Can FotoFacial/IPL Treatments get rid of spider veins?

I have spider veins on my cheeks and the backs of my hands. The thought of sclerotherapy on my face scares me, but I heard IPL can treat spider veins too. Is this true? How does it remove the veins?

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Answers

Laser Lipo and Vein Center

By: Laser Lipo and Vein Center | Thomas Wright M.D. F.A.C.P.
O'Fallon, MO
Replied on: 6/18/2010

On the face, IPL can treat spider veins. The lntense Pulsed Light[ IPL ]actually targets the hemoglobulin that is found in the red blood cell as it crosses the veins. The light is absorbed by this compound which then is converted to heat. The heat actually shrinks the capillaries. The overall treatment is quite effective and safe. Multiple treatments are required
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Poole Dermatology, The Laser Center of New Orleans

By: Poole Dermatology, The Laser Center of New Orleans | Jeffrey C. Poole, MD
Mara A. Hasectine, MD
Metairie, LA
Replied on: 5/19/2010

Facial spider veins are quiet common, and are best treated with Laser or other light sources such as IPL. Sclerotherapy is NOT a safe treatment for facial veins.
Vascular specific Lasers are generally much more effective than IPL for treatment of these spider veins. The Pulsed Dye Laser (such as the Candela V-Beam) and the Long-pulsed Nd:Yag Laser (such as the Candela GentleYag) are my preferred options. The long-pulsed KTP Laser and IPL are also effective but generally have a higher risk of side effects and results are less predictable.
These lasers work by heating up the blood and blood vessel wall essentially causing them to "shrink wrap" down. Significant improvement should be expected with one treatment, though often 2-3 sessions may be required for complete clearance of all vessels.

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Celibre Medical Corporation

By: Celibre Medical Corporation | Laser Dermatology & Injections
Orange, CA
Replied on: 5/18/2010

IPL is one option for spider veins. We prefer lasers such as the KTP (532 nm) or the Yag (1064) as we believe the results will be longer lasting. The treatments work by closing the small blood vessels with the heat from the laser.

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Rejuve

By: Rejuve | John Tang, MD.
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Saratoga, CA
Replied on: 5/19/2010

On the face, IPL is the preferred treatment modality to treat spider veins. The laser actually targets the hemoglobulin that is found in the red blood cell as it crosses the veins. The light is absorbed by this compound which then is converted to heat. The heat actually shrinks the capillaries. The overall treatment is quite effective and safe. Multiple treatments are required.
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