Spider Vein and Purple Lesion Removal: A Complete Guide
When Veins Show Up Uninvited…
They may start as faint red threads around the nose, or bluish lines trailing along the legs. Sometimes they appear suddenly after a long summer, a pregnancy, or just as time marches on. These visible veins—spider veins and small purple vessels—aren’t dangerous, but they’re unwelcome. For many, they feel like a reminder of age, fatigue, or stress. And they often lead to a single question:
Is there a way to get rid of these without surgery or needles?
The answer is yes. And it starts with understanding what these vessels are, why they appear, and how a laser—when used properly—can gently make them fade from view.
This guide is designed to walk you through all of that. In plain, human language. We’ll talk about how laser and light-based therapies work for spider veins, what makes a laser safe and effective for vascular treatments, and why POLYLASE MX was specifically built with these kinds of vessels in mind.
What Are Spider Veins and Purple Lesions?
Before we talk lasers, let’s talk veins—specifically, the ones that shouldn’t be showing up on the surface.
Spider Veins (Telangiectasias)
Think of these as tiny, dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They’re usually red or pink, and most commonly appear on the:
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Nose
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Cheeks
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Chin
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Legs (especially calves and thighs)
They look like a fine web—hence the nickname “spider veins.”
Purple Veins (Reticular or Blue Veins)
These are slightly deeper vessels. Their color ranges from bluish to violet. They’re larger than spider veins, but not as deep as varicose veins. You’ll find them around:
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Backs of knees
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Thighs
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Occasionally on the face in advanced cases
What Causes Them?
A mix of culprits:
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Genetics: some people are just prone
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Sun damage: especially facial spider veins in lighter skin types
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Hormones: pregnancy, birth control, or hormone therapy can trigger them
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Standing too long: poor circulation weakens the vessel walls
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Aging: as skin thins, vessels show through more easily
While these aren’t usually dangerous, they’re highly visible—and that makes them one of the most requested treatments in aesthetic clinics.
Why Laser Treatment for Veins Requires Precision
Treating spider veins with lasers isn’t about blasting away the problem. It’s more like tuning an instrument to the exact right pitch. The goal is to deliver enough energy to close the vein—without damaging the skin above it.
That means the laser must be carefully chosen and calibrated to interact with hemoglobin—the red pigment in blood, not skin or hair. Only specific laser wavelengths, like 1064 nm (Nd:YAG), are absorbed effectively by hemoglobin and penetrate deep enough to reach problem vessels.
This is why vascular-specific settings matter. Without them, you risk either missing the target entirely or overheating the surrounding tissue—especially in skin types IV and above. That’s where precision tools like the POLYLASE MX make all the difference.
How Laser Treatment for Spider Veins Actually Works
Now let’s look at the real tool for the job: vascular laser therapy, like what’s built into the POLYLASE MX.
Metaphor time:
Imagine you’re trying to close off a leaking pipe under the floorboards—but instead of breaking the tiles, you send heat down a specific path that seals the pipe from within. That’s essentially what vascular laser treatment does.
The science behind it is called selective photothermolysis. Here's how it works in plain English:
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The laser emits a very precise beam of light (say, 1064 nm)
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That light travels through the skin harmlessly (skin doesn’t absorb this wavelength much)
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Once it hits hemoglobin in the vein, it heats it up
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The heat damages the inner wall of the vessel, causing it to collapse
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The collapsed vein is slowly absorbed by the body over weeks
It’s like gently zipping shut a blood vessel—no cuts, no injections, no downtime.
Why POLYLASE MX Excels at This
Not all vascular lasers are created equal. The POLYLASE MX system combines:
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Nd:YAG 1064 nm: the gold standard for deep purple and blue vessels
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Alexandrite 755 nm: ideal for pigmented lesions and superficial redness
This dual-wavelength power means clinicians can treat a wider range of visible vessels and associated pigment irregularities. The Nd:YAG wavelength is ideal for targeting deeper, purple-blue veins, especially on the legs or lower face. The Alexandrite wavelength is useful for treating fine superficial vessels and supporting skin tone blending where pigment is a concern.
But it’s not just about wavelengths. POLYLASE MX gives the practitioner tools that feel intuitive and customizable:
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2 mm and 3 mm spot sizes in VEIN mode — like switching from a fine brush to a detailing pen depending on vessel size
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Adjustable pulse durations — allowing you to tailor the heat exposure like tuning a guitar string until it sings just right
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Built-in safety presets — preloaded ranges to reduce error and save time
It’s a system that doesn’t overwhelm the user with technicality, but gives enough finesse to approach vascular cases with control and confidence.
Laser Settings & Clinical Use Cases with POLYLASE MX
Now that we understand how vascular lasers work and why POLYLASE MX was built for the job, let’s explore what this looks like in real-world practice.
Treating visible veins isn’t just about firing a beam of light and hoping for the best. It requires matching the right settings to the type of vein, depth, and skin tone.
Below is a quick-reference table based on the most common clinical scenarios when using the Nd:YAG wavelength in VEIN mode.
Note: All settings are sourced directly from the official clinical recommendations in the "POLYLASE MX Recommended Hair Removal Treatment Settings" document provided by DDC Technologies.
Vessel Type |
Spot Size |
Fluence (J/cm²) |
Pulse Duration (ms) |
Facial spider veins <1 mm |
2 mm |
100–150 |
4.0 |
Blue veins (1–3 mm) |
3 mm |
100–250 |
5–8 |
Small leg vessels <1 mm |
2 mm |
150–400 |
5–8 |
These parameters aren’t one-size-fits-all. Start with the lower end of the range and gradually increase fluence while monitoring skin response and vessel reaction.
Let’s bring these numbers to life with two common clinical examples. These scenarios are simplified for illustration purposes—much more detailed protocols and parameter ranges are available in the official POLYLASE MX Recommended Hair Removal Treatment Settings document from DDC Technologies:
Case Example 1: Red Spider Veins on the Nose (Fitzpatrick II)
A patient presents with a delicate fan of red spider veins across the nostrils and upper cheeks. These vessels are less than 1 mm wide and extremely superficial.
Approach:
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Spot Size: 2 mm
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Fluence: 110 J/cm²
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Pulse Duration: 4.0 ms
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Cooling: AQUA COOL pre- and post-pulse
Result: After just two sessions, 80–90% of the fine capillaries faded. The patient reported zero discomfort thanks to the chilled mist.
Case Example 2: Blue Reticular Veins on the Calves (Fitzpatrick IV)
A woman with olive skin tone shows 2–3 mm bluish veins wrapping along her lower legs. She stands most of the day at work, and these vessels have slowly thickened.
Approach:
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Spot Size: 3 mm
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Fluence: 180 J/cm²
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Pulse Duration: 6 ms
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Cooling: AQUA COOL plus longer post-cooling interval
Result: Visible clearing after three sessions, spaced four weeks apart. No burns, no pigmentation shifts. The patient described the sensation as “a soft pinch and cool breeze.”
The Role of AQUA COOL: Comfort, Control, and Confidence
Let’s be honest—lasers can feel intimidating to patients, especially when words like “heat,” “pulse,” or “energy” come into play. That’s why skin cooling isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential.
POLYLASE MX features an integrated skin-cooling system called AQUA COOL, and it’s more than just a tech gimmick. It transforms the entire vascular treatment experience for both practitioner and patient.
Why Cooling Matters in Vascular Treatments
When we deliver laser energy into vessels, we want to spare the skin above it. If the epidermis gets too hot, you run into issues like:
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Redness that lasts days instead of hours
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Risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
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Pain that makes patients avoid follow-up visits
AQUA COOL prevents all of that. It delivers a fine mist across the skin’s surface, dropping the temperature by up to 25 degrees compared to no cooling at all. That’s not just a number—it’s the difference between flinching and relaxing.
Clinical Advantage
With more effective cooling, practitioners can safely use higher fluences, achieving vessel closure faster without collateral damage. It’s like being able to turn up the volume without distortion—more power, same clarity.
Plus, AQUA COOL is:
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Fast: chills skin instantly
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Efficient: no need for external cryogen or gels
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Cost-effective: no consumables, just water
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Reliable: runs continuously for over 9 hours
Patient Experience
Many patients describe the sensation as a cool breeze or refreshing mist. The psychological benefit is real: relaxed patients return, refer others, and trust the process.
It’s a small detail with big emotional weight—and in aesthetics, that’s often the dealbreaker.
Precision in Practice
So far, we’ve uncovered what spider and purple veins are, how they behave, and what it takes to treat them effectively and safely using light-based technology. We’ve also looked at real settings, real outcomes, and one of the most underestimated success factors: smart cooling.
POLYLASE MX isn’t just another aesthetic laser—it’s a clinical tool designed with vascular treatment in mind. From its carefully tuned Nd:YAG settings to the calming mist of AQUA COOL, everything about the system supports better outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Safe, Smart, and Personalized – Treating Veins the Right Way
Let’s shift the focus from technology to people. Because no matter how advanced the system is, success comes down to clinical judgment, communication, and care.
Laser vein treatments are relatively quick, but good outcomes depend on good preparation. Here’s what practitioners and patients should keep in mind before and after a session:
Pre-Treatment Tips:
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No Tanning: Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, or self-tanners for at least 1 week before treatment.
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No Harsh Products: Stop using retinoids, glycolic acid, or exfoliants on the treatment area.
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No Blood Thinners: If medically allowed, pause medications or supplements that thin the blood (like aspirin, fish oil, or ginkgo).
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Shave the Area: Skin should be clean and hair-free on the day of treatment.
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Communicate: Inform your provider about any recent procedures, medications, or skin reactions.
Post-Treatment Tips:
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Apply SPF 25+: Sun protection is a must to avoid pigmentation issues.
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Avoid Heat: No hot baths, saunas, or intense workouts for 24–48 hours.
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Cool Compress: Use a soothing gel or cold compress if mild redness or swelling appears.
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No Picking or Scratching: Let any minor scabbing or darkening fade naturally.
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Hydrate and Heal: Gentle moisturizing and healthy hydration speed up skin recovery.
These small steps play a big role in ensuring each laser session is not only effective—but also safe, smooth, and satisfying for the patient.
Treating Veins with Insight
By now, you’ve seen the big picture: treating spider veins and purple lesions isn’t just about lasers—it’s about timing, care, and individual choices. With POLYLASE MX, clinics gain a system that adapts to skin tone, vessel size, and patient sensitivity—all while delivering results patients can see and feel.
And that’s where we’re headed next.
Business Value & Clinical Growth
You’ve seen the clinical side. Now let’s talk business. Because when vein treatments are done right—with precision, safety, and comfort—they do more than close vessels. They open up opportunity.
Why Clinics Offer Vascular Treatments
Spider vein removal is one of those services patients didn’t know they wanted… until they see it done. These treatments:
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Fill gaps in your treatment menu
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Require minimal consumables (just water!)
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Fit into short appointment slots
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Deliver visible, satisfying results fast
That last one? It’s marketing gold. Because nothing spreads faster than a patient who sees their veins disappear in just a few visits—and tells everyone.
Retention and Revenue
Patients who come for vein treatments often return for other services. Think of it like a conversation starter:
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"While we’re working on the veins, have you ever considered tone correction?"
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"These spots under the eyes—want to hear what we can do?"
Vascular treatments create loyalty. And loyal clients mean long-term revenue—not just one-time sales.
How to Communicate This Offering
Most people don’t know that laser vein removal even exists, or that it can be so simple. So tell stories. Share results. Use phrases like:
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"Safe, non-invasive removal of spider veins—no downtime."
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"Quick in-office sessions that treat facial or leg veins in minutes."
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"Feel comfortable in your skin again—without surgery."
If you’re a distributor, the message is just as powerful. Vein treatment opens doors to new clinics, cross-sells, and repeat device usage.
Beauty, Backed by Light - DDC Technologies: Innovation That Performs Where It Matters
Behind every confident clinic is a tool that does more than promise — it delivers. That’s what sets DDC Technologies apart. As a developer and manufacturer of advanced aesthetic lasers, DDC focuses not only on results, but on practical value for real-world practitioners.
The Flagship: POLYLASE MX
This professional-grade platform combines two high-performance wavelengths in one system:
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Alexandrite 755 nm: Excellent for hair removal on lighter skin types. But that’s only the beginning — this wavelength is also used for removing sun and age spots (lentigines), as well as purple veins, port wine stains, and select birthmarks. And it does it with less discomfort than many other systems.
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Nd:YAG 1064 nm: Built for deeper penetration, this mode offers safe and effective treatments for dark or tanned skin. Beyond hair removal, it’s used in non-ablative wrinkle reduction treatments by stimulating collagen — ideal for clinics expanding into skin rejuvenation.
With fast pulse delivery, interchangeable spot sizes, and integrated cooling, POLYLASE MX adapts to the needs of modern aesthetic practices. It isn’t a single-purpose tool. It’s a complete system.
The Compact Powerhouse: EPY-50 Nd:YAG
Need something more focused? The EPY-50 offers all the key features of POLYLASE MX’s Nd:YAG mode — in a more affordable, lightweight format.
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Ideal for Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types
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Performs extremely well for spider vein and leg vein treatments
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Handles broken capillaries with precision
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Supports fast wrinkle reduction treatments with up to 10 pulses per second
Whether you're a solo operator or building a full-service clinic, the EPY-50 delivers speed, safety, and performance — without compromise.
Both systems are designed for one purpose: to help professionals treat real concerns with smart, reliable technology. Because when patients feel better in their skin, your business grows.
That’s the DDC Technologies difference.
The beauty of POLYLASE MX isn’t just in its beam. It’s in its balance:
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Power and safety
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Customization and simplicity
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Immediate results and long-term satisfaction
Spider vein removal is no longer a specialist niche. With the right training, the right patient, and the right platform, it becomes one of the most versatile tools in your clinic’s offering.
And as the results grow, so does confidence—on both sides of the laser., confidence returns—and that’s something every clinic can stand behind.. We’re opening up a whole new conversation around what’s possible with POLYLASE MX.
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benefits of laser/light therapy for spider veins ✅
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Laser treatment for spider veins ✅
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removal purple veins ✅