Spider Vein Laser vs Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency cauterisation and topical laser treatment are great options for tiny spider veins close to the skin’s surface. But what’s the difference between them? And which will be best for your veins? 

Spider vein laser vs radiofrequency: the treatment process

Radiofrequency Filament Cauterisation (RF) and Laser both aim to seal the vein so your body can gradually absorb it. However, they do so in slightly different ways. 

Our Nd:YAG laser treatment for spider veins is completely non-invasive. The laser works by targeting pigment in the venules and capillaries to heat them and seal them shut. To protect your skin during this process, we use a cooling machine, making the procedure similar to laser hair removal. 

RF, on the other hand, uses a tiny needle to pierce the vein. Once the needle is in position, we send a burst of radiofrequency energy into the vein to heat it up. As this procedure directly targets the vein and doesn’t need to go through the skin, we don’t need to use cryotherapy.  

What veins are they best for? 

RF and Nd:YAG laser are both best for small spider veins near the skin’s surface. The difference here is that we cannot use Nd:YAG on veins lacking hemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Hence, Nd:YAG can’t technically treat spider veins, only the thin red spider capillaries. 

RF, on the other hand, doesn’t need to target hemoglobin through the skin, so it works on either vessel type.

Note: Hemoglobin is only found in the arterial system as it carries oxygen from the lungs into tissues. The venous system carries deoxygenated blood away from tissues and into the lungs.

Are treatment prep and recovery any different?

There aren’t any differences in how you should prepare for either of these treatments. However, a couple of recovery steps may differ.

• You should use a cooling cream after Nd:YAG to continue removing the heat from the skin. As RF cauterisation only heats the vein, you won’t need to follow this step. 
• After RF, keep an eye on the injection points. While they are tiny and will heal quickly, there is still a very, very minor infection risk.

Otherwise, for both treatments, you can get back to most of your usual activities, though you should avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight. We also recommend walking 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days, drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous activities, and elevating your legs when you can.

Spider vein laser vs radiofrequency: the takeaway

Nd:YAG and RF are both well-suited to treating small spider veins close to the skin’s surface. However, laser is best for red and swollen capillaries, while RF can target the veins. Nd:YAG is also completely non-invasive, though the trade-off is that you may need to use cooling creams and ice packs to take away heat from the skin. With RF, though, you’ll need to monitor the incision site.