Laser vein removal is not painful. It has been described as "a gentle burning sensation along the vein followed by a sharp pinch at the end" as the vein is sealed.

A:The laser targets the pigments in the red blood cells in the unwanted veins, in the same way that the laser targets pigments in the hair follicle during laser hair removal.

A:The time for each procedure varies with the number and size of the veins being treated. Some may be treated in as little as 10 minutes, while other, larger areas may take an hour or more. A:As with other laser-based procedures, most patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band being snapped against the skin. The SmartcoolTM Chiller helps to numb the area prior to treatment, greatly reducing any painful sensations.

Laser hair removal is usually not much more painful than waxing. It feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin for a quick second with each pulse. Most people do not require an anesthetic cream (like EMLA), but very sensitive patients may request it. The use of anesthetic creams is only safe on small areas (like the upper lip, bikini line, or underarms) and in small quantities. Using it on large areas like the back can cause serious side-effects and even death.

Sclerotherapy is the most commonly used method of non-laser vein removal. Like laser treatment, it is relatively inexpensive and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Sclerotherapy requires multiple sessions. One to three injections are usually required to effectively treat any vein. Post-treatment therapy may include wearing support hose for two days to two weeks following treatment.

In one pulse, the GentleLase laser removes all the hair on a patch of skin the size of a nickel. The pulse, lasting only millionths of a second, is no more painful than plucking a single hair. It is important to choose only the highest quality laser treatment system. The GentleLase system uses a precise frequency of light that is finely tuned and optimized to effect only the hair shaft and root. The tissue surrounding the follicle is not irritated by the laser.

Have a history of skin keloids as they may be prone to scarring after any skin trauma including laser treatment.

Surgical Artistry, Inc in Modesto, CA, we have a laser that is taylored specificly for veins. However, it has been used by others for laser hair removal. We can use it to remove some small hairs. Several sessions of laser hair removal are needed. We can also recommend places that specialize in laser hair removal. If you mainly have a leg vein or facial vein problem, we can discuss small spots of laser hair removal as well. We do have an esthetician on staff that can perform waxing if you prefer.

Most patients do not require any medication. The laser treatment has been described as feeling like the snapping of a rubber band.

Laser treatments for facial spider veins are performed within The Williams Rejuva Centers by highly trained Cosmetic Nurse Specialist.

Depending upon the size of the treated area, a laser spider vein removal procedures can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

Laser spider vein removal is typically not covered by insurance unless your insurance company covers cosmetic procedures.

The procedure itself is not painful since medication is administered to make you feel comfortable. Post operatively, most patients experience little or no discomfort. After the procedure, your eyes may feel scratchy, gritty, or watery. These are temporary symptoms and are not a problem for most patients.

Lasers have been used for hair removal since the mid 1990's. They are safe in the hands of trained technicians but have several short comings: Lasers work well only when a hair is in the anagen, (growing) phase. On some parts of the body, less than 50% of the hairs are in the growing phase.

We can do laser hair removal just about anywhere on the body. The most common areas for women are the upper lip, chin, eyebrows and bikini line. Men like to do hair removal at the back and shoulders, front of the neck (common place for ingrown hairs) as well as the glabella (space between the eyebrows). We do arms, legs, toes, underarms and more!