Vascular Laser (Leg Veins)

Elos Vascular treatments improve the appearance of unsightly veins. Treatments are indicated for telangectatic facial veins, leg veins (up to 4mm), spider naevae, haemangiomas etc.

Treatment sessions are performed using a combination of the Aurora and Polaris devices. The devices use Elos Technology which combines safe and effective levels of laser and radiofrequency (electric current) energies to target the veins, heating the veins up, closing the blood supply off and reducing the appearance of the superficial veins. Both laser and radiofrequency have been used separately for decades in medicine and surgery, but the Elos devices exclusively combine light and radio frequency for ideal treatment outcomes with very low risk of side effects and virtually no downtime.

Treatments are non-ablative, which means it is a non-invasive procedure and does not disrupt the surface of your skin. Most people leave the clinic with only slight pinkness or no pinkness at all and can return to work immediately. Treatments do not interfere with daily activities.

You should expect a course of up to 5 treatments as we have found most people on average need at least 5 treatments to obtain their desired result. Some people will strive for further enhancement of their skin and go on to have further treatments.
Treatment sessions are typically 3 - 4 weeks apart, each treatment session takes half an hour.

Treatment can be uncomfortable, “like being flicked with a rubber band” or “feels like a hot pinch”, however most people can tolerate it. To reduce discomfort a topical anaesthetic cream can be applied 30 mins before treatment to numb the area (note: cost of cream is extra). Two paracetamol can also be taken one hour before the procedure.

Both the Aurora and Polaris devices are indicated for use on different types of veins and work at different levels. Sometimes you will receive treatment with a combination of both devices other times you may just receive treatment with one device.

Treatments are performed by a Registered Nurse, who will assess the vascular nature of the veins to be treated. Everybody responds differently to treatment, your veins and response to treatment are assessed at each treatment. There are many factors that can influence the treatment you will receive. The treatment approach and device that is chosen to be used is reassessed at each treatment session, on an independent basis and will likely change at each treatment session.

What to expect immediately after treatment:

Any medical procedure has a risk of side effects, with Elos Technology these risks are rare and usually resolve quickly.

• Redness and heat usually appear immediately following treatment. This will subside within a few hours.
• You will need to apply ice-packs to the treated area immediately after and at regular intervals for the rest of the day.
• Swelling, if it occurs at all, usually happens the following morning, and in most cases will subside within 1 - 5 days.
• The colour of a vessel, when treated, may change to a darker red. This can take up to three weeks to disappear. Others may completely disappear at the time of treatment.
• You may also experience dark, irregular bruising which usually resolves within 5 - 15 days. The application of Arnica may help promote healing.
• Areas of pigmentation in the treated area may initially darken, then lighten as the skin sheds (7 - 14 days).
• People with dark skin may lose some pigment or have increased pigment in the treated area. This will be temporary but may last several months to a year.
• In very rare cases, the treated area may blister or crust. This will usually heal in about 5 - 10 days without scarring unless rubbed or picked. If blistering does occur, please contact the clinic. We may prescribe an antibiotic ointment.
• Your skin will be fragile for the first 3 - 4 days.
• Take special care when cleansing the skin during this time. Avoid using facial/body scrubs, washcloths or buff puffs.
• For men - take care when shaving, electric shaves are better. In some cases an aftershave solution may sting on application during the first 3 - 4 days, due to the alcohol content.

In all cases it is imperative to use broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every day to prevent further damage. We have a selection of sunscreen and skin care products that can be purchased from the Skin Institute. Your consulting nurse can give you advice and start you on a suitable skin care regime for your skin type and requirements.

People with sun tanned or sun burnt skin cannot be treated for at least a month.

Book a FREE cosmetic consultation>>