Laser sclerotherapy is a type of treatment designed to reduce or eliminate small and medium-sized vessels that may appear on the face, especially on the nose and cheeks, torso or legs. This procedure is mainly recommended for people who are afraid of needles, but it is also recommended for people who are allergic to the substance normally used or have an area of the body with many small vessels.
Laser treatment is more expensive compared to other types of treatment for varicose veins, but it is non-invasive and can provide satisfactory results in the first sessions depending on the number of vessels to be treated. However, to ensure the success of the treatment, it is important that laser sclerotherapy is carried out by an angiologist or dermatologist, and it is also essential to follow the doctor’s recommendations after the procedure.
How laser sclerotherapy is done
Laser sclerotherapy reduces microvessels by increasing the temperature inside the vessel through the emission of light, which causes the blood trapped inside to be displaced to another vessel and the vessel is destroyed and reabsorbed by the body. The heat causes a small inflammation in the area, causing the varicose veins to close and lose their function.
Depending on the region being treated, varicose veins may disappear in just one or two sessions. Laser sclerotherapy is a quick procedure, lasting around 20 to 30 minutes per session and there is not much pain compared to other procedures. Learn more about sclerotherapy.
Care after laser sclerotherapy
It is important to take some precautions after the procedure, such as:
- Avoid the sun 30 days after the procedure in the treated area;
- Use sunscreen;
- Do not use artificial tanning;
- Avoid shaving the treated area 20 to 30 days after the procedure;
- Use moisturizers.
Laser sclerotherapy is not recommended for tanned people and dark skinned people, as it can cause damage to the skin, such as the appearance of blemishes. In these cases, it is recommended to perform sclerotherapy with foam or glucose or, depending on the size and number of vessels, surgery. Find out more about treatment for varicose veins.
