What Are The Side Effects of Laser Vein Removal?

Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins and do not come with the pain or heaviness that varicose veins often bring to sufferers of the condition. However, spider veins may be very embarrassing for some patients, leading many to seek treatment that allows them to put the condition behind them. They often appear as several veins jutting out from a central point, similar to the shape of a spider.

Patients may have more than a few options when seeking treatment, but one category of treatment that has caught the attention of many patients and medical professionals is laser vein removal. Like most treatments, patients consider the side effects of laser vein removal when deciding if the treatment is right for them.

Whichever laser or pulsed light therapy they choose, certain side effects may be present. It's worth noting that during the procedure, the patient's eyes may be covered for protection, which helps to prevent or minimize the risk of damage to the eyes. Also during treatment, the technician often uses a state of the art cooling system that keeps the patient's skin cool.


Possible side effects of this procedure include a reddish appearance of the skin following the procedure, which gradually disappears in the days following treatment. After the procedure, patients may be advised to resume their normal daily activities immediately.


During the procedure, patients may feel a tingling sensation as the laser is working. A topical anesthetic may be applied prior to the treatment if any pain is present. Generally, however, no anesthetic is used for most patients. Patients have found that speaking to a medical professional prior to treatment is useful when considering laser or light therapy as a possible solution to spider veins.


The results of the procedure may not be fully realized until several months after treatment, although many patients are satisfied with the results after a relatively short period of time. It may take about two or three treatments before the spider veins completely disappear. Each treatment may be spaced about four to six weeks apart, but patients should speak to a medical professional to determine the most appropriate time in between treatments.

Laser technicians who have been properly trained and perform the procedure properly often have greater success. While side effects are minimal, patients worried about the risks associated with laser vein removal should speak to their physician to determine if this procedure is right for them.