Laser/IPL

Lasers used for varicose veins: endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) - see under vein treatments.

Lasers used for facial veins and rosacea: vascular lasers and IPL (intense pulse light) are used for facial veins, spider veins and rosacea.  These devices target oxyhaemoglobin in the red blood cells of the abnormal dilated veins causing the abnormal veins to be preferentially heated by the laser causing them to instantly vaporise or alternatively to close and gradually fade over a few weeks.  Such devices are the treatment of choice for facial veins and rosacea and generally result in a 70-80% improvement.  For leg spider veins the treatment of choice is sclerotherapy and the lasers are used as a backup for stubborn veins.