For patients who are not candidates for sclerotherapy, another technique involving lasers can be used.  The IPL (Intense Pulse Light) laser targets the red pigments found in the hemoglobulin, which is the molecule that carries oxygen found in all red blood cells.  These red pigments absorb the light energy much more intensely then the surrounding skin whereby converting the light energy into heat.  This heat shrinks the blood vessels until they disappear.  Normally, 2-6 IPL treatments are required every 2 weeks.  There is minimal to no discomfort and there is no dowtime.  Patients who have fairly dark skin are not candidates for this procedure.

Before After

Female with spider veins Before and 2 months after 4 IPL treatments Courtesy of Marc Troxler, MD, Arlesheim, Switzerland

Before After

Female with spider veins Before and 9 months after 4 IPL treatments Courtesy of Ron Bush, MD, FACS, Dayton, Ohio

Note: The above pictures demonstrate actual patients results.  However, individual results may vary and these results may not occur with all patients.