However, lasers typically do not achieve equivalent results; sclerotherapy remains the gold standard of treatment for leg veins. Most lasers or IPL (except possibly 1064-nm lasers) will not treat the associated high-pressure reticular veins. doi: 10.1007/s10103-015-1780-z.


RESULTS: In comparison to the sham laser treatment, pulsed high-intensity laser therapy produced a significantly different result (p < 0.0001), in women with endometriosis. Particularly when patients have large reticular networks, they are informed that failure to eliminate hydrostatic pressure sources will render the laser treatment less effective, with shorter term results, and require many more repeated treatments. The 532-nm wavelength is one of several hemoglobin absorption peaks. 2018 Oct;30(10):1341-1345. doi: 10.1589/jpts.30.1341.

Lasers Med Sci. Cooling may also be applied before, after on continuously during the laser pulse. This assumes that the patient’s natural pigmentation is taken into account when choosing and utilizing the laser or IPL.In 1981, Anderson and Parrish introduced the theory of selective photothermolysis, which is the basis of most of the lasers and light sources in use of vascular indications.To understand the best wavelength to treat superficial red vessels, one must know that oxyhemoglobin’s primary absorption peaks are in the blue-green-yellow portion of the visible range (418, 542, and 577 nm), but that the lowest wavelength peak of 418 nm is strongly absorbed by melanin and cannot be utilized for vascular lesions (We now understand that telangiectasias and venulectases of the leg are at certain points deeper vessels (over 1 mm), thus requiring a longer wavelength to allow penetration. Name must be less than 100 characters

This requires minimal interaction with melanin and some mode of protective epidermal cooling. Although sclerotherapy causes an inflammatory reaction sometimes accompanied by side effects such as postsclerosis pigmentation and/or telangiectatic matting, lasers cause tissue destruction by conversion of light energy to heat absorption by the target tissue.One of the responsibilities of the treating physician is to explain to the patient the differences between thermal and chemical destruction in terms of efficacy, risks, and side effects. 2001;(4):CD001300. Epub 2014 Feb 2.Wayne PM, Kerr CE, Schnyer RN, Legedza AT, Savetsky-German J, Shields MH, Buring JE, Davis RB, Conboy LA, Highfield E, Parton B, Thomas P, Laufer MR.J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol.
However, even at a penetrating wavelength, pulse duration must be matched to vessel size. As the successful use of lasers and light sources for facial vessels is widely known, patients seeking cosmetic treatment for their legs often request laser as they believe it is more effective, less painful, and less invasive than sclerotherapy. Cooling may be applied by direct contact, cold air blowing, or spray cryogen. However, lasers typically do not achieve equivalent results; sclerotherapy remains the gold standard of treatment for leg veins. Since the first application of lasers in medicine and surgery, the safe use of light energy to painlessly eliminate spider veins of the leg has been the holy grail of laser technology. Lasers are adjunctive and not replacement therapy. 2015; 30 (6):1747–55. The laser pulse energy calculation explained, with numerical examples. COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation.

The pulse duration is determined by the thermal relaxation time that can be up to 160 ms for a 0.4-mm vessel.