Spider veins on your legs or face can make you feel self-conscious, especially during warmer months. At Farrell Laser & Aesthetic Medicine Center in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, we offer two proven treatments to reduce or eliminate spider veins: Apogee™ laser therapy and sclerotherapy. Both are effective, but they work in different ways, and one may be a better fit for your needs.
Dr. Deborah M. Farrell is one of Central Pennsylvania’s most experienced laser and aesthetic medicine physicians. A Fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Farrell has helped many patients minimize spider veins with treatment plans based on their skin type and vein pattern.
How Each Treatment Works
Apogee™ laser treatment uses focused light energy to heat the blood vessels that make up spider veins. This heat causes the vein walls to collapse, and over time, the treated veins fade as the body naturally absorbs them. The laser targets the pigment in the blood, allowing for precision without damaging the surrounding skin.
Most patients feel a quick snapping sensation with each pulse, similar to a rubber band. The treatment is quick, requires no needles, and involves little to no downtime.
Sclerotherapy works by injecting a medical solution directly into the spider vein with a very fine needle. This solution irritates the vein lining, causing it to close and eventually be absorbed by the body.
The process is quick and doesn’t require numbing. Patients may feel mild stinging or pressure during the injections.
Choosing the Right Option
Choosing between Apogee™ laser treatment and sclerotherapy depends on the size and location of your spider veins, your skin type, and your treatment preferences.
Laser treatment is often ideal for smaller, superficial veins. Sclerotherapy is typically better for larger or clustered veins on the legs.
The Apogee™ laser also tends to work best on lighter skin types due to how the laser energy interacts with pigment. Sclerotherapy, on the other hand, isn’t influenced by skin tone in the same way and may be a better option if you have a darker complexion.
Schedule Your Consultation
Ultimately, the right treatment is the one that aligns with your goals and the characteristics of your veins. Dr. Deborah M. Farrell will create a plan that feels right for you.
Call Farrell Laser & Aesthetic Medicine Center in Mechanicsburg at 717-732-9000 to schedule a consultation. We also serve patients from Harrisburg and surrounding areas.