Following the laser treatment, there may be mild bruising or temporary discoloration in the treated areas – both of which are completely normal. Bruising will generally go away in 1-3 weeks. Some patients may feel tightness in the area of the treated vein, which indicates that the vein is healing. Compression stockings are highly recommended after treatment to help compress the sites of injection and promote faster healing.

About 15% of patients may choose to take an over the counter pain medication such as Advil (Ibuprofen) or Tylenol, or use a topical anesthetic cream during recovery. Follow-up Sclerotherapy or laser procedure may be needed for any remaining small spider veins and can be discussed with the doctor during the follow-up visit. 

Sclerotherapy is considered the most effective treatment of tiny (spider) unwanted veins. This involves injecting a small amount of liquid or foam solution directly into the vein. The solution is designed to damage the inner lining of the vein, causing the vein walls to swell, stick together and shut down. Blood flow will then cease in these veins, which will be reabsorbed and be eliminated by the body. 

Since the needle that is used for injecting the solution is so small, the procedure is practically painless and does not require any local anesthesia. 50 – 80% of injected veins may be eliminated with each session of Sclerotherapy.