Can Laser Hair Reduction Also Treat Spider Veins?

Since both permanent hair and vein reduction involves the use of laser technology, many are wondering if laser hair removal can also address spider veins? Could the same device target those red, blue, purples lines on the face (other areas of the body) that cause skin to look dull or less smooth and even?

Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore discusses the truth about spider veins and if the technology used to remove unwanted hair can also work effectively on dilated blood vessels.

But first, what are spider veins? 

Also referred to as telangiectasia or broken blood vessels, these are simply dilated or damaged blood vessels. They got their name because the veins appear like spider webs or tree branches on the face. They commonly show up on the face, particularly the nose, cheeks, and chin.  

While telangiectasia are rarely harmful, they may cause mild itching or discomfort in some individuals. The veins can also be a symptom of rosacea, which is a chronic skin condition that causes redness and bumps on the face. The way spider veins look is the main reason people wish to get rid of them. 

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins appear because of the damaged blood vessels due to poor blood circulation or venous insufficiency. Several factors can contribute to this including:

• Genetics – spider veins can be hereditary and having family members with spider veins increases your risk of having them.
• Sun damage – UV rays can damage or enlarge blood vessels, resulting in the appearance of telangiectasia.
• Pressure changes – Intense sneezing or vomiting can put extreme pressure on the face and potentially break the blood vessels.
• Drastic weather changes – These can affect circulation and may result in facial flushing. For example, hot temperatures can cause the veins beneath the skin to dilate.
• Rosacea – Symptoms of this chronic, inflammatory skin condition include red patches or bumps on the face, tendency for skin to get flushed easily, and broken blood vessels, as well as stinging, burning, or itching sensation in the skin.
• Alcohol – Excessive and/or heavy drinking causes the blood vessels to dilate or enlarge. This then causes spider veins and facial flushing. 
• Pregnancy – Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can cause blood spider veins to show up. The good news is they usually disappear after giving birth.

How laser hair reduction works and why it’s not the right option for spider veins

Laser hair reduction targets the follicles or the foundation where each hair grows. The practitioner or the doctor uses a handheld laser device that delivers intensified pulses of light at the skin, targeting the melanin or pigment in the hair. These then destroy the follicle, causing the hair to fall off and after multiple sessions, lead to permanent hair reduction. 

This technology doesn’t work for spider veins, because it targets the melanin (the blood vessels lack pigment). The blood vessels that lead to spider veins cannot absorb the wavelengths of lights used in laser hair reduction. Trying to use hair reduction devices on spider veins could lead to unsatisfactory results and potentially damage the skin. 

The right treatment for spider veins

If you have spider veins that are making you self-conscious, it is best to consult a skin or aesthetic doctor. They can assess your condition and recommend the right treatments based on the severity of your telangiectasia. At Cutis, we have several light- and laser-based treatments that can improve or reduce it and facial redness. 

• Laser vein reduction – uses pulses of laser light that targets the dilated blood vessels. It causes the blood within the vein to coagulate, which then destroys and the skin reabsorbs later. The blood flow is then redirected to the vein beneath the skin surface where it should be.
• Laser skin rejuvenation – gently heats the upper dermis well below the skin surface to stimulate collagen regrowth and the development of new skin cells. It also generates additional heat in dilated or enlarged capillaries to tackle skin redness. It can give you an even texture and glowing complexion by improving:

• Acne
• Scarring
• Tiny facial veins
• Rosacea
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Age spots and hyperpigmentation

• Limelight Photo Facial – uses intense pulsed light (IPL) that delivers pulses of light customized to your skin tone. These target the pigmentation, drawing out the spots on the top layer of the skin. The light also stimulates collagen production and decreases blood flow to broken capillaries. It can rejuvenate the skin by treating or improving:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sun damage and pigmentation
• Enlarged pores
• Facial redness
• Tiny facial veins

How to limit or prevent future spider veins in the face

Here are a few things that can help prevent it (due to external causes) from appearing.

• Avoid extreme heat – or places with high temperatures such as spas and saunas.
• Limit sun exposure – and practice sun protection measures when going outside. These include wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat. 
• Drink in moderation – only drink occasionally or if you need help in cutting back or quitting, consult a doctor. 

Contact Cutis today

Whether you’re looking to reduce unwanted hair or spider veins on the face, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to learn more about our laser hair and vein reduction treatments.