Laser Vein Removal Recovery
Facial veins can appear for a number of reasons, from rosacea to years of sun exposure or the simple passage of time. Whatever the cause of these broken veins and capillaries, many patients want to reduce their appearance with facial plastic surgery.
Dr. William C. Cohen performs laser vein removal at Advanced ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery, serving residents of Orange, CA, and Placentia, CA. In this blog post, our team explains what patients can expect during laser vein removal recovery.
When Laser Vein Removal Is Recommended
Dr. Cohen uses a dermatological laser, which targets treatment areas but leaves surrounding tissues undisturbed. The light energy is absorbed by the hemoglobin and, as a result, the blood vaporizes and the problematic vein collapses. The body then dissolves the vein fragments, making them disappear over time.
This advanced facial treatment can address a number of conditions, including:
- Spider veins
- Thread veins
- Broken capillaries
- Rosacea
- Redness
- Cherry angioma
- Venous lake
- Poikiloderma
A single laser vein removal session can usually be completed in less than an hour at our practice. Most individuals need two to six treatments to achieve the desired results.
How Long Will Recovery Take?
In most cases, little downtime is required. Most patients can resume work and other normal activities the same day. However, we do recommend taking some time to cool the treatment area with cold compresses. This can be done intermittently during the first few days after the procedure.
What to Expect during Recovery
Following laser vein removal surgery, patients may feel a raised area in the treatment region. The skin may also appear redder or have a scratched appearance. In some instances, patients may even notice bruising. These side effects are typical and should diminish within a few hours.
During the next few weeks, the spider veins will change color and disappear. Full results take about four weeks.
Tips for a Successful Recovery
To accelerate healing time and ensure a successful recovery, patients should follow a few simple guidelines. Here are some recommendations from our team at Advanced ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery:
- Rest as much as possible for the first few days. While you will be able to resume normal activities right away, you should also make sure you have plenty of time to rest. This will allow your body time to heal.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week. Elevating the heart rate too soon can actually negate the results of treatment. For best results, ask your doctor when you can start hitting the gym again.
- Take all medications as directed. Certain medications can affect vein health. Be sure to discuss any and all drugs you take following your laser vein removal procedure.
- Wear sun protection. Whether you’ve had facial plastic surgery or not, sun protection is an essential aspect of skincare. Be sure to wear proper sunscreen anytime you venture outdoors.
Contact Us for More Information
Have you recently undergone laser vein removal? Perhaps you are considering the procedure. It is important to familiarize yourself with all aspects of treatment, including recovery. To learn more about laser vein removal or any of the other services at our Orange County, CA, practice, contact us online or call us at (714) 628-1313.