Spider Veins

Spider veins are web-like veins that lay just underneath the skin and can be seen as purple or red-colored lines or threads. Unlike varicose veins (sometimes called leaky veins), spider veins aren’t dangerous and don’t usually cause pain. However, spider veins can look unattractive and may cause you to feel self-conscious about your legs or feet.

Veiny feet or legs happen when our veins get weaker. When blood needs to return to your body’s core from the legs or feet, it needs to move against gravity (upwards), so your veins have walls of muscle that push your blood back up to your heart. Over time, these walls become weaker and the blood vessels begin to sag. 

Our veins can also look more prominent as we age and our skin gets thinner.

It’s more common for women to experience spider veins, but men also get them on their legs and feet. The condition is more prevalent in adults over the age of 35, but younger people do get them. Usually, younger women get them after pregnancy. Spider veins can also be genetic and if your parents or grandparents had them, you may be more likely to develop them too.

You should be able to return to your regular activities immediately, however, you may need up to 2 days for any pain and redness to subside completely.

Your spider vein removal treatment will take approximately 45 minutes. You may need anywhere from 1 to around 8 treatments to fully remove your spider veins, but your skincare specialist can discuss the best treatment plan for you at your consultation.

GentleMax Pro is a non-ablative laser meaning it doesn’t destroy the top layers of the skin. Instead, it sends very specific beams of high-energy light deep into the dermis. For this reason, it is less painful than other lasers that destroy the top layers of your skin. However, the GentleMax Pro laser does cause some pain. 

Before your treatment, we can provide a topical numbing cream that will help minimize your discomfort. If you need to stop or take a break at any time, simply tell your aesthetician and they will accommodate your needs.

After your treatment, you can return to your regular activities immediately, but you might be slightly red following your treatment. There may also be a small amount of swelling in the treatment area, but it shouldn’t stop you from returning to work. It may feel a little bit like a sunburn. You can use ice or aloe vera to help relieve the pain. Most people find recovery fairly easy. Following your treatment, you may want to avoid direct sunlight or extreme heat. You also won’t want to use any kind of exfoliating products on your skin for a few days.

Following your treatment, you should see an immediate lessening of your spider veins. Many spider veins disappear instantly during your treatment but may reappear following. This is normal. You may also see a darkening of your vessels before they disappear completely. 

You may see some redness in the treatment area and this is normal. Your body will absorb the damaged veins for a few weeks following your treatment. Necessary subsequent treatments will be scheduled at least 4 weeks apart.

The technology used in a spider vein removal treatment is FDA-approved and very safe. GentleMax Pro is indicated for all skin tones and types, including dark skin.

Side Effects

GentleMax Pro is called gentle for a reason. Unlike many lasers, the side effects are minimal. Generally, there are no safety indications necessary with GentleMax Pro, but your aesthetician is trained to speak with you about any concerns they may foresee. 

Contraindications

If you have broken skin or infections in your treatment area, you may need to wait until you heal to use any type of laser. If you have eczema, open sores or wounds, or an active rash, GentleMax should be avoided until your skin has cleared. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid GentleMax Pro treatments.