Laser Treatment for Spider Veins

Principle

Laser treatment for telangiectasia (spider veins) uses a 980nm wavelength laser to deliver high-energy beams through the skin surface. This heats and coagulates the dilated blood vessels, effectively eliminating the red veins.

Advantages

High Precision:

The 980nm laser can accurately target and treat spider angiomas, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Minimal Bleeding:

Laser treatment coagulates blood vessels, minimizing bleeding, which is safer compared to traditional surgical methods.
Less Pain:

The sensation of pain during laser treatment is typically mild, and local anesthesia can be used.
Quick Recovery:

Skin typically recovers quickly after laser treatment, usually without the need for sutures, reducing post-operative care time and infection risks.
Minimal Scarring:

Scars left after laser treatment are usually small and inconspicuous, contributing to improved cosmetic outcomes.
Ease of Operation:

Laser treatment procedures are relatively simple, with short treatment times, making them suitable for outpatient procedures.

Advantages

The specific mechanism of 980nm laser treatment for telangiectasia is mainly achieved through the following ways:

Thermal Damage:

The 980nm laser beam penetrates the blood to a depth of about 0.3 millimeters. After leaving the top of the fiber, the laser beam remains focused on a very small point, achieving therapeutic effects through indirect thermal damage to the inner wall of the vein.

Water Molecule Absorption:

The 980nm laser is at the absorption peak of water molecules. When water molecules absorb the laser energy, it is converted into heat energy, thereby raising the temperature distribution of the cells and promoting the improvement of the microcirculation system.

Vascular Cell Absorption:

The 980nm laser can be absorbed by vascular cells (such as hemoglobin), causing coagulation of these cells and their eventual dissipation, thereby achieving therapeutic effects.

Tissue Cutting and Hemostasis:

The 980nm laser can be absorbed equally and simultaneously by water and hemoglobin, providing excellent tissue cutting and hemostasis effects. Clinically, this is demonstrated by rapid vaporization and cutting without bleeding.

Wavelength-532nm

Selective absorption:

The 532nm laser exhibits higher absorption in oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, making it more suitable for treating vascular conditions such as spider veins. This high selective absorption enables more effective destruction of vascular structures without damaging surrounding normal tissue.
Superficial lesion treatment:

With a shorter wavelength, the 532nm laser penetrates less deeply, making it suitable for treating superficial vascular lesions like spider veins on the face and other skin surfaces. In contrast, the 980nm laser, with a longer wavelength, penetrates deeper and is more suitable for treating deeper lesions.
Fewer side effects:

Because the 532nm laser primarily targets superficial vascular lesions with high selectivity, it carries fewer side effects such as skin burns and pigment deposition. Significant efficacy: Clinical research and practice indicate that the 532nm laser typically achieves notable efficacy in treating spider veins, often requiring shorter treatment durations.
Example Parameter:

Power: Typically ranges from 1 to 5 watts, depending on the severity of the telangiectasia and the patient's skin type.

Spot Size: Generally ranges from 0.5 to 3 mm. Smaller spot sizes are used for more precise targeting of superficial vessels, while larger spot sizes are used for larger areas.

Pulse Duration: Common pulse durations range from 1 to 50 milliseconds.

Cooling: Contact cooling, cryogen spray, or air cooling can be used to protect the epidermis and reduce patient discomfort.

Fluence (Energy Density): Typically ranges from 10 to 40 J/cm², adjusted based on the patient's response and the characteristics of the telangiectasia.

What is a 980nm laser, and how does it work on spider angiomas?

A 980nm laser is a type of diode laser that emits light at a wavelength of 980 nanometers. It works on spider angiomas by targeting and heating the hemoglobin in the blood vessels, causing the vessels to coagulate and be absorbed by the body over time.

Is the treatment with a 980nm laser painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. A topical anesthetic may be applied to reduce any sensation of pain. The feeling is often described as a slight stinging or warming sensation.

How many sessions are typically needed to see results?

The number of sessions required can vary depending on the size and number of spider angiomas. Typically, 1 to 3 sessions are sufficient to see significant improvement.

For different degrees of telangiectasia (such as mild, moderate, and severe), what are the differences in the effectiveness of 980nm laser treatment?

The effectiveness of 980nm laser treatment for different degrees of telangiectasia (spider veins) varies. Evidence suggests that the 980nm laser primarily acts on the affected capillaries by absorbing hemoglobin, without affecting normal skin. This means that its therapeutic effect is related to the number and depth of the affected capillaries.

For mild telangiectasia, a lower power 980nm laser may be sufficient to effectively eliminate the red veins, as the affected capillaries are fewer and more superficial. In this case, the absorption and thermal effects of the laser can more precisely target the affected area, avoiding damage to the surrounding normal tissue.

For moderate telangiectasia, a higher power 980nm laser may be required for treatment. This is because moderate lesions involve a greater number of capillaries that are more widely distributed, necessitating stronger laser energy to ensure the complete elimination of the red veins. Additionally, higher power laser can provide greater treatment depth, making it more effective in addressing deeper affected capillaries.

What are the possible side effects or risks of 980nm laser treatment for spider angiomas?

The possible side effects or risks of 980nm laser treatment for spider angiomas include the following:

Local redness and pain:

Immediately after the procedure, there may be mild redness and pain at the site, which is a manifestation of the inflammatory response to the laser. This usually subsides within a few hours.
Hyperpigmentation:

Improper care can lead to hyperpigmentation. After laser treatment, it is important to avoid sun exposure, as it can cause temporary hyperpigmentation.
Scar formation:

Although laser treatment typically does not leave scars, individual differences, especially in those prone to scarring, may result in local scarring.
Scabbing and infection:

Laser treatment will form a scab that needs to fall off naturally. Premature removal can lead to infection.
Swelling and indentation:

Mild swelling and slight indentation may occur at the treatment site for the first three days. In this case, it is important to keep the area dry and avoid contact with water and makeup.
Other precautions:

After the procedure, it is essential to keep the treated area dry and clean, avoid contact with water and makeup, and refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating spicy foods.

What post-treatment care is recommended after a 980nm laser session?

Post-treatment care usually includes avoiding direct sunlight, using sunscreen, and following any other specific instructions given by the healthcare provider to promote healing and achieve the best results.