Dear Dr. Seckel, I have spider veins and broken blood vessels on my legs. I am very self conscious about showing my legs especially at the beach. I have had Sclero for my leg veins but still have many small broken blood vessels and spider veins on my calves and on my thighs that the Sclero did not remove. Which is better for removing spider veins, leg veins and broken blood vessels, IPL or laser? How long is recovery after spider vein removal and how many treatments are needed. Thank you, Monique, Boston, Massachusetts.
Dear Monique,
Thank you for your question about spider veins and broken blood vessels. It is very common to have smaller spider veins and broken blood vessels left behind after Sclerotherapy and that is when IPL or Intense Pulsed Light, and Laser treatment of spider veins and leg veins can be most helpful.
In fact, we often use sclerotherapy on the larger spider veins and leg veins before we use IPL for spider veins or Laser to “clean up” the smaller spider veins and leg veins and broken blood vessels that are left behind. Results of IPL treatment of spider veins can be excellent and provide beautiful vein removal results as seen in the before and after picture of IPL spider vein removal below:
Before and after picture of IPL spider vein leg vein removal
IPL is a newer treatment for spider veins, leg veins and broken blood vessels and has many advantages over laser therapy. The IPL is a less intense form of light therapy and IPL leg vein treatments tend to cause less discomfort than many laser treatments. IPL treatment of spider veins and leg veins does not cause bruising as does the Pulsed Dye Laser, thus there is less visible down time after IPL treatment. In my experience there is also less risk of skin injury that can result is white marks where the vein has been removed after healing.
IPL works best on spider veins and leg veins that are 4 millimeters or less. Larger veins often require treatment with the 1064 laser. Veins that are even larger require Sclerotherapy first before IPL and or laser treatment.
How Long Does IPL Removal of Spider Veins and Leg Veins Take?
The average IPL spider vein removal takes about 30 minutes. However it depends on how many veins need to be removed. You will need three treatments scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. You will see gradual improvement as the IPL causes the spider veins and leg veins to close down and disappear slowly over 5 weeks. We encourage you to wear compression stockings right after treatment.
How Long is Recovery or Down Time after Removal of Spider Veins?
Using IPL there is no bruising or noticeable marks. The only down time would be the time you wear support hose after treatment. Smaller spider veins high on the leg frequently do not require wearing the support hose.
What Does IPL Spider Vein Removal Cost?
Average IPL spider vein and leg vein treatments cost between $350-$500 per treatment. The cost is based on the time required for your treatment. Larger areas can be more expensive.
Where Should I Go For IPL or Laser Spider Vein Removal?
The most experienced and best trained providers of IPL and laser therapies are board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Not all of these physicians offer IPL and laser treatments so you will have to search the internet and find board certified doctors who do these treatments.
For more information on spider vein, leg vein and broken blood vessel removal with IPL call 978-369-4499 or email me. Read our free newsletter to keep up on the latest non-surgical and laser face and body rejuvenation techniques. Read Save Your Face to learn how to prevent facial aging.
Dr. Seckel
Boston, Massachusetts
Concord, Massachusetts