Leg Veins

How does Lyra Laser Leg Vein Removal treatments work?

The Lyra laser delivers energy that passes through the skin surface to be absorbed by the blood within the target vessel, resulting in coagulation and selective heating of the vein walls until the vein collapses and seals shut. The sealed vein is then absorbed by the body over a period of months. The laser will only have an effect on small vessels, up to a maximum of 4mm diameter, and will not work if underlying varicose veins are present. Any varicose veins must be treated (by other means) before laser treatment of the small veins is to be considered.

What can I expect during treatment?

A clear gel is applied to the skin over which the laser handpiece, with a chilled tip to reduce discomfort, glides. Laser pulses are delivered evenly along the length of the vein, the energy adjusted to achieve the desired response. In many cases, you will see part of the vein disappear with each pulse. The vein may not immediately disappear, however, and may in fact initially darken.

Is it painful?

Many describe each laser pulse as a warm sting. Laser pulses delivered into larger or deeper Veins, which require higher energy settings, may be more uncomfortable. The laser handpiece does have a chilled tip, however, which helps to ease matters, but if treatment does prove to be too painful, a topical anesthetic cream can be used to help reduce discomfort.

How long do treatments take?

Treatments can take from 5 to 30 minutes or more, depending on the size of area to be treated. If a topical anesthetic is necessary, it will need to be applied 20 to 30 minutes prior to treatment.

How many treatments are needed?

Most patients experience considerable improvement after 2 to 3 treatments, with 3 to 6 week intervals between treatments, depending on the extent of the original problem. The development of new vessels of course cannot be prevented – if this occurs, then additional treatment may be required.

What should I expect after treatment?

Soon after treatment, a red mark, resembling a “cat scratch” may appear in the treatment area and persist for a few days. There may be some swelling of the area, and on occasions skin blistering and breakdown can occur, which can take a week or two to resolve. The use of a compression bandage or stocking after treatment can be beneficial. Hot baths and heavy exercise should be avoided for a few days. Special care should be taken to limit sun exposure to the treated area for at least a week; sunscreen may be applied immediately after treatment.

Are there any risks of treatment?

Laser vein treatment is extremely safe. On occasions the treated vessel can appear darker, and as with any laser treatment, there is a possibility of scarring and pigment change (lightening or darkening of the skin), which can be permanent., although the risk is extremely small.