The Center for Laser Surgery has over twenty years of experience in laser and non-laser treatment of leg veins. Laser treatment of leg veins has come of age, however, many physicians do not have a firm basic understanding of the process leading to many pitfalls in their approach to the treatment of leg veins.

Lower extremity veins may be divided into two classifications. Large bulging blue vessels referred to as varicose veins and smaller blue to red vessels commonly referred to as telangiectasias. It is imperative that a detailed examination be performed in all patients presenting for the treatment of leg veins since the approach to leg veins must be from top to bottom with treatment of varicose veins preceding the treatment of smaller lower extremity leg veins or telangiectasias. If large varicose veins showing reflux are not addressed the treatment of lower extremity telangiectasias will be unsuccessful and associated with a significant potential complications such as pigmentation disturbances and telangiectatic matting.

At the present time, numerous lasers are available for laser treatment of leg veins. Unfortunately, no one laser will completely address all lower extremity telangiectasias necessitating the use of multiple systems in order to approach these problems. The Center for Laser Surgery has been engaged in laser leg vein research over the past ten years and has extensive experience in the treatment of this condition. Small pink telangiectasias are best treated using pulsed green or yellow light lasers, while larger blue vessels are best approached using longer wavelength Alexandrite, Diode, or Neodymium-YAG lasers. All of these lasers are available on site, greatly increasing our success in the treatment of complex leg vein cases. It is important for patients to be thoroughly evaluated during their initial consultation and clearly understand the approach that will be taken using lasers or combinations of laser and sclerotherapy.

Lasers available for the treatment of leg veins:

• VERSAPULSE 532NM LASER (COHERENT MEDICAL)
• APOGEE 9300 ALEXANDRITE LASER (CYNOSURE MEDICAL)
• V STAR LONG PULSE 595NM LASER (CYNOSURE MEDICAL)
• LIGHTSHEER 800NM DIODE LASER (COHERENT MEDICAL)
• LONG PULSE NEODYMIUM-YAG LASER 1064NM( ALTUS MEDICAL)
• INTENSE PULSED LIGHT SOURCE FOR VASCULAR LESIONS

Once again, it is important to choose your laser surgeon wisely and be sure that they not only have sufficient experience in the use of lasers to treat leg veins but they are using the proper modality suited for the vein color and size.

* Adrian, RM: Treatment of Leg Telangiectasias Using Long-Pulse Frequency Doubled Neodymium: YAG Laser at 532nm. Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, Vol 24:19-23, 1998