What Is Laser Vein Removal?

Spider veins—small, visible blood vessels that often appear on the face and legs—can be blue, red, or purple and are caused by factors such as aging and genetics. These veins tend to worsen and become more noticeable over time, making early treatment important. At Hermosa Plastic Surgery in Albuquerque, NM, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Miguel Gallegos offers nonsurgical laser vein removal treatments to reduce the appearance of these veins and restore smoother, clearer skin. During your consultation, Dr. Gallegos will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.

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What Is Cutera® XEO Laser Vein Removal?

Dr. Gallegos uses the advanced Cutera XEO System for laser vein removal at his Albuquerque practice. This versatile laser platform addresses a wide range of skin concerns, from pigmentation to vascular issues. The system includes several specialized technologies to target specific problems, including:

  • Xeo YAG Laser: Primarily used for treating spider veins, vascular conditions, and more
  • Pearl™: Smooths skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and corrects sun damage and pigmentation
  • TITAN®: Tightens skin on the face, neck, arms, abdomen, and other areas
  • ProWave 770™: Used for hair removal treatments
  • LimeLight™: Targets redness, sun damage, small veins, brown spots, and other skin imperfections

What Is Sclerotherapy?

In addition to laser vein removal, Dr. Gallegos offers sclerotherapy, a nonsurgical alternative that requires no recovery time. This treatment is especially effective for larger visible veins and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a special solution directly into the vein, causing it to shrink and disappear. Unlike laser treatments, which use light energy to coagulate smaller veins (commonly on the face), sclerotherapy targets medium to larger veins (over 3 millimeters in diameter), but it can also treat smaller veins as needed.

Candidates for sclerotherapy should be in good health, not pregnant, and have no history of blood clots. The procedure is performed in a private treatment room without anesthesia. The targeted veins are marked, the skin is cleaned, and a fine needle is used to inject the solution. After treatment, the injection site is covered with gauze to manage any minor bleeding.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Vein Removal?

Laser vein removal at Hermosa Plastic Surgery offers numerous advantages, including:

  • Reduces swelling and discomfort associated with visible veins
  • Minimizes the appearance of unsightly veins and marks
  • No need to wear compression garments post-treatment
  • Enhances overall appearance and confidence

Am I a Candidate for Laser Vein Removal?

Laser vein removal is an excellent option for adults in good health who want to reduce the visibility of small to medium spider veins on the face and body. While these veins typically do not pose medical risks, many patients seek treatment to improve cosmetic appearance and feel more confident wearing clothing like swimsuits and shorts. Ideal candidates are not pregnant, do not have a history of blood clots, and are looking for a safe, minimally invasive solution.