Spider veins and broken capillaries on the face and chest are extremely common. They can appear from sun exposure, rosacea, aging, or genetics. Laser treatment targets the vessel, causing it to collapse and fade without damaging the surrounding skin. At Element Dermatology in Sartell, MN, we have three laser devices specifically for vein treatment, each operating at a different wavelength. This matters because different veins respond differently to different wavelengths, allowing us to select and combine devices based on what your veins actually need and adjust as your skin responds.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

All laser vein treatments at Element Dermatology are performed under the direct oversight of Dr. Barry LaBine, a board-certified dermatologist. Here's what you can expect from your appointment:

  • Your Consultation: We assess the size, depth, color, and location of the vessels to be treated, as well as your skin type, before recommending the appropriate device and settings. Not all veins respond the same way, and the right approach for your specific case is determined before anything touches your skin.
  • The Treatment: Laser energy is delivered to the target vessel in brief pulses. The vessel absorbs the energy, heats up, and collapses. Sessions take 15 to 30 minutes, and most patients describe the sensation as a brief snap or mild sting with each pulse. There's no significant downtime. Mild redness or swelling typically resolves within a few hours.
  • Results and Follow-Up: Results develop over several weeks as your body naturally reabsorbs the treated vessels. Most patients need one to three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. We assess your progress at each visit and adjust our approach if needed.

Between the V-Beam, the Sciton BBL, and the Aerolase NeoElite, we have three devices operating at three different wavelengths, targeting vessels at three different depths. Most clinics have one. The difference in what we can treat and how precisely we can treat it is what sets us apart.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Vein Treatment

How does laser vein treatment work?

Laser vein treatment delivers targeted light energy into a blood vessel. The vessel absorbs the energy, heats up, and collapses. Over the following weeks, your body naturally reabsorbs the treated vessel, and it gradually fades from view. The surrounding skin isn’t affected because the laser is calibrated to the specific wavelength absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood. Different lasers operate at different wavelengths, which is why having multiple devices gives us significantly more flexibility to match the right approach to your specific veins.

Which veins can be treated?

We primarily treat veins on the face and chest, including spider veins around the nose and cheeks, broken capillaries, diffuse redness and flushing associated with rosacea, and visible veins on the décolletage. The right laser vein approach depends on the size, depth, color, and location of the vessel being treated. We’ll assess your specific concerns during your consultation and recommend the most appropriate device and settings for your case.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients need one to three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart to achieve their desired result. Smaller, more superficial vessels often respond in a single session. Larger or deeper vessels may require additional treatments. Results develop over several weeks as your body reabsorbs the treated vessels, so final results are usually visible four to eight weeks after each session.

Does laser vein treatment hurt?

Most patients describe the sensation as a brief snap or mild stinging during each pulse, similar to a small rubber band flick. The Aerolase NeoElite, in particular, is known for being one of the more comfortable vascular laser options due to its very short pulse width. Treatment sessions are brief, around 15 to 30 minutes, so any discomfort is short-lived.

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