally only suitable for people with lighter skin, because the laser targets colour contrast between the vein and the surrounding skin. Your practitioner will assess whether it is appropriate for your skin type.

It is best suited to:

Small spider veins on the face and nose.
Small spider veins on the legs and body.
Veins that have not responded to sclerotherapy.

An important limitation

Surface laser is not the preferred treatment for varicose veins. Varicose veins are larger and deeper than surface laser can effectively reach, and other procedures are generally more effective given their size and nature.

Where varicose veins are the concern, the preferred laser method is endovenous laser ablation (EVLA/EVLT), which works from inside the vein rather than through the skin. Sclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy are the other main options.

If you have visible leg veins, an assessment should establish whether there is an underlying refluxing vein before any surface treatment is considered. Treating the surface alone tends to give a short-lived result when a deeper vein is the source.

Laser types used

Aura laser - for fine spider veins, offering precision treatment for small, superficial vascular concerns.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) - broad-spectrum light suited to superficial spider veins and facial veins. More suitable for darker skin tones than some laser options.
Laser Genesis - primarily a skin rejuvenation treatment, it can also reduce the visibility of tiny facial veins by gently heating them. Also preferred for darker skin tones.
YAG laser - a longer wavelength, making it effective for deeper and larger veins and versatile across a broader range of vein sizes.

Which laser is used depends on the size, depth and location of the veins, and on your skin type.

What to expect afterwards

You are provided with an after-hours direct number in case you have questions or concerns.

Discomfort after laser treatment is generally minimal, though individual experiences vary. Your appearance immediately after treatment depends on which treatment your doctor or cosmetic physician selects for your condition.

Aftercare:

Your skin may feel tender for several days.
Avoid harsh skin cleansers.
Sunscreen is essential after laser treatment.
Avoid scratching or rubbing the treated skin.
Follow your doctor's specific instructions.

No compression stockings or special dressings are required, which distinguishes surface laser from sclerotherapy and EVLT.

Costs

Surface laser treatments vary in cost depending on which laser is used and the area treated. A quote is provided at consultation.

As at September 2024 and including GST, a vein consultation with a doctor - which may include ultrasound - is $230. For comparison, sclerotherapy starts from $470 and EVLT from $4,200. See varicose vein treatment costs.

Medicare

Purely cosmetic treatment of surface veins is less likely to attract a Medicare rebate than treatment of symptomatic venous disease. Your physician will discuss any applicable rebates at your initial consultation.

Risks

All procedures carry some risk. Laser treatment of the skin carries risks including changes in pigmentation, blistering and, uncommonly, scarring - and these risks are higher in darker skin types, which is why suitability is assessed first. Risks are discussed with you in detail at consultation, and you are given written information to take home. Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Individual responses and results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

See spider veins treatment, varicose veins, facial veins, or all vein treatments.