WHAT IS CUTERA™ LASER VEIN TREATMENT?
The Cutera™ Laser system delivers pulses of light energy, which cause the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the vessel, which is later absorbed by your body. Blood flow will then be redirected to veins deeper below your skin’s surface, just where it should be.

WHAT TYPES OF VEINS CAN BE TREATED?
The Cutera™ Laser can remove unsightly veins from all parts of the body. Small, facial veins (or “telangiectasia”) can be treated quickly without bruising or complications. Spider veins and large blue leg veins can also be treated with excellent results. The redness of rosacea is treated easily. Any red pigmented skin spot, such as a cherry hemangioma are easily treated. Knotty and bulging varicose veins are not good candidates.

DOES THE TREATMENT HURT?
Most patients experience a stinging sensation as the pulses of energy are delivered through the handpiece. Following the treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
Often, patients find that 1 or 2 treatments are sufficient. However, the number of treatments necessary depends on the number, color, and size of the vessels being treated. Since individual results vary, ask your dermatologist about your specific condition.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT?
Following the treatment, you may notice the following;
• Some redness or swelling. However redness may fade the next day.
• Skin may be be slightly drier that evening which may require more moisturizing cream.
• The treated blood vessels, in particular on the legs, may appear slightly more obvious or a bit darker for the next week or two.
• There can be isolated superficial bruising which resolves within a week or two on the face, or several weeks on the legs without needing any treatment.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON MY ACTIVITY AFTER TREATMENT?
Patients generally resume most normal activities immediately. However, it is recommended that you avoid vigorous activities such as strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours after treatment. To reduce the chance of uneven tanning in the treated area, you should minimize sun exposure and tanning or a week or two after treatments; if you cannot avoid sun exposure, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen for protection.

ONCE TREATED, WILL MY VEINS REAPPEAR?
We cannot treat your predisposition to develop varicose or spider veins, so new veins may reappear in the same area or in other areas within next few years. Usually a touch-up treatment to remove new veins will be needed every 1 to 3 years.