Laser vein removal before Treatment Instructions
- We will remove all make-up & moisturizers from the treatment site.
- Avoid Flying for 48 hours after the treatment.
- You should not be pregnant or breastfeeding to receive treatment.
- When treating facial telangiectasia near the mouth, rolled-upgauze can be placed between the lips and teeth to protect the teeth from discomfort.
- Apply ice or chilled gel-packs prior to treatment to increase comfort and provide increased epidermal protection.
- Avoid aspirin or other blood thinning drugs (vitamin E, Gingo Biloba), ibuprofen, or arthritis medication for two days before and after treatment.
- Avoid alcohol and do not smoke for two days before and after treatment.
- To avoid discomfort do not shave legs the day of your appointment.
- Do not apply lotions to legs before appointment.
- Eat a light meal/snack one hour before treatment.
- Bring loose fitting shorts/pants to wear after treatment.
- If you develop a fever or other illness before your appointment you must reschedule.
After Treatment Care
- Ice, chilled gel-packs or chilled hydro-gel pads may be applied post treatment to increase patient comfort and provide increased epidermal protection.
- The veins may have an urticarial reaction after treatment. This is common and will diminish more quickly with the application of a mild-potency topical corticosteroid.
- Portions of larger vessels will sometimes darken and become stiff and painful for an extended period after a treatment. The dark coagulum can be removed at 1 to 2 weeks following the treatment by nicking the vessel with a needle or blade and applying pressure to force out the coagulum.
- For larger leg veins, we may advise the use of compression stockings (30-40 mm Hg Pressure) for up to five days after treatment may increase patient comfort and help reduce bruising.
- If crusting occurs, an antibiotic ointment or lubricating cream may be recommended.
- Post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation is a common response (especially with darker skin types) to vascular laser treatments and tends to resolve over time.
- Immediately upon leaving the office go for a brisk 15-minute walk.
- You may resume your normal daily activities immediately, but avoid strenuous aerobic exercise until further advised.
- Take Extra Strength Tylenol for pain. AVOID ASPIRIN, ADVIL, OR IBUPROFEN. These tend to thin blood and can lead to excessive bruising.
- Call if you experience any severe reactions such as profound pain, intense itching, redness or fever.
- Avoid hot conditions such as saunas, Jacuzzis, or hot showers for 7-10 days after treatment.
Follow Up Indications
- The recommended time interval between treatments is 4-6 weeks, depending on the rate of clearance following each treatment. Larger reticular vessels can take three months to resolve and should not be re-treated before then.
- Consistent repeated treatments will produce best resolution of leg veins.