Q: Will laser therapy work on my leg or face veins?

A: Although there is no way to tell for sure which veins will respond, a full medical history prior to the treatment will help determine what you should expect. Prior surgery or treatment on your veins could affect the treatment outcome. In some cases, further testing may be recommended to determine if there are underlying venous problems.

Q: How does the laser treatment compare with other methods?

A: Treatment with the CoolGlide® is non-invasive and quick with no painful injections. With sclerotherapy, a small needle is used to inject each vessel with a sclerosing solution. Sclerotherapy treatments could take approximately 20-30 minutes and each vessel could require multiple painful injections.

Q: What does the treatment feel like?

A: Treatments begin with the larger veins first, proceeding along the entire length of the vessel. Although many patients report little or no discomfort, some may experience a mild stinging sensation only when the laser pulse is delivered. The cold tip in the CoolGlide® handpiece helps soothe the skin as the laser energy is delivered.

Q: Are the results long-lasting?

A: Long-term success varies from patient to patient, vessel to vessel. Many of the vessels treated require only one or two treatments. Multiple treatments are usually required for optimum results.

Q: How long do the treatments take?

A: Treatment time varies depending on the number and size of the vessels to be treated. Treatment sessions are generally scheduled for increments of 30 minutes.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: In many cases, significant improvement is realized in as few as 1 to 2 treatments. In some cases new spider veins may appear and therefore additional treatments may be necessary. Treatments may occur at 4 to 6 week intervals.

Q: Can all skin types be treated?

A: CoolGlide® can treat the widest range of skin types because of its innovative technology, cooling handpiece and treatment flexibility. Each treatment is customized to match the appropriate treatment with the patient’s skin type.

Q: What are the contraindications to laser vein removal?

A: Laser Vein Removal is not recommended for those patients who:

• Are pregnant.
• Use medication for which 1064 nm light exposure is contraindicated.
• Have diabetes.
• Have a history of clotting disorders or take anticoagulants.
• Have a history of skin keloids as they may be prone to scarring after any skin trauma including laser treatment.
• Have an active infection or history of herpes simplex in the area to be treated.
• Have a history of personal or familial skin cancer.

Q: When can I resume normal activities?

A: Although we encourage you to resume normal activities almost immediately, we do ask that you refrain from vigorous activities for at least 24 hours. Avoid exercise for 2 to 3 days after the treatment. Please also avoid hot baths and hot tubs for at least the first 24 hours. Compressive stockings are no longer used following spider removal treatment with the YAG Laser.

Q: What is the cost of a CoolGlide® laser vein removal treatment?

A: Treatment for veins varies with the time spent. Patients usually have more than one kind of vein and more than one area requiring treatment. A consultation will determine the pricing for vein removal. Call to schedule a consultation: (203) 281-LSER (5737)

Q: What can I do to help?

A: If we will be treating your legs either wear or bring shorts. If you are taking any blood thinning agents (Aspirin, Vitamin E, garlic tablets, Ibuprofen), discuss this with the nursing staff or Dr. Gold at the time of your consultation.