Light Relief

Often considered a cosmetic concern, spider veins are one of the most common vascular conditions clients seek to improve. Also known as telangiectasia, this red or purple web of veins can appear anywhere on the body, including the face. However, the lower body is most often affected, and nine out of ten women over the age of 25 have some form of visible leg veins.¹

WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS?

Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are small, dilated blood vessels that become visible near the surface of the skin. Blood pools in the veins and causes them to push up to the surface of the skin.²

WHAT CAUSES SPIDER VEINS?

These enlarged veins can develop or become worsened by prolonged sitting, standing, and even from pregnancy. However, genetics is the  most important factor in developing spider veins. According to Alison Tam, MD, "millions of women get pregnant and do not develop spider veins; millions of women gain weight or have venous disease in their legs, but do not develop spider veins. It is the interplay of genetics, environment, and how you care for yourself that dictates whether you develop spider veins, at what rate, and what age they appear."³

LASER AND IPL TREATMENT FOR SPIDER VEINS

Treatment options for spider veins vary depending on the size, location, and severity of the vessels. Options range from cosmetic camouflage products to medical procedures. Sclerotherapy is still considered the gold standard for treating large, bulging veins on the body, but for clients with small, superficial spider veins (both on the face and/or body), laser therapy or intense pulsed light (IPL) are the best choices. 

Laser Therapy for Spider Veins

Diode lasers with varying wavelengths between 532 and 1,064 nanometers can be selected based on vessel characteristics and treatment goals. The treated veins will darken for several weeks and then vanish entirely as the body reabsorbs the blood cells.⁴ Side effects of laser therapy include erythema or redness, crusting, swelling, and blistering if the laser is not set to the correct parameters.⁵

^{IPL for Spider Veins}

Intense pulsed light (IPL) uses broad-spectrum light to target vascular chromophores within superficial vessels. Like laser therapy, IPL can help reduce the appearance of redness and visible vessels when appropriate settings are selected. 

CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SPIDER VEIN TREATMENT

Before performing or recommending vascular treatments, estheticians should understand the difference between superficial cosmetic concerns and conditions that require medical evaluation. Treatment parameters, contraindications, and scope of practice should always follow device manufacturer guidelines and applicable regulations. 

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF LASER SPIDER VEINS TREATMENT

• Erythema
• Crusting
• Swelling
• Blistering

ADVANCED ESTHETICS INSURANCE FOR LASER TREATMENTS

Professional liability insurance for laser therapy can help protect estheticians offering advanced light-based services. 

ASCP members have access to optional Advanced Esthetics Insurance coverage for services  such as spider vein treatment and other advanced modalities. Coverage options vary based on services offered and practice needs. 

Learn more about Advanced Esthetics Insurance and eligibility requirements through ASCP. 

FAQS

What are spider veins?

Spider veins, also called telangiectasia, are small visible blood vessels that appear near the surface of the skin.

What treatments improve the appearance of spider veins?

Laser therapy and IPL are commonly used to improve superficial spider veins, while larger veins may require other medical treatments. 

Can IPL treat spider veins?

Yes. IPL may be used to target vascular redness and improve the appearance of superficial vessels. 

References:

1. Liz Ritter, “Why Some People Get Spider Veins and Others Don’t,” NewBeauty, February 26, 2016, accessed August 2020
2. Danielle Fontana Dooley, “4 Expert-Approved Ways to Handle Visible Leg Veins,” NewBeauty, August 21, 2018, accessed August 2020
3. Liz Ritter, “Why Some People Get Spider Veins and Others Don’t.”
4. Danielle Fontana Dooley, “4 Expert-Approved Ways to Handle Visible Leg Veins.”
5. Luis C. U. Nakano et al., “Treatment for Telangiectasias and Reticular Veins,” Cochrane Database System Review 2017, no. 7 (July 2017): CD012723