Vascular laser treatment : varicose sclerosis

Laser vasculaire (laser Nd :Yag)

Even if the laser is the treatment of choice for treating this type of damage to the legs, an initial phlebologic review with venous ‘echo-doppler’ ultrasound should be carried out before the treatment to establish any venous insufficiency.
Their tiny diameter – less than 0.3mm – makes them inaccessible to even the finest needles ( 30G ½ needle ) used in micro-sclerosis.

The result is not immediate but becomes visible in the following weeks. The treatment often needs two sessions at an interval of 4-6 weeks.

Session

Each session lasts on average 15-30 minutes. No anaesthetic is required, but a cold gel is placed on the skin and the laser shots follow each other, bit by bit, all along the vessel being treated.
In contrast to micro-sclerosis, there are no jabs or injectable products. No plasters or dressings are needed, and there is no bruising. This is an effective treatment and less sessions are needed than by micro-sclerosis.
Do not expose the treated area to the sun for a month after the treatment.

Contra-indications

The contra-indications are :

– A skin wound on the area to be treated.
– Evidence of proven venous insufficiency requiring prior treatment.
– Certain skin types (V, VI).
– Pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

After effects

Erythema and a feeling of heat. Light swelling, and temporary whiteness are visible around the area treated. On the second day, it is common for little scabs to appear. These will disappear in a few days but it is important not to pick or scratch them.
If phlyctenes (blisters) appear, you must not touch them and you must tell your doctor.
Very rarely, temporary hyperpigmentation occurs which can last a few months, and even develop further if exposed to the sun. On dark skin, temporary hypopigmentation might take place.