Laser removal of enlarged capillaries on the legs

Who is a good candidate and why it matters

Enlarged capillaries and spider veins on the legs are a very common problem. They affect quality of life, self-esteem, clothing choices and daily activity levels. In some patients they are accompanied by sensations of heaviness, fatigue, burning and itching. Treating vascular changes improves not only appearance but also subjective well-being.

At Dr. Uskov’s clinic, we use modern and safe medical-grade laser technologies. We have systems that cover almost all wavelengths needed for vascular skin concerns: 532 nm (KTP/green), 755 nm (alexandrite), 810–980 nm (diode), 1064 nm (Nd:YAG). This range allows us to match settings to vessel diameter and depth and to the specific skin phototype.

Why Dr. Uskov’s clinic?

• A professional medical platform with nearly the full spectrum of effective wavelengths for vascular indications (532, 560, 590, 595, 755, 810–980, 1064 nm).

• Dr. Uskov’s protocol: personalized selection of parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, energy, spot size, cooling) based on vessel diameter and depth, phototype, location, history and risk factors.

• Safety is our top priority: careful diagnostics, test pulses if needed, advanced contact or cryo cooling, strict photoprotection protocols.

• Trained specialists: vascular work requires physician skill and a modern equipment base which significantly lowers the risk of complications.

Here we see the result after three treatment sessions.

How the treatment works

Assessment before the procedure

• In person consultation with the doctor, evaluation of symptoms and history.

• As indicated: digital dermatoscopy, infrared examination and other tests if needed (including to rule out reflux in larger veins).

• A realistic prognosis and a plan of one or more sessions, usually 1 to 3+ with intervals of 4 to 12 weeks depending on the clinical picture.

The procedure itself

• Antiseptic preparation and protective goggles.

• Step by step treatment of areas with individualized settings and continuous cooling for comfort and epidermal protection.

• Sensations during each pulse: a click, tingling, warmth. When the vessel is hit it may blanch or darken.

How many sessions are needed

Under Dr. Uskov’s protocol one or more procedures may be required. The outcome depends on the number and diameter of vessels, depth, phototype, age, health status, medications, smoking, sun exposure, adherence to advice and other factors.

Post-procedure care and recovery

Mild redness, warmth, darkening of the target vessel and sometimes pinpoint crusts or short-lived purpura (more often with PDL) are possible. To reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other unwanted effects:

• Sun protection: SPF 50+ and avoidance of strong sun for at least 4–5 weeks.

• Heat limits: no hot baths, saunas or steam rooms for 3–14 days, do not steam or rub the area.

• Compression socks as indicated.

• Local care as prescribed by the doctor; cold through a cloth during the first hours.

Rare complications (temporary hypo or hyperpigmentation, blisters, crusts, post-inflammatory spots) are usually linked to individual skin reactivity, tanning, failure to follow advice or concomitant factors. We discuss risks in advance and how to minimize them.

What affects the outcome

• Vessel diameter, depth and number, their location.

• Age, phototype, hormonal status, heredity, lifestyle.

• Adherence to post-procedure restrictions, especially photoprotection and compression when indicated.

• The need for additional tests if mixed venous pathology is suspected.

Contraindications (discussed individually)

Acute inflammatory or infectious skin processes in the treatment area, recent tan, pregnancy and breastfeeding (relative contraindications), use of photosensitizing drugs, decompensated conditions, tendency to form keloids, active dermatoses. The final decision is made by the physician after an in-person assessment.

Important notes

• Results are always individual and depend on the many factors listed above.

• For a lasting cosmetic effect you may need repeat or maintenance sessions.

• Our team’s main goal is safe removal without serious side effects or complications; when needed we recommend extra tests and combined approaches.

• The success of treatment largely depends on how well you follow your aftercare instructions.

Next step

To learn about treatment options, aftercare limits, how the procedure would be performed in your case and recovery timelines, book an in-person consultation at Dr. Uskov’s clinic. The doctor will examine you, perform digital dermatoscopy and infrared assessment if needed or order other tests, then propose a personalized plan with a prognosis, number of sessions and a schedule of follow-up visits.

Frequently asked questions

Laser or sclerotherapy?

Both methods are recognized and evidence-based. The choice depends on vessel diameter, depth, location and color, skin phototype and other factors. We often combine approaches to achieve the best result.

Which wavelengths really work on the legs?

For thin superficial red vessels use 532 or 595 nm; for deeper blue vessels use 1064 nm. Having the full wavelength range in our clinic lets us treat different vascular issues within one course.

Is it safe for dark skin?

Yes, with proper parameter selection. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG is absorbed less by melanin and penetrates deeper, which makes it preferable for higher phototypes in vascular cases.

Is any preparation needed?

Avoid sunbathing or tanning beds for 3 to 4 weeks, do not use self-tanners for 2 weeks before the session, discuss current medications with your doctor (for example anticoagulants or isotretinoin) and any chronic conditions.

When are results visible?

Some vessels disappear immediately, others fade and resolve over several weeks. A follow-up evaluation is usually done after 6 to 12 weeks.