Laser & Energy Aftercare
Vein & Vascular Laser Aftercare
Congrats on your vascular treatment! How things look afterward depends a lot on the vessel, wavelength, treatment endpoint, and body area. A treated vessel can temporarily look darker or more prominent before it clears — that's part of the process.
Your treatment was customized to your skin, treatment area, device settings, and medical history. These instructions are general guidance and do not replace the individualized instructions from your treating provider. If the instructions we gave you at your appointment differ from anything here, follow your provider's instructions or contact us for clarification.
If something doesn't look or feel right, please reach out — photos are often helpful.
What to Expect
- Localized redness
- Mild swelling
- Temporary tenderness
- Darkening of the vessel
- Bruising or purple/red spots if a purpuric endpoint was used
After vascular laser treatment for facial redness, the AAD notes redness may persist up to about two weeks, and purple/red spots can take 1–2 weeks to clear.
What To Do
- Cool compresses may be used for comfort.
- Cleanse gently.
- Use a simple moisturizer.
- Protect the area carefully from the sun.
- If we prescribed compression after treating leg vessels, follow those specific instructions.
What NOT To Do
For the first 24–48 hours, avoid activities that create significant vasodilation if the area stays flushed or swollen — strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas, and very hot baths.
Don't scratch or pick a treated vessel or any crust that develops.
Do not stop prescribed blood-thinning medication because of a laser treatment unless the clinician who prescribed it specifically tells you to.
When to Contact Us
Please contact us for blistering, open skin, severe or increasing pain, substantial swelling, signs of infection, or a dark/pale skin change that's worsening rather than resolving.
Something doesn't look right? Contact us.
Increasing pain, blistering, open skin, spreading redness, drainage, fever, significant swelling, or a reaction that is getting worse rather than better should be evaluated. Photos are always welcome.
Common Questions
Is bruising normal after vein laser treatment?
Yes — if a purpuric endpoint was used, bruising or purple/red spots are expected and generally clear over 1–2 weeks. Vessels can also look darker or more prominent before they fade.
Book Your Free Follow-Up
We'd love to see how you're healing, take progress photos, and map out your next steps. Great skin is usually a series, not a single visit — a check-in keeps you on track.
Questions? Text or call (425) 215-1727 — photos are always welcome.