Facial Spider Veins
Fine red, blue or purple vessels that appear individually or in small branching clusters across the face.
Marietta, Georgia
Vascular Laser Treatment for Spider Veins
Reduce the appearance of facial spider veins, broken capillaries and selected superficial vessels with a treatment plan personalized for your skin and cosmetic goals.
A Clearer-Looking Complexion
What Is a Vascular Laser?
Focused light energy can target selected visible vessels while helping preserve the surrounding skin.
A vascular laser is designed to target visible blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. The laser emits a controlled wavelength of light that is absorbed by pigment within the selected vessel. The resulting heat affects the vessel, which may gradually close and become less noticeable as the body processes it.
Vascular laser treatment is commonly considered for small facial vessels, including broken capillaries around the nose and visible vessels across the cheeks or chin. Certain small vessels elsewhere on the body may also be treated, depending on their size, depth, color and location.
At Plastic Surgery Center of the South, each treatment begins with an evaluation. Your provider will assess the visible vessels, your skin tone, treatment history and medical considerations before recommending the most appropriate approach.
Common Concerns
What Can Vascular Laser Treatment Address?
The most appropriate treatment depends on the vessel itself—not simply where it appears. An in-person assessment helps determine whether laser treatment, sclerotherapy or a vascular evaluation is more suitable.
Broken Capillaries
Small superficial blood vessels commonly seen around the sides of the nose, nostrils, cheeks or chin.
Visible Facial Vessels
Selected vessels that contribute to a persistently flushed or uneven-looking complexion.
Redness From Visible Vessels
Clearly defined superficial vessels associated with facial redness. Laser treatment does not cure rosacea.
Selected Body Vessels
Certain small vessels on the legs or body may respond to external laser treatment after careful evaluation.
Personalized Candidacy
Device, wavelength and settings must be selected according to the vessel and the patient’s skin characteristics.
Your Appointment
How Vascular Laser Treatment Works
Personal Evaluation
Your provider examines the size, color, depth and location of the vessel and reviews your health history, medications and recent sun exposure.
Customized Laser Settings
Settings are selected for the specific concern and skin type. Protective eyewear is required during treatment.
Focused Pulses of Energy
The handpiece delivers brief pulses over the selected vessels. Patients often describe quick warmth, snapping or stinging sensations.
Gradual Fading
The vessel may lighten immediately or temporarily darken before fading over the following weeks. More than one session may be needed.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Facial Vessels
Leg Vessels
Facial Spider Veins vs. Leg Spider Veins
Laser treatment is frequently used for small facial vessels. Many leg spider veins may respond better to sclerotherapy, while larger or symptomatic veins may need a vascular specialist.
Precision for Delicate Areas
Laser and light-based treatments are commonly considered for small vessels around the nose, cheeks and chin because the provider can target the vessel without placing a needle into it.
Evaluation Determines the Best Approach
Sclerotherapy is often recommended for leg spider veins. External laser treatment may be considered for selected vessels, including very small veins that are difficult to inject.
Treatment & Recovery
What Should I Expect?
Treatment time depends on the size of the area and the number of vessels being addressed. A small area around the nose may require a brief appointment, while multiple areas or larger clusters can take longer.
Temporary redness, warmth, mild swelling, tenderness, bruising or darkening of the treated vessel may occur. Some treatments can also cause minor crusting or flaking. Recovery varies according to the device, settings, treatment area and individual response.
Your provider will give you personalized instructions regarding cleansing, moisturizing, exercise, makeup and sun exposure. Do not pick, scratch or aggressively exfoliate treated skin.
Treatment Time
Varies by the number, size and location of the vessels.
Comfort
Often described as quick warmth, pinpricks or a snapping sensation.
Downtime
Usually limited, although redness, swelling or bruising may temporarily remain.
Results
Improvement develops gradually and multiple treatments may be recommended.
Treatment Planning
Am I a Candidate for Vascular Laser Treatment?
You may be a candidate if you are bothered by small facial spider veins, broken capillaries or other visible superficial vessels and understand that results vary.
Your consultation may include a review of:
- Vessel size, depth and color
- Natural skin tone
- Recent tanning or sun exposure
- Previous laser or vein treatments
- Current medications and supplements
- History of scarring or pigment changes
- Medical conditions that affect healing
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Treatment may need to be postponed if the skin is recently tanned, sunburned, infected, irritated or actively inflamed. Certain medications or health conditions may also affect candidacy.
Protecting Your Skin
Aftercare and Results
After Your Appointment
- Use cool compresses as directed
- Cleanse gently and keep the skin moisturized
- Avoid scrubs, exfoliating acids and retinoids until cleared
- Temporarily avoid excessive heat and strenuous exercise if advised
- Do not pick at crusting or flaking
- Use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher
When Will I See Improvement?
Some vessels may appear lighter immediately, while others temporarily darken before gradually fading. Changes often become more apparent over the following weeks. Larger, deeper or resistant vessels may take longer and may require a series of treatments.
Can New Spider Veins Develop?
A treated vessel may fade significantly, but laser treatment cannot prevent new vessels from developing. Genetics, aging, hormones, sun exposure, pregnancy, rosacea and other factors can contribute to future spider veins. Maintenance treatment may be considered when new vessels appear.
Medical Oversight
Personalized Care at Plastic Surgery Center of the South
Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Corey Harkins, Plastic Surgery Center of the South provides individualized aesthetic care in a professional medical setting. Our team evaluates your concern, skin characteristics, medical history and goals before recommending treatment.
The practice serves patients from Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Kennesaw, Acworth and surrounding North Georgia communities.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Marietta Medical Spa
Personalized Treatment Plans
Frequently Asked Questions
Vascular Laser FAQ
Can vascular laser treatment remove spider veins from my nose?
Small vessels around the nose are common concerns for vascular laser treatment. Whether a vessel is likely to respond depends on its size, depth, color and the laser technology available.
Can a vascular laser treat broken capillaries on my cheeks?
Certain superficial cheek vessels may be treated with a vascular laser. Persistent background redness, facial sensitivity or rosacea may require a broader treatment and skincare plan.
Will vascular laser treatment cure rosacea?
No. A vascular laser may improve the appearance of selected visible vessels or vascular redness, but it does not cure rosacea or prevent future flushing and flare-ups.
Can vascular laser treatment be used on the legs?
Selected small leg vessels may be treated with an external laser, but sclerotherapy is frequently recommended for leg spider veins. Larger or symptomatic veins may require a vascular evaluation.
Can an external vascular laser treat large varicose veins?
Cosmetic external laser treatment is generally not intended for large, raised or bulging varicose veins. These veins may be associated with underlying venous insufficiency and should be evaluated appropriately.
Is vascular laser treatment appropriate for darker skin tones?
Some vascular devices and wavelengths may be appropriate for a range of skin tones, but careful device and setting selection is essential. An in-person evaluation is needed because certain treatments can carry a greater risk of burns or pigmentation changes in skin with more melanin.
How many vascular laser treatments will I need?
Some small vessels may improve noticeably after one appointment, while others require multiple sessions. The recommended number depends on vessel size, depth, color, location and response to the first treatment.
How much does vascular laser treatment cost?
Pricing depends on the number, size, location and complexity of the vessels, as well as the number of sessions recommended. Personalized pricing is provided after evaluation. Cosmetic treatment is generally not covered by health insurance.
Serving Marietta & Greater Atlanta
Schedule Your Vascular Laser Consultation
Discover whether vascular laser treatment is appropriate for your facial spider veins, broken capillaries or selected superficial vessels. Your provider will recommend a plan based on the vessels, your skin and your goals.
Individual experiences and results vary. A consultation is required to determine candidacy and the appropriate treatment plan.