Visible veins, fine vascular networks and so-called spider veins on the legs are very common. They may appear individually or affect larger areas of the thighs, lower legs and the backs of the knees. Depending on the vessel, they may appear red, purple or bluish.
At Era Esthetic Avenue Frankfurt, suitable superficial vascular changes on the legs can be treated with the Candela GentleMax Pro laser system. The treatment primarily uses 1064 nm Nd:YAG technology, which is designed for vascular lesions and visible vessels on the legs.
GentleMax Pro combines two wavelengths in one system: 755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG. For vascular changes on the legs, the Nd:YAG wavelength is particularly relevant.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small, superficial blood vessels that are visible directly beneath the skin. They may appear as individual fine vessels or as branching vascular networks.
They are particularly common on the thighs, lower legs and around the backs of the knees.
Their development can be influenced by various factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, pregnancy, increasing age and prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
Spider veins are often primarily an aesthetic concern. However, larger or deeper venous changes may have other causes and should be medically assessed when appropriate.
How does laser treatment for spider veins work?
During treatment, targeted laser energy is delivered to the visible vessel. Haemoglobin in the blood absorbs the laser energy and converts it into heat.
This controlled heating affects the treated vessel, which can then be gradually broken down by the body and become less visible over time.
The treatment targets the relevant blood vessel while aiming to minimise the effect on the surrounding tissue.
GentleMax Pro: Alexandrite and Nd:YAG in one laser system
The Candela GentleMax Pro combines two different laser wavelengths in one device:
755 nm Alexandrite laser and 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser.
This allows the system to be used for different aesthetic and dermatological applications. For suitable vascular changes on the legs, the long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser is particularly relevant.
This wavelength enables targeted treatment of visible vessels and is used for superficial vascular changes and visible veins on the legs.
Which vascular changes can be treated?
Depending on the individual assessment, the GentleMax Pro Nd:YAG laser can be used to treat different visible vascular changes.
These may include individual visible vessels, fine vascular networks and spider veins on the legs.
Depending on the findings, treatment may be performed on different areas, including the:
backs of the knees, lower legs, thighs and larger areas of the legs.
Whether a particular vessel is suitable for laser treatment depends on factors including its size, depth and colour, as well as the patient’s skin type. The area is therefore individually assessed before treatment.
Why do visible veins appear on the legs?
There is no single cause of enlarged or visible blood vessels. In many cases, several factors contribute to their development.
Genetic predisposition may play a role, as can hormonal changes, pregnancy, increasing age or occupations involving prolonged sitting or standing. Mechanical factors and changes in venous circulation may also be relevant.
Laser treatment therefore does not remove the underlying predisposition to developing new vascular changes. Instead, it targets suitable vessels that are visible at the time of treatment.
How is GentleMax Pro laser treatment performed?
Before treatment, the vascular changes are assessed to determine whether laser treatment is appropriate.
Targeted laser pulses are then delivered along the vessels being treated. A brief sensation of warmth or stinging may be felt during the procedure.
GentleMax Pro features an integrated Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD). The skin is cooled in connection with the laser pulses to help protect the skin surface and improve treatment comfort.
The duration of the procedure depends on the number of vessels and the size of the treatment area.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of sessions required varies from person to person. It depends on the number, size, depth and extent of the vessels, as well as the individual response to laser treatment.
For suitable vascular changes, 1 to 3 treatments may be required.
The individual treatment plan and intervals between sessions are determined following assessment.
What happens after the treatment?
Temporary redness or mild swelling may occur in the treated area after laser treatment. Individual skin reactions can vary.
The treated vessels do not necessarily disappear completely immediately after the session. The body gradually processes the thermally treated vascular structures over time.
How quickly a visible improvement occurs depends, among other factors, on the type and size of the treated vessels.
What should be considered before treatment?
The skin should be clean and free from creams, lotions and other cosmetic products before treatment.
Intense sun exposure and self-tanning products should be avoided before treatment according to the individual recommendations provided. Any medication or other factors that may be relevant to treatment should also be discussed during the consultation.
In particular, intense sun exposure should be avoided before laser treatment.
What should be considered after laser treatment?
After treatment, the skin should be cared for according to the individual recommendations and protected from intense UV exposure.
Saunas, very hot baths and other sources of intense heat should be avoided immediately after treatment. Specific aftercare recommendations are adjusted according to the treatment area and individual skin response.
Spider vein laser treatment in Frankfurt
Not every visible vessel on the legs is the same. While fine spider veins and certain superficial vascular changes may be suitable for laser treatment, larger or deeper venous changes may require a different diagnostic or therapeutic approach.
At Era Esthetic Avenue Frankfurt, the vascular changes are therefore assessed before treatment to determine whether treatment with the GentleMax Pro Nd:YAG laser is appropriate.
Based on the individual findings, the treatment area, laser parameters and expected number of sessions are determined.
FAQ
Can spider veins on the legs be removed with a laser?
Suitable superficial spider veins and visible vascular changes can be treated with a vascular laser. Before treatment, the vessels are individually assessed to determine whether laser treatment is appropriate.
Which laser is used to treat spider veins?
At Era Esthetic Avenue Frankfurt, we use the Candela GentleMax Pro. The system combines 755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG. For suitable vascular changes on the legs, the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser is primarily used.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of sessions depends on the size, depth, number and extent of the vessels. 1 to 3 treatments may be required. The individual treatment plan is determined following assessment.
Is spider vein laser treatment painful?
During the laser pulses, patients may experience warmth or a brief stinging sensation. The GentleMax Pro system features integrated Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) technology to protect the skin and support treatment comfort.
When are results visible, and can spider veins return?
The treated vessels may not disappear completely immediately after the procedure and can gradually fade over time. Laser treatment does not prevent new spider veins or visible vessels from developing later in people who are predisposed to them.
