Spider Vein Reduction In Cedar Rapids

The spider veins we remove won’t come back. However, it’s still possible for new spider veins to appear. Certain lifestyle choices, like limiting sun exposure, eating well, and caring for your skin, can all help prevent the formation of spider veins.

Most patients will see results after just one treatment! The results are usually visible immediately, depending on the size of the veins and the treatment area although multiple sessions may be needed to achieve your desired outcome.

Laser Vein Pre-Treatment Instructions

1. Discontinue medications or supplements that may thin your blood one week prior to vein treatments to minimize bruising and improve the success of your treatment. This includes fish oil, flax seed oil, Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, anti inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve), and red wine. If you are taking aspirin electively and not upon the advice of your physician, then you may stop it for 48 hours prior to your treatment. Do not stop aspirin if prescribed or recommended by your physician. These medications including but not limited to should be stopped for at least 1 week prior to laser or light therapy.

• Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim)
• Antifungals (flucytosine, griseofulvin, voricanozole)
• Antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, promethazine, cyproheptadine)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin)
• Diuretics (thiazide diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide.; other diuretics: furosemide and triamterene)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, piroxicam, ketoprofen)
• Oral contraceptives and estrogens
• Phenothiazines (tranquilizers, anti-emetics: examples, chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, promethazine, thioridazine, prochloroperazine)
• Psoralens (methoxsalen, trioxsalen)
• Retinoids (acitretin, isotretinoin)
• Sulfonamides (acetazolamide, sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfapyridine, sulfasalazine, sulfasoxazole)
• Sulfonylureas for type 2 diabetes (glipizide, glyburide)
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) in cosmetics

2. You may wish to bring a pair of shorts to wear during your treatment if you are having your legs treated.

3. If facial veins are being treated, there may be minor bruising and/or swelling following treatment. This can typically be covered using make-up. Plan accordingly since your face may show slight evidence of the laser treatment for a week or more.

4. If leg veins are being treated, there may be minor bruising, discoloration, and welting over treatment sites. Larger leg veins may appear bruised for a period of time after treatment. Full results can take weeks or months to be realized. Plan and schedule treatments accordingly, allowing for healing time and time for your treatment results to evolve to completion. The best time to treat leg veins are in fall, winter and spring when you are less inclined to wear shorts or be exposed to sun.

5. Plan treatments allowing for a period of no sun exposure, vigorous activity or use of hot tubs, saunas or spas for 48 hours after treatment.

Laser Vein Post-Treatment Instructions

1. Avoid sun exposure and wear SPF 30 sunblock for one month after treatment on all treated areas that may be exposed to the sun.

2. Cold compresses may be applied to reduce redness and swelling.

3. Please call us at the first sign of persistent pain or blistering.

4. Use support hose 20-30 psi worn continuously for three to five days. (You may purchase these at a medical supply store or pharmacy.)

5. Treatment area should be gently washed twice per day with tepid water and mild soap.

Post Treatment, Do Not:

1. Exercise for three days after treatment.

2. Use alcohol, aspirin, Advil, or any blood thinners for five days.

3. Take hot showers, baths, use hot tubs or saunas for five days.

Post Treatment Expectations:

1. Expect some redness, swelling, bruising and discoloration, which may convert to “cat scratch” scab for 8-12 weeks.

2. Leg vein resolution usually takes about 8-12 weeks. At the end of this process, some vessels may be gone while others may be lighter or not affected.