PRE PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS Laser Spider Veins Removal HOW IT WORKS: Spider veins do not pose any health risk but are a cosmetic nuisance. Known as telangiectasias, they are small veins that are near the surface of the skin, typically on the face or legs, and may be red or bluish in colour. Spider veins are typically very small, less than 1 mm in diameter, although Cynosure’s Elite Laser can also treat larger vessels up to 3 mm in diameter with excellent results. Knotty varicose veins are not suitable for treatment with a laser. During a laser vein removal treatment a concentrated beam of light energy from the laser is directed precisely at the small blood vessels. The light penetrates below the surface of the skin and the heat causes the blood within the tiny vessels to coagulate. The walls of the vein collapse, blood flow is stopped and over the next two to eight weeks the vein is absorbed into the body and disappears. Blood flow will then be redirected to veins deeper below your skin’s surface where it should be. Usually only one or two treatments are sufficient but this depends on the number, colour and size of the vessels being treated. PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS:  Pre-Treatment Consultation: A consultation is required to determine if you are a suitable candidate for laser vein removal. During this consultation we will be able to estimate the cost of your treatment. There is no cost for this consultation. If you wish to book your first treatment on the same visit a deposit of $50 will be required. This deposit will be applied towards the cost of your treatment or refunded to you after your consultation if you decide not to proceed. If you do not show up for your scheduled treatment a non-cancellation fee will be charged and this deposit will be forfeited in full. If you cannot make your appointment you may avoid this fee by giving us 24 hours notice of cancellation.  Pre-Treatment Documentation: In order to determine if there are an contraindications or precautions that need to be taken we require the completion of some pre-treatment medical screening questionnaires. Prior to your consultation all necessary forms will be emailed to you and we ask that you fill them out and bring them with you when you come for your consultation and/or treatment. If you have any extenuating health issues, however, we ask that you complete these forms ahead of time and return them to us for preliminary review by fax at 403-938-1418 or email [email protected]  Tanning and SPF: Laser vein treatment is suitable for fair to medium skin types and moderately tanned skin but recent sun exposure without SPF 30 should be avoided for 1-2 weeks pre-treatment. Sun exposure decreases effectiveness of the laser and can increase the risk of complications. Sunless tanning cream should also be avoided pre-treatment.  Body Hair: Please shave the treated area the day before the treatment.  Medications / Nutritional Supplements: Anything with an anticoagulant property may cause excessive bruising. To minimize this risk avoid taking the following for several days prior to your treatment: Asperin, Excedrin, Motrin, Ibuprophen, Willow Bark, Omega 3 Fish Oils, Licorice, Garlic, B6, Ginger, and Ginko Biloba. Avoid alcohol (especially red wine) the day before the procedure. Do not take high-dose iron supplements for 3 weeks prior to treatment. DO NOT quit taking anticoagulant medications that have been prescribed by your doctor.  Preparation: It is recommended that you bathe or shower the morning of the procedure. Do not apply any creams, lotions, foundation, powders or other products to the treatment area prior to the treatment.  Clothing: If we are treating larger blue veins on the legs (2 mm to 3mm in diameter) you will need to wear compression stockings for a week or longer. Purchase support hose with a 20-30 psi compression and bring this garment with you.  Comfort Management: Icy cold air will be directed at the treatment site to help cool the skin during the treatment. You may wish to apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area for 30-45 minutes before your appointment. Maxilene numbing cream is available for purchase at most pharmacies and at Skinpossible. Cover it with cling wrap to prevent it from getting on your clothing. Alternatively we can apply medical-grade numbing cream for a nominal additional cost. Tylenol taken before your treatment will also be helpful prior to treatment for larger veins in the legs. Read the post-care instructions and be prepared toLaser comply with all advice before you commit to the treatment. ©Skinpossible & Light Solutions 2010-2014 POST PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS Laser Spider Veins Removal WHAT TO EXPECT: During laser vein removal treatments there is a hot snapping sensation that will cause some mild discomfort. Treatments normally last between 20 and 60 minutes. Although many clients report few if any side effects, those most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin. These effects typically last for less than 24 hours. Some bruising may also occur and, in rare instances, blistering may occur. Treatment of smaller veins may look like cat scratches after treatment and facial veins usually completely disappear without a prolonged, unattractive healing time. When larger vessels are treated a tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few weeks or months post treatment. Leg vein resolution usually takes about 8-12 weeks. Stay upbeat! Spider veins often appear worse before they appear better. Facial veins usually resolve within two weeks. You will appreciate the clearer look of your skin as the veins gradually diminish. Treatment may be repeated after 4-8 weeks, if required. AFTER TREATMENT:  Activities: You can expect to quickly return to your normal activities, with a few restrictions. For 5 days following treatment of leg veins you must avoid strenuous exercise, running and lifting to prevent excess blood flow which may cause the veins to open back up. Do not take hot showers, baths, use hot tubs or saunas for five days after treatment, as this causes vasodilation and serves to increase blood flow as well.  Comfort Management: The treated skin will feel quite hot post-treatment and cool compresses will be applied. You may apply tea tree oil, aloe vera or Vitamin E to soothe the skin, decrease inflammation, and rev up the healing process.  Self Care: Care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated area. Be careful shaving. Be aware of products with abrasive cleansers that could interrupt the natural healing process. If veins were treated on your face do no apply makeup for 12 hours. Avoid skin care products containing glycolics or retinols for 5 days after treatment.  Compression Stockings: After treatment of larger veins on the legs it is recommended that you wear support hose with 20-30 psi compression at all times for seven days.  SPF Protection: Avoid sun exposure and wear SPF 30 sun block for a minimum of one month after treatment on all treated areas. We recommend Colorescience Sunforgetable Mineral SPF or Tizo Mineral SPF both of which can be purchased at Skinpossible. Premature sun exposure increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation which could be permanent.  Medications / Nutritional Supplements: Anything with an anticoagulant property may diminish treatment results. To minimize this risk avoid taking the following for five days after your treatment: Asperin, Excedrin, Motrin, Ibuprophen, Willow Bark, Omega 3 Fish Oils, Licorice, Garlic, B6, Ginger, and Ginko Biloba. Also avoid alcohol, especially red wine. DO NOT quit taking anticoagulant medications that have been prescribed by your doctor.  Complications: If you experience any sign of blistering or infection apply an antibiotic ointment and call the clinic. If you have any concerns or questions do not hesitate to call the clinic at 403-938-1112 ©Skinpossible Laser & Light Solutions 2010-2014