Spider Veins & Redness? Get Help for Uneven Skin October 7, 2022 If you’ve been depending on makeup to minimize the appearance of redness, rosacea or spider veins, laser treatments could help you find the smooth skin you’ve been waiting for. “People often have small things about their appearance that bother them enough to cover but that they haven’t done anything about, maybe because it’s not medically necessary or they didn’t realize there was an easier solution,” said Karin Olszewski, RN, who provides medical cosmetic services at Samaritan Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery in Corvallis. “Laser treatment is ideal because it’s non-invasive and incredibly effective.” Sunlight Causes Skin Damage Although there can be many reasons for the spider veins and redness on your face, neck, hands and legs – hormones, pregnancy, genetics or a medical condition like rosacea – the most common cause is sun damage. Over time, sunlight breaks down the protective barrier of your skin, harming the supportive collagen that gives your skin elasticity and weakening or breaking the blood vessels near the surface. As a result, you may notice persistent redness and uneven skin tone, even in the winter, or a visible web of tiny red spider veins across your nose and cheeks. What to Expect During Laser Treatment Samaritan Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery uses a pulsed-dye laser to treat redness, which produces a wavelength of light that has been calibrated to work on veins just below the skin’s surface. During treatment, the laser delivers light energy to the abnormal veins, which dissolve and are reabsorbed by the body. After treatment, you may notice some bruising in the area. This is normal and usually fades within one to two weeks. Skin should not be tan during the procedure or exposed to direct sun directly after due to the risk of hyper/ hypopigmentation, so cover up for the two weeks before and after your scheduled treatment. Depending on the size of the area being treated, a session typically takes less than 30 minutes. Patients may need between one and five treatments depending on the type of skin concern. According to Olszewski, spider veins over the cheeks and chin are usually quicker to fade while redness on the chest and legs may need several sessions. For some people with rosacea, regular treatments can help manage the condition and keep redness at bay. Spider veins can show up just about anywhere, but laser treatments work best on small veins that are close to the skin’s surface. For varicose veins that are large or deep, treatment from a vein specialist can help you find relief. Protect Your Skin for the Future With the proper care, results from laser treatment can last for years but it’s important to protect your skin from the sun to prevent new damage. Olszewski recommends skincare with effective anti-aging ingredients like retinol or alpha-hydroxy acid and a daily sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater. “If you have redness or spider veins that bother you, it’s worth getting a consultation to see if laser treatment can help,” said Olszewski. “We always want people to feel their best.” To learn more or to schedule a consultation, call Samaritan Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery at 541-768-4370. Jump start your journey to great skin with SkinMedica sunscreen and skincare delivered right to your door.
