Spider Vein Removal

The table below compares the major treatment modalities for spider veins. Maison Zolara offers laser treatment only using the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus. We do not perform sclerotherapy, VeinGogh, Excel V, or VBeam procedures.

Laser spider vein treatment is well-tolerated and has an established safety profile when performed by trained clinicians on appropriate candidates. At Maison Zolara, every treatment is performed by our licensed RN clinicians under physician oversight.

Proper candidate screening is essential. Our free consultation includes a review of your medical history, current medications, and skin assessment before any treatment is scheduled.

Common & Expected

• Temporary redness or flushing at the treatment site (resolves within 24–48 hours)
• Mild warmth or stinging sensation during the procedure
• Darkening of the treated vessel before it fades (normal reabsorption process)
• Slight swelling or bruising, particularly on the legs

Less Common / Seek Guidance

• Blistering or crusting (rare; more likely if post-care instructions are not followed)
• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (risk is higher in darker skin tones without proper parameter adjustment)
• Incomplete clearance requiring additional sessions
• Recurrence of spider veins over time, particularly with ongoing risk factors

Important scope note: Laser treatment is appropriate for spider veins and small reticular veins only. Patients presenting with large, bulging varicose veins, leg heaviness, swelling, or skin changes should be evaluated by a vascular specialist before any cosmetic treatment. These symptoms may indicate underlying venous insufficiency requiring medical management.

Both laser and sclerotherapy are established, evidence-based treatments for spider veins. Neither is universally superior — the right choice depends on vein size, location, skin type, and patient preference.

The comparison below is descriptive only. Maison Zolara offers laser treatment; we do not perform sclerotherapy.

Laser Treatment

Laser is needle-free, making it the preferred choice for patients with needle anxiety or very fine facial telangiectasias that are difficult to inject. It is particularly effective for red, superficial vessels under 1 mm and for facial spider veins. The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus's DCD cooling system makes the experience comfortable. No compression garments are required immediately after treatment. Results develop gradually over 4–12 weeks as the body reabsorbs the treated vessel.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution (sclerosant) directly into the vein, causing it to scar and close. It is often preferred for larger spider veins and reticular veins in the 1–3 mm range, and is widely used by vascular specialists and dermatologists. It typically requires compression stockings post-treatment and carries a small risk of injection-site bruising or matting. Sclerotherapy is not offered at Maison Zolara; patients who may benefit from it are referred to appropriate vascular providers.

Most adults bothered by the appearance of spider veins on their legs, ankles, or face are good candidates for laser treatment. The ideal candidate has realistic expectations — spider veins can be significantly reduced but may not completely disappear in a single session, and new spider veins can develop over time due to ongoing risk factors.

According to the NIH's StatPearls resource on spider veins, approximately 90% of individuals with spider veins have a positive family history, and women are significantly more likely to develop them than men. ↗ Other contributing factors include prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, hormonal changes, sun exposure, and prior skin trauma.

Good Candidates

• Adults with spider veins or small reticular veins on legs, ankles, or face
• Patients with fair to dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–VI) — parameters adjusted accordingly
• Individuals who have completed pregnancy (hormonal changes can cause new veins to form)
• Patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Those with realistic expectations about gradual, progressive results
• Patients who can avoid sun exposure before and after treatment

Not a Good Fit

• Active tan or recent sun exposure on the treatment area
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active skin infection, open wounds, or active rash in the treatment area
• Large, bulging varicose veins (require vascular referral)
• Patients on photosensitizing medications without medical clearance
• Unrealistic expectation of complete, single-session elimination of all veins

Spider vein laser treatment uses the principle of selective photothermolysis — delivering precise wavelengths of light energy that are absorbed by the hemoglobin inside the targeted blood vessel. The heat coagulates the vessel wall, causing it to collapse and be gradually reabsorbed by the body over the following weeks. Surrounding skin tissue is protected by the device's integrated Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD), which delivers a burst of cryogen spray to the skin surface milliseconds before each laser pulse.

The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus operates at 1064 nm (Nd:YAG) for deeper, larger vessels and 755 nm (Alexandrite) for superficial, fine telangiectasias. Our licensed RN clinicians select the appropriate wavelength, pulse duration, and fluence based on vessel size, depth, color, and your skin type — all confirmed at your free consultation.

According to a 2023 peer-reviewed study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine by Harst et al., laser therapy using Nd:YAG technology demonstrated measurable vessel clearance in telangiectasias and spider veins, with dynamic optical coherence tomography confirming structural changes in treated vessels. ↗

Clinical note: According to a systematic review published in Phlebology (Baldaia et al., 2025), the long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser is "a safe and very good option for the treatment of leg veins measuring up to 3 mm in diameter," with consistent outcomes across multiple study cohorts.

A spider vein removal session at Maison Zolara is efficient — most appointments fit comfortably within a lunch break. Here is what the process looks like from start to finish.

Before Your Treatment

At your free consultation, your licensed RN clinician will assess the size, color, and distribution of your spider veins, review your health history, and confirm candidacy. You will be asked to avoid sun exposure, self-tanner, and blood-thinning supplements (such as fish oil or aspirin, unless medically required) for at least one week before your appointment. Arrive with clean, product-free skin on the treatment area.

During Treatment

The treatment area is cleansed and protective eyewear is provided. Your clinician will pass the GentleMax Pro Plus handpiece over the targeted vessels, delivering calibrated pulses of laser energy. The DCD cooling spray activates with each pulse, creating a sensation often described as a light snap followed by a cool mist. Most leg sessions take 20–45 minutes depending on the area treated; facial sessions are typically 10–20 minutes.

After Treatment

Treated vessels may appear darker or more prominent for 1–2 weeks before fading — this is the normal reabsorption process. You can return to most daily activities immediately. Avoid direct sun exposure, heat (saunas, hot tubs), and vigorous exercise for 48 hours. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily to any treated areas exposed to sunlight. Results develop progressively over 4–12 weeks.

Proper aftercare is essential to achieving the best possible results and minimizing the risk of side effects. Your clinician will review these instructions with you at the time of treatment.

Do After Treatment

• Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the treated area
• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily on treated skin
• Keep the area cool and clean for the first 48 hours
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing over treated leg areas
• Stay well-hydrated and maintain light activity (walking is fine)
• Contact us if you notice unusual blistering, significant swelling, or signs of infection

Avoid After Treatment

• Direct sun exposure or tanning beds for at least 2 weeks
• Hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs for 48 hours
• Vigorous exercise or activities that cause significant flushing for 48 hours
• Picking, scratching, or exfoliating the treated area
• Applying makeup directly over treated facial vessels for 24 hours
• Blood-thinning supplements or alcohol for 24 hours post-treatment

Spider vein removal at Maison Zolara starts From $200 per session. Maison Circle members receive member pricing starting From $175 per session. Multi-session packages are available for patients requiring more extensive treatment — package pricing is confirmed at consultation.

Final pricing is always confirmed at your free consultation, where your clinician will assess the treatment area and recommend the appropriate number of sessions for your goals.

Maison Circle members receive member pricing on spider vein removal and can track their treatment journey in the Zolara Care app (available on the App Store).

Insurance does not typically cover cosmetic spider vein removal. If your spider veins are associated with symptomatic venous insufficiency, your primary care provider or a vascular specialist can advise on insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment.

Our licensed registered nurse (RN) clinicians perform every treatment using the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus, a dual-wavelength platform that is FDA-cleared for vascular lesion treatment. All care is delivered under the clinical oversight of our on-staff Medical Director.

The GentleMax Pro Plus is Maison Zolara's flagship laser platform — the same device we use for laser hair reduction and laser skin resurfacing. For vascular treatments, its dual-wavelength capability gives our clinicians unmatched versatility.

Dual Wavelength

755 nm Alexandrite targets superficial, fine red telangiectasias. 1064 nm Nd:YAG penetrates deeper to treat blue-purple reticular veins and larger spider veins. One device handles both.

Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD)

A burst of cryogen spray cools the skin surface milliseconds before each laser pulse, protecting the epidermis and significantly reducing discomfort during treatment.

Adjustable Spot Sizes

Spot sizes from 1.5 mm to 24 mm allow precise targeting of individual vessels without affecting surrounding tissue — critical for the delicate work of vein clearance.

All Fitzpatrick Skin Types

The GentleMax Pro Plus is cleared for use across all skin types (Fitzpatrick I–VI). Our clinicians adjust parameters accordingly, ensuring safe treatment for the diverse patient population we serve across Lansing, Holt, and Okemos.

FDA-Cleared Platform

The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus holds FDA clearance for vascular lesion treatment, hair reduction, and multiple skin conditions — a gold-standard device backed by over 20 years of clinical use.

No Consumables, No Injections

Unlike sclerotherapy, laser treatment requires no injections, no compression stockings immediately post-procedure, and no chemical agents — making it a comfortable, efficient in-office option.

Maison Zolara is located at 4820 W Saginaw Hwy in west Lansing, conveniently situated on W Saginaw Hwy with easy access from across the greater mid-Michigan region. We serve patients from Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, DeWitt, Grand Ledge, Mason, Charlotte, St. Johns, Williamston, and surrounding communities within a 30-mile radius.

Our hours are 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday. Free consultations are available — book yours online or call us directly.

Whether you're heading to the lakes near Grand Ledge this summer, preparing for a special occasion in East Lansing, or simply ready to feel more confident in your skin, our team is here to help you get there.

1. Harst S et al. How efficient is laser therapy for telangiectasias, spider veins, and cherry angiomas? A study using dynamic optical coherence tomography. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2023;55:625–635. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lsm.23676

2. Baldaia L, Dias-Neto M, Almeida Pinto J. Long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of leg veins: Systematic review. Phlebology. 2025. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17085381241236587

3. Sandean DP, Winters R. Spider Vein. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563218/

4. Cleveland Clinic. Varicose Veins vs. Spider Veins: What's the Difference? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/varicose-veins-vs-spider-veins

5. Candela Medical. GentleMax Pro Plus — Gentle Pro Series. https://candelamedical.com/products/gentle-pro-series/

Page Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical references are sourced from peer-reviewed research and named institutions as cited below. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment.

The Medical Director provides clinical oversight of treatments performed at this practice. The Medical Director does not author, review, or endorse website content.

Candela® and GentleMax Pro Plus® are registered trademarks of Candela Corporation. Maison Zolara is an authorized Candela partner.