UNSIGHTLY OR SYMPTOMATIC venulectasia or telangiectasia on the legs occurs in 29% to 41% of women and 6% to 15% of men in the United States. These smaller vessels are most often directly or indirectly connected to larger reticular or varicose “feeding” veins. Even though up to 53% of patients with leg telangiectases have associated symptoms, the most common reason patients seek consultation is cosmetic. The ideal treatment for unwanted leg veins would be painless and clear 100% of vessels in one treatment with no associated side effects. The variations in vessel size, flow, depth, and type preclude the possibility of a single effective treatment modality. Vessel types include varicosities, reticular or feeder veins, and superficial spider veins. Despite the fact that sclerotherapy has a long list of potential side effects, including pain, swelling, urticaria, systemic allergic reaction, hyperpigmentation, telangiectatic matting, skin necrosis, and phlebitis, it remains the treatment of choice for most leg veins less than 4 mm in diameter.

UNSIGHTLY OR SYMPTOMATIC venulectasia or telangiectasia on the legs occurs in 29% to 41% of women and 6% to 15% of men in the United States.