Intense Pulsed Light treatment (IPL)

The therapist directs a thin beam of high-intensity light at the veins. This passes through the skin, without damaging it, to precisely target the veins.

The Intense Pulsed Light equipment can produce light in a number of different frequencies and the therapist will choose the one that is best for you – for example, one type frequency affects the skin, another type has no affect on the skin but does affect the veins beneath it. It is the latter which is used for spider vein removal.

The beam causes the vein to clog, cease functioning and break down. The body then identifies the vein as waste material and disposes of it via the lymphatic drainage system (the body’s waste disposal system).

Many patients describe the sensation as being like the snap of a rubber band as the beam strikes the vein. Most people find this easily bearable.

There is usually no pain after the treatment session is finished though there can occasionally be a small amount of redness and, in very rare cases, a little blistering, bruising or swelling. This can normally easily be covered up with make-up and soon fades.

Treatment normally takes 30-60 minutes and one to three treatments are needed. Leg veins generally require more treatment than facial veins.

Afterwards it is important to screen the affected area from the sun’s rays for some weeks.

Spider veins which have been eliminated will rarely reappear. However, new veins can appear in other places if the underlying causes persist and you may need treatment for these.

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