Laser removal of spider veins or telangiectasis on the legs

Red-violet spider veins that appear under the skin on the face and body are a common occurrence. They represent the expansion of skin capillaries. They can be found in the majority of the adult population. Such vascular formations appear regardless of age and grow over the years, thereby causing a lot of inconvenience. This problem is not so much aesthetic as medical. However, many people simply want to get rid of a pronounced cosmetic defect on the face and limbs.

Until recently, it was not possible to remove the spider veins or it was necessary to resort to surgical intervention. With the development of the field of aesthetic medicine, new modern methods are emerging, thanks to which it is possible to remove blood vessels without traces or pain. One of the methods is to remove vascular formations using a laser - perhaps the most effective method to date. It gives excellent results even in advanced cases; in a few sessions it eliminates the vascular pattern on the skin.

In our work we use the latest equipment, the multifunctional M22 platform of the American-Israeli corporation Lumenis. With its help, it is possible to remove telangiectasia and other dilated superficial vessels on the face, body, upper and lower extremities. The advantages of the device are the combination of IPL technologies of pulsed light exposure and the Nd:Yag laser module (neodymium laser), which allows you to customize the operation of the M22 individually for each patient.

The IPL module generates intense pulsed light with a wavelength of 515 - 1200 nm. It is used to remove vessels of a nature such as port-wine stains, hemangiomas, rosacea, rosacea on the face and body, especially the superficial vascular network, consisting of many small vessels that cannot be removed with a laser.

The neodymium Nd:Yag laser module generates a wavelength of 1064 nm, the most powerful available today. It is ideal for removing larger (up to 4 mm in diameter) and deep-lying vessels (up to 4 mm in depth) on the face and body, connecting to the superficial, visible ones. Also used to remove veins on the legs. Both techniques can be combined during one procedure performed on the M22 device and give excellent therapeutic results.

What are the indications for using the M22 laser module?

Unsightly patterns on the skin are symptoms of a disease, without treatment of which removal of blood vessels will have a short-lived effect. To successfully solve the problem, an integrated approach is required: observation by a phlebologist in combination with procedures by a cosmetologist. The laser helps eliminate the following vascular manifestations under the skin:

• removal of venous spider veins that are localized on the legs and have a bluish tint (one of the manifestations of varicose veins);
• removal of rosacea - arterial spider veins located on the cheeks, nose, neck and have a bright red color;
• removal of spider veins;
• removal of wine stains;
• removal of deep-lying telangiectasia and hemangiomas;
• complex treatment of varicose veins.

What are the causes of vascular formations?

• pathology of the vascular system (impaired outflow of venous blood, changes in the blood coagulation system);
• hormonal imbalances; degeneration of subcutaneous adipose tissue;
• pregnancy;
• heredity;
• tendency to bleed;
• exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• sudden changes in temperature;
• frequent deep peeling;
• use of hormonal drugs;
• unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, alcohol abuse, poor diet);
• wearing uncomfortable high-heeled shoes for a long time.

What is the essence of the method?

The method is based on selective photothermolysis, the possibility of selective exposure to laser radiation, that is, the ability of different tissues to absorb radiation of a certain wavelength. This allows you to remove damaged elements and not affect healthy ones.

The beam emitted by a neodymium laser acts at wavelengths that are perfectly absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood located in the dilated vessels. The skin remains undamaged because melanin has a different absorption spectrum.

The absorbed light is converted into heat up to 70º C, which heats the hemoglobin. This leads to blood clotting and further gluing of the vessel walls. The damaged wall turns into connective tissue and is removed from the body naturally after 3-4 weeks. As a result, beautiful and clean skin without a vascular pattern on it.

How is the procedure performed?

On the eve of the procedure, the cosmetologist conducts an examination, makes a preliminary diagnosis, during which he identifies the presence of a particular problem, determines the level of the vessels, their diameter and area of ​​distribution. Based on the data obtained, the doctor determines the appropriate correction method and sets individual operating parameters for the M22 device.

Immediately before the session, the patient’s skin is treated with a special solution without alcohol, and a conductive gel is applied. If you have a low pain threshold, the cosmetologist may suggest applying an additional anesthetic cream 1 hour before the procedure.

The doctor puts on protective glasses. If the procedure is performed on the face, glasses are also worn by the patient. The cosmetologist uses laser flashes on the problematic vessel, starting with the thinner part and moving to the thicker part until it disappears or changes color to purple. During the laser pulse, you only feel warmth and a slight tingling sensation. After the procedure, slight redness may form at the site of laser exposure, which usually disappears the next day. In rare cases, pigmentation occurs at the treatment site, which disappears within 4 days.

What are the features of the recovery period?

Complete restoration of the skin after laser treatment occurs after 3 months. During this time, the following recommendations must be strictly followed:

• After the session, it is recommended to apply ice to the laser impact site;
• do not wet the affected area with water for 2-3 days;
• smear the affected area with antibacterial ointment up to 3 times a day for the next 4-5 days;
• apply Bepanten or Panthenol up to 5 times a day to the affected area for speedy healing;
• Protect the skin from exposure to sunlight for 2-3 months with a cream of at least 15 SPF;
• Do not visit the bathhouse or sauna for 3 weeks after the procedure;
• Do not sunbathe for 2 weeks;
• Do not remove crusts that form on your own;
• avoid heavy physical activity and hardware massage for 3 days;
• do not drink alcohol;
• It is mandatory to wear compression stockings when removing blood vessels on the legs.

What results and how soon should I expect?

Immediately after the procedure, vascular formations may become brighter or darker, then they will gradually fade and disappear. The final effect of the procedure will appear in 7-8 weeks.

What are the advantages of M22 neodymium laser?

• Can be used on all skin types (even dark skin);
• the possibility of removing blood vessels both on the body and legs, and on the face;
• uniform radiation distribution;
• the presence of a modern powerful system of controlled contact cooling of the skin, which allows you to avoid burns and pain;
• the presence of a unique technology of multiple pulse exposure (MultiSpotTM), guaranteeing safety;
• absence of scars after removal of blood vessels;
• high speed and effectiveness of treatment;
• no side effects or complications;
• lack of a long rehabilitation period;
• the ability to individually configure M22 parameters for the patient and his problem.

What is the duration of the procedure and course of treatment?

The time of the procedure for removing vessels using the M22 laser module depends on the number of vessels and the size of the area being treated, for example, treating the legs will take a lot of time, and the wings of the nose will take several minutes.

Depending on your situation, you may need from 2 to 6 procedures, the interval between which will be 2-4 weeks. Small vessels disappear immediately. So, to remove pinpoint stars and hemangiomas, you need to undergo 1-2 procedures. Large and deep-lying vessels will require more sessions for removal, since the vessels first lighten and decrease in size, and only then disintegrate and disappear completely. So, to cope with spider veins, you will need to visit a cosmetologist up to 6 times with breaks.

If you have a lot of spider veins, the cosmetologist will divide the course of treatment into stages. First, large vessels will be removed, then medium and small ones, and lastly, residual ones.

What are the contraindications for removing Nd:Yag vessels on M22?

Despite the fact that laser blood vessel removal does not pose a threat to human health, it is not indicated for everyone. Cosmetologists warn that the procedure is prohibited in the following cases:

• oncological diseases;
• diabetes;
• epilepsy;
• HIV infection;
• bleeding disorders;
• presence of a pacemaker;
• decompensated chronic diseases;
• acute period of inflammatory processes;
• acute infections;
• skin diseases in the active stage in the area of ​​upcoming laser exposure (herpes, pustular rashes);
• diffuse connective tissue diseases;
• tendency to form keloid scars;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• menstruation period;
• chemical peels in the previous 2 weeks;
• fresh tan 2 weeks before the procedure;
• the use of drugs or herbs that increase photosensitivity;
• taking synthetic retinoids in the previous 2 months.

VASPIRAS AND THE REASONS FOR THEIR APPEARANCE

Telangiectasias (spider veins) are the result of dilation of superficial intradermal capillaries. In cases of a long-term defect, the structure of the capillary walls may be disrupted, their compaction and loss of elasticity may occur. Dilated capillaries are clearly outlined and appear under the skin as bluish or red structures in the form of small lines, a fine network - “cobwebs” or multiple dots.

The appearance of telangiectasia - spider veins - can be associated with two main reasons:

1. As a result of congenital diseases that are accompanied by dilation of superficial skin capillaries (xeroderma pigmentosum, mastocytosis, Raynaud's disease, connective tissue dysplasia, etc.);
2. It is provoked by the following factors - hormonal imbalance (for example, a high concentration of estrogen in the blood during pregnancy), frequent and prolonged exposure to sunlight and radiation, acquired diseases of various organs and systems, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse and smoking, etc.

The presence of spider veins in itself is not regarded by doctors as a pathological human condition, but is only a cosmetic defect. According to statistics, currently more than 30% of adult men and more than 50% of women over 35 years of age have this cosmetic problem.

Indications

Spider veins, veins and stars are one of the most common problems with which patients come to Medical in Odintsovo. The cause of vascular changes is heredity, increased stress, exposure to the sun, and abuse of bad habits. With the advent of the Nd:YAG module of the M22 platform from the global manufacturer Lumenis, you can now easily cope with such indications as spider veins and asterisks on the legs and face, rosacea, acne, post-acne, dilated vessels, port-wine stains, hemanohymas, angiomas, deep-lying vessels, reticular veins, large veins.

Altamed+ specialists warn: if you notice dilation of blood vessels and deformation of capillaries, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Early warning will allow you to quickly and inexpensively solve the problem of the appearance of vascular networks without resorting to surgical methods.

Contraindications for the use of the Nd:YAG multifunctional platform M22 are: the presence of a pacemaker; pregnancy and feeding; oncology; blood diseases; diabetes; epilepsy; inflammatory processes, fresh tan.

REMOVAL OF VASCULUS WITH LASER

Given such a widespread problem, the question of the most effective and safe way to remove telangiectasia and treat rosacea is very relevant.

Modern man has a unique opportunity to remove stars with a laser and get rid of this cosmetic defect for a long time. After carrying out a couple of laser beam procedures, the problem of telangiectasia can be forgotten for several years, but of course, only if the provoking factors of their appearance are excluded and the “background” diseases are treated.

Our medical clinic specialists perform laser spider vein removal sessions in the following cases:

• Removal of telangiectasia on the face;
• Removal of hemangiomas, “wine stains”;
• Treatment of rosacea associated with rosacea;
• Removal of superficial veins of the lower extremities.

In our center, several professional modern lasers are used to remove blood vessels - it all depends on the location (face or body) and the nature of the defect. Therefore, several laser techniques are used to remove blood vessels.

Contraindications to microsclerotherapy

The microsclerotherapy procedure for telangiectasia is an innovative, fairly safe, planned procedure. But, as with absolutely any invasive technique, it has contraindications:

• Skin diseases in the area of ​​intervention of an inflammatory and infectious nature.
• Acute period of deep or superficial vein thrombosis.
• Pregnancy and lactation period.
• Allergic reaction to sclerosant.
• Presence of thrombophilia (hypercoagulable state).
• Impaired motor activity of the patient.
• The presence of an open oval window of the heart (for the use of a foam form of the drug).
• Lymphostasis.

Adequate compression after the procedure significantly improves the aesthetic result. Therefore, aesthetic microsclerotherapy in patients for whom compression therapy is contraindicated is not contraindicated, but has its own nuances.

In the presence of morbid obesity, as a rule, a larger number of microsclerotherapy sessions are required and difficulties in selecting compression stockings are required. During long flights and hormonal therapy, it is better to refrain from aesthetic procedures and perform it later.

REMOVAL OF VESSELS ON THE FACE, NECK, DECOLLETE

The selective photocoagulation technique is carried out on two multifunctional nanotechnological installations of the latest generation and is used for the treatment and removal of vascular pathologies on the face, neck, décolleté:

• Palomar Star Lux 500 (Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. USA) Lux MaxG attachment.
• IPL Quantum Lumenis (Lumenis, USA-Israel) Quantum SR pulsed light attachment.

IMPORTANT! Currently, removal of spider veins on the face using a laser with the Lux MaxG attachment (Palomar Star Lux 500) is recognized as the world gold standard in the treatment of rosacea on the face.

The photocoagulation method is based on the use of high-intensity pulsed light - Intensive Pulsed Light (IPL). During the procedure to remove asterisks, the vascular formations and the blood they contain are heated to a temperature at which the blood clots and the inner wall of the vessel is irreversibly damaged. In this case, the tissues surrounding the affected area are not affected. As a result of the damage received, the treated vessels gradually atrophy and disappear forever.

Rehabilitation after the procedure

After photocoagulation of blood vessels, slight redness and slight swelling remain at the site of treatment, which disappear on their own within 15 to 20 minutes. In cases of a widespread process and treatment of a large area (full face, cheeks, etc.), tissue swelling may persist for 3-5 days and subsequent temporary (about 1 week) darkening of the treated area.

Advantages of IPL lasers

• Selectivity of action (only on the pathological vessel), which provides the patient with excellent cosmetic results in the face, neck and décolleté.
• IPL laser sessions are carried out without damaging the skin surface.
• The procedure is relatively painless.
• Does not cause scarring or skin pigmentation.
• Just 1 - 2 procedures are enough to completely remove rosacea and spider veins. In cases of port-wine stain removal, at least 3-6 procedures will be required - it all depends on the size of the hemangioma.

Indications for transcutaneous laser treatment

Indications for laser treatment are:

• Telangiectasias
  (“spider veins”) are small dilated blood vessels (diameter from 0.1 to 1 mm), morphologically represented by stars and meshes in various parts of the body.
• Venous lakes
  - is a soft papule of dark blue, purple color, from 2 to 10 mm in diameter, usually localized in the face, most often on the skin of the outer ear, the scarlet border of the lips.
• Reticular veins in the legs
  are dilated, often tortuous vessels with a diameter of 1 - 3 mm.
• Hemangiomas
  are benign vascular tumors. According to the structure and dominant type of blood supply, they distinguish: capillary, cavernous, arterial, venous and mixed types of hemangiomas.
• Port-wine stains ( nevus flammeus
  ) are local changes in skin color caused by a vascular abnormality (capillary malformation). In the vast majority of cases, the pathology is congenital and persists throughout life (without appropriate treatment).

2.REMOVING VASCULAR LEGS

Our clinic specialists use the Fotona SP Dynamis laser, a neodymium laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm, to remove spider veins (telangiectasia) on the legs. Such laser characteristics provide: firstly, effective coagulation of blood vessels in the legs of both venous and arterial origin; secondly, complete safety for the skin surface. Due to the selectivity of the neodymium laser, superficial visible capillaries are sealed without damaging surrounding tissues.

Advantages of FOTONA neodymium laser

• There is no rehabilitation period.
• Possibility of selecting strictly individual impact parameters.
• Controlled point selectivity of exposure along the entire length of the visible capillary.

Complications and side effects after a microsclerotherapy session

Minor ecchymosis (bruising) at the injection sites after the procedure is almost all that worries patients. These phenomena disappear within 1-2 weeks. Complications and side effects of sclerotherapy are quite rare, but you still need to know about them:

• Skin hyperpigmentation is a fairly rare phenomenon and goes away on its own within 6-12 months.
• Local tissue swelling. It resolves on its own and does not require separate treatment.
• Neurological complications: migraine-like headache, temporary impairment of visual fields, extremely rare complications that arise when working with the foam form of sclerosant in patients with congenital heart disease (patent foramen ovale). These phenomena disappear on their own within 10-15 minutes.
• Metting is the appearance of the finest red telangiectasia in the injection area. These manifestations disappear within a few months.
• Skin necrosis occurs when sclerosant enters the perivascular tissue in high concentrations. This is a very rare occurrence and is most often associated with improper manipulation technique.
• Allergic reactions to the drug. Modern sclerosants rarely cause sensitization of the body, but you should always remember this phenomenon.

PREPARATION FOR THE PROCEDURE OF VESSEL REMOVAL WITH LASER

• Two weeks before the laser spider vein removal session, our experts recommend avoiding any type of tanning.
• 2-3 days before the scheduled procedure, it is advisable to stop taking blood thinners and antispasmodics - this reduces the effectiveness of the procedures.
• Women should not be exposed to laser radiation during menstruation.
• Before removing spider veins on the legs, it is recommended to undergo an ultrasound of the vessels of the legs in order to exclude varicose veins and other pathologies of the superficial and deep veins of the extremities.
• After laser star removal procedures on exposed parts of the face and body, it is recommended to apply sunscreen regardless of the time of year.
• If necessary, we perform repeated laser spider vein removal procedures at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks.
• Removing blood vessels with a laser has a number of contraindications, so you must first consult with our doctor.

What is a laser in the modern sense?

A laser is a device that creates a powerful stream of electromagnetic radiation with a certain wavelength. In other words, it is a beam of high intensity monochromatic light. The postulates that made it possible to create such a device were formulated by Albert Einstein at the beginning of the 20th century, and the first optical quantum generator (laser) producing waves in the optical range was created in 1960 by Theodore Maiman (USA).

Laser generator "CUTERA XEO"

Care and recommendations

A few days before laser removal of rosacea, it is recommended:

• refuse baths and saunas
• eliminate alcohol
• Do not use exfoliating scrubs or chemical facial peels.

After removing rosacea on the face, it is advisable to:

• give the skin rest, under no circumstances tear off the crusts formed after the procedure
• in case of discomfort and increased peeling, you can apply Panthenol or Bepanten creams
• do not use alcohol-containing cosmetics for the first days after removal
• Avoid bright sunlight, so it is better to carry out this procedure from November to March
• Limit water procedures for a couple of days
• do not visit the sauna and bathhouse for 2-3 weeks
• temporarily avoid going to the cosmetologist.