Laser removal of enlarged capillaries

Enlarged capillaries are often found on the face and legs. Women encounter this issue more often than men. People with lighter complexion are more prone to forming enlarged capillaries.

CAUSES of enlarged capillaries can be:

• Conditions such as Rosacea
• Traumas or skin injuries
• Sudden and extreme changes in temperature
• Sun exposure
• Genetics
• Stress
• Age
• Hormonal changes

Enlarged capillaries in legs often occur due to increased pressure in the veins. In most cases there is a hereditary predisposition. They can occur:

• During pregnancy
• Due to obesity
• Due to excessive sitting or standing

Capillary removal is not recommended in following cases:

• Pregnancy
• Built in pacemaker
• Skin infection

We will determine if you are a suitable candidate for laser capillary removal by conducting a free of charge exam and consult.

If you are a candidate for laser capillary removal, you should prepare before the treatment. Things you should do are as follows:

• Do not sunbathe or visit tanning salons two weeks before the treatment
• Thoroughly clean and dry the skin (remove make up, cream, oils)
• Do not undergo self-tanning treatments, If you have, wait until your natural tan comes back.

Laser impulse is most commonly described as a feeling of a warm – tingling, stinging or mild stab. Duration of the treatment depends on the size of the alteration that is being treated – spider hemangioma and individual capilaries are treated in a matter of seconds, while treating leg capillaries takes more time.

The number of treatment depends on type, color, configuration and the number of blood vessels. Individual capillaries are removed with 1 – 2 treatments. Thick nets of enlarged capillaries are treated with a higher number of capillaries that are conducted with a 4 week break between treatments.

Immediately after the treatment, mild redness and a discrete swelling can be seen on the treated area. The blood vessel becomes darker after the treatment, it becomes brown.  In the following 2-3 weeks the color disappears as the dispersed hemoglobin products are being resorbed (like when bruising fades away). Skin must not be exposed to sun for a minimum of 72 hours, and using a cream with a protective factor is needed for the face. These precautions are taken to avoid hyperpigmentation.

Blood vessels that have been treated do not appear again, but if there is a predisposition, it is possible to a new blood vessel around the before treated area will appear. This can be treated as well.

Prevention includes avoiding the sun and using protective creams with SPF 30+.

Prevention from forming enlarged capillaries on the legs includes increasing physical activity and reducing body weight.