The benefits include no surgical incision and a relatively non-invasive procedure. The treatment is more effective than traditional vein stripping and is associated with less pain and fewer complications during recovery. The procedure leaves virtually no scars and patients are usually able to return to daily activities immediately.
As with any procedure that penetrates the skin there is a risk of infection, tenderness, heat damage to the nerves or inflammation of the vein (thrombophlebitis). Any blood clots that may form in the veins can potentially travel to the lungs, but this is an extremely rare problem.
Laser treatment for spider veins doesn’t make any puncture into the vein or skin. The laser is applied over the skin. Patients describe the experience like having a small rubber band snapping against the skin. The veins usually disappear over the next 2 -6 weeks.