Laser Treatments
Laser Vein Removal in Clarks Summit and Scranton, PA - for spider veins, cherry angiomas, and broken capillaries.
Laser Vein Removal at The Summit Aesthetics is a non-invasive treatment that fades small vascular lesions – facial spider veins (telangiectasias), broken capillaries, cherry angiomas, and small leg spider veins – using the Cutera XEO 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser to selectively target and collapse the treated vessels. Every laser vein removal session at our Clarks Summit medical spa is personally performed by Lori Barone, our Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician with more than 5 years of experience on the Cutera platform. Because we use the Nd:YAG wavelength (rather than IPL), our laser vein treatments are safe and effective across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I through VI). Most patients across Scranton, Abington, Dunmore, and the wider NEPA region see meaningful fading within 4 to 6 weeks; a series of 2 to 4 sessions typically produces optimal results depending on vessel density and location.
Duration
15 minutes per area
Downtime
None
Results
Initial results appear quickly; maximum effect around 12 weeks
Sessions
Typically 1–2 sessions per area
Ready to begin
How laser vein removal actually works
The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength delivered by the Cutera XEO platform is preferentially absorbed by hemoglobin – the oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells. When the laser is aimed at a small visible vein, the hemoglobin inside that vein absorbs the energy and converts it to heat. That heat damages the vessel wall, causing the vessel to collapse. Over the following weeks, your body’s natural clearance processes reabsorb the collapsed vessel, and blood reroutes through healthy vessels underneath.
Because the laser targets hemoglobin specifically – not skin pigment – the Nd:YAG wavelength is safe across all skin tones. This is meaningfully different from IPL, which we do not use for vein removal because IPL carries real pigmentation risk on darker skin types.
What types of veins can be treated with laser
The size and location of the vessel matters enormously for whether laser vein removal is the right treatment. Being specific here helps you decide whether this treatment fits your concern:
Vein type
Description
Laser vein removal effectiveness
Facial spider veins (telangiectasias)
Small red or purple vessels visible on nose, cheeks, and around the mouth
Very effective – among the best-responding vessels we treat
Cherry angiomas
Small bright-red raised bumps on the body or face
Very effective – often resolve after 1 to 2 sessions
Broken capillaries
Small vessels near the skin surface, often on the face
Very effective
Leg spider veins (< 3 mm)
Fine red, purple, or blue vessels on the legs
Effective – typically 2 to 4 sessions
Reticular veins (blue, 3–5 mm)
Slightly larger blue vessels below the skin surface
Variable – depends on depth and size; sometimes benefits from sclerotherapy instead
Angiokeratomas
Small dark red or purple spots
Effective
Because the laser targets hemoglobin specifically – not skin pigment – the Nd:YAG wavelength is safe across all skin tones. This is meaningfully different from IPL, which we do not use for vein removal because IPL carries real pigmentation risk on darker skin types.
What laser vein removal is not the right tool for
Being honest about the limits matters more here than for most treatments – patients who arrive with large varicose veins expecting laser to fix them are almost always disappointed, because it’s the wrong treatment for the wrong problem.
- Varicose veins. The larger, bulging, twisted vessels visible on the legs. These are almost always related to underlying venous insufficiency (a functional problem with the deeper vein system) and require sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, or surgical intervention performed by a vein specialist. We do not treat varicose veins at The Summit Aesthetics.
- Larger reticular veins. Blue or blue-green vessels larger than approximately 5 mm typically respond better to sclerotherapy than to laser. If you have vessels in this size range, a vein specialist evaluation is often the better starting point.
- Deep vein concerns. Any concern about deeper vein function, blood clots, or venous insufficiency requires a vascular medicine specialist – not a medical spa. If you have leg swelling, pain, heaviness, or any suspicion of deeper vein issues, please see a vein specialist or your primary care physician first.
- Port wine stains and large birthmarks. These vascular birthmarks require specialized pulsed dye lasers and typically dermatology-based care. Not a good fit for our practice.
Laser vein removal vs. sclerotherapy - what's the difference?
This is the most-asked comparison in vein treatment. Both are effective; they solve slightly different problems. Being clear about the difference helps you understand why some patients are directed to one over the other.
Details
Laser Vein Removal
Laser Vein Removal
How it works
Laser energy through skin destroys vessel wall via heat
Injection of a sclerosant solution into the vein, causing wall irritation and vessel collapse
Best for
Small facial vessels, cherry angiomas, small leg spider veins under 3 mm
Medium leg spider veins, reticular veins, some varicose vein tributaries
Sessions typically needed
2 to 4
1 to 3 per area
Downtime
Minimal – possible mild bruising
Compression stockings 3–7 days, walking restrictions for some patients
Skin type safety
All Fitzpatrick I–VI (with Nd:YAG)
All skin types
Do we offer it here?
Yes – Cutera XEO platform, personally performed by Lori
No – we recommend a vein specialist
Some patients benefit from a combined approach across providers: sclerotherapy at a vein specialist for medium-larger leg vessels, then laser vein removal with us for small residual vessels and facial concerns. If that’s the right plan for you, Lori will discuss it at consultation and help coordinate the referrals.
Body areas we treat with laser vein removal
The Cutera XEO Nd:YAG platform is versatile across facial and body areas. Common treatment locations:
- Face – particularly around the nose, cheeks, and around the mouth (where facial spider veins are most common)
- Nose – nasal spider veins are among the most-common and best-responding vessels we treat
- Chest and décolletage – cherry angiomas often accumulate here with age
- Legs – small spider veins under 3 mm on thighs, calves, and ankles
- Arms and hands – cherry angiomas and small vessels
- Trunk and back – cherry angiomas particularly
What to expect at your laser vein removal appointment
Consultation (first visit): Complimentary, 30 to 45 minutes. Lori evaluates the specific vessels you want treated, confirms they’re appropriate candidates for laser vein removal (or refers you to a vein specialist if they aren’t), and builds a treatment plan. This assessment step matters more here than for many treatments – the difference between a good candidate and a wrong-tool candidate is real.
Pre-treatment: Avoid sun exposure and self-tanner in the treatment area for 4 weeks before treatment. Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating acids in the treatment area for 5 to 7 days. Discuss any blood thinners at consultation.
The treatment: You wear protective eyewear. Lori applies cooling gel or uses the device’s integrated cooling. She then targets each visible vessel individually with the Cutera handpiece, delivering pulses that most patients describe as a warm snap or rubber-band flick. Facial treatments typically take 15 to 30 minutes; leg treatments take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of vessels being addressed.
Immediately after: The treated vessels may darken or disappear immediately, or they may look slightly reddened or bruised. Some vessels visibly fade in the following days; others take 4 to 6 weeks to fully resolve as your body reabsorbs the collapsed vessel.
Follow-up: For a series, subsequent sessions are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow full resolution of the treated vessels between visits. Full results are assessed 6 to 8 weeks after your final session.
How many sessions will I need?
Session count varies substantially by vessel type, location, and density. As a general guide:
Concern
Typical sessions
Notes
Cherry angiomas (individual lesions)
1 to 2 sessions
Often resolve in single session
Small facial spider veins
1 to 3 sessions
Most patients see meaningful fading after first session
Dense facial telangiectasias (nose/cheek)
2 to 4 sessions
Dense clusters take longer to fully clear
Small leg spider veins
2 to 4 sessions
Slightly slower resolution than facial vessels
Broken capillaries
1 to 3 sessions
Response varies based on vessel size
Individual vessel response varies. Some vessels disappear after a single pulse; others need multiple pulses across multiple sessions. Lori will assess how each vessel is responding between sessions and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Laser vein removal aftercare
Aftercare is genuinely minimal for facial treatments and slightly more involved for leg treatments. The key protection point across both: sun.
For the first 24 to 48 hours (all areas)
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ on all treated areas exposed to sunlight
- Cool compresses if the area feels warm or tender
- Avoid saunas, hot tubs, hot showers, and hot yoga
- Skip strenuous exercise the day of treatment
For leg treatments specifically
- Wear compression stockings for 2 to 3 days after treatment (if provided or recommended by Lori)
- Walk regularly – movement supports lymphatic clearance of treated vessels
- Elevate legs when resting for the first day if possible
- Avoid prolonged standing or sitting for the first 24 hours
For the first 2 weeks (all areas)
- Continue diligent sun protection on treated areas – UV exposure can cause pigmentation in freshly-treated areas
- Avoid tanning and self-tanner in treated areas
- Do not pick at any darkened vessels – let the body reabsorb them naturally
- No other treatments in the same area until cleared by Lori
What is normal
- Treated vessels may darken (bronze or purple appearance) before fading
- Mild bruising possible at treatment sites (1 to 7 days)
- Mild swelling on legs for a day or two after leg treatments
- Some vessels visibly fade immediately; others fade over 4 to 6 weeks
Are laser vein removal results permanent?
The specific vessels treated are permanently destroyed and removed from the body. However, this does not prevent new vessels from developing over time. Many patients see gradual accumulation of new small vessels over the years due to sun exposure, aging, hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition. Maintenance sessions every 1 to 2 years address new vessel formation without needing to redo work already done.
Sun protection substantially extends how long results last. UV exposure is one of the biggest drivers of new visible vessel formation on the face and chest. Patients who protect their skin diligently see the longest-lasting results.
Why "provider-consistent care" matters for laser vein removal
Vein removal is one of the more technique-sensitive Cutera treatments. Each vessel gets individually targeted, and the settings depend on vessel size, depth, and location. A provider with deep Cutera platform experience produces meaningfully better results – particularly for the fine facial telangiectasias where precision matters most.
Every laser vein removal session at The Summit Aesthetics is personally performed by Lori Barone. The same experienced provider who assesses your vessels at consultation is the one delivering the treatment and evaluating response between sessions. Her 5+ years on the Cutera platform – which includes not just laser vein removal but Laser Genesis, Limelight IPL, and the XEO laser hair removal system – is the foundation of consistent results across the vein cluster.
Specifically for laser vein removal, this matters because:
- Individual vessel judgment. Each visible vessel gets targeted individually. Settings for a superficial facial capillary are different from settings for a slightly deeper leg spider vein. Experience produces better calibration.
- Honest candidacy assessment. The single biggest source of dissatisfaction with laser vein removal is treating vessels that were the wrong candidates in the first place. An experienced provider recognizes when to say “this needs sclerotherapy, not laser.”
- Cutera platform depth. The same Cutera XEO device is used for multiple treatments in our practice. Lori’s cross-treatment expertise produces better technical outcomes than a technician who uses the device for only one purpose.
Sun protection substantially extends how long results last. UV exposure is one of the biggest drivers of new visible vessel formation on the face and chest. Patients who protect their skin diligently see the longest-lasting results.
Is laser vein removal safe? Who should not be treated?
Laser vein removal on the Cutera XEO Nd:YAG platform has a strong safety record. It is non-ablative, non-invasive, and delivers energy that is preferentially absorbed by hemoglobin rather than skin pigment – which makes it safe across all skin types when performed by an experienced provider.
Common, expected, and short-lived
- Mild redness or warmth in the treatment area for a few hours
- Bronze or purple darkening of treated vessels before they fade
- Minor bruising at treatment sites (1 to 7 days)
- Mild swelling on legs for a day or two after leg treatments
Uncommon
- Temporary pigmentation change in the treated area (usually resolves)
- Small blisters if a setting was too aggressive (rare with appropriate technique)
- Small scars in vulnerable patients (very rare with proper technique)
Who should not get laser vein removal
- Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone with active herpes outbreak, cold sore, or infection at the treatment site
- Anyone with recent sunburn or tan in the treatment area (wait 4 weeks after tanning)
- Anyone currently on isotretinoin (Accutane) – wait 6 months after finishing
- Anyone with a history of keloid scarring in the area
- Anyone with a history of deep vein thrombosis, active clotting disorders, or undiagnosed leg vessel changes without prior vascular medicine evaluation
- Anyone taking photosensitizing medications (discuss at consultation)
- Anyone with vessels outside our treatment scope – we’ll refer you to the appropriate specialist
Frequently asked questions
Questions our patients ask most
How much does laser vein removal cost in Clarks Summit, PA?
Laser vein removal is priced by treatment area and session count. Facial vessel treatments (nose, cheeks) are typically priced differently from leg vessel treatments, and cherry angioma removal is typically priced per lesion. Multi-session plans are typically bundled at a discount versus per-session pricing. Lori will provide a specific plan and total during your complimentary consultation. Call (570) 585-0201 to schedule.
Does laser vein removal really work?
Yes, on the vessels it’s designed to treat. Facial spider veins, cherry angiomas, broken capillaries, and small leg spider veins under 3 mm respond well – often visibly fading after 1 to 3 sessions. Larger varicose veins, larger reticular veins, and deep vein concerns do not respond to laser and require different treatments (sclerotherapy or surgical intervention through a vein specialist). Success depends heavily on treating the right vessels with the right tool.
What's the difference between laser vein removal and sclerotherapy?
Laser delivers energy through the skin to collapse the vessel via heat. Sclerotherapy injects a solution directly into the vessel to irritate the vessel wall and cause collapse. Laser is generally better for small facial vessels, cherry angiomas, and leg spider veins under 3 mm. Sclerotherapy is generally better for medium leg spider veins, reticular veins, and some varicose tributaries. We offer laser vein removal at The Summit Aesthetics but not sclerotherapy – for larger vessels needing sclerotherapy, we refer patients to vein specialists in the NEPA area.
How many sessions do I need?
How many sessions do I need?
Depends on vessel type and density. Cherry angiomas often resolve in 1 to 2 sessions. Facial spider veins typically respond in 1 to 3 sessions. Dense clusters of vessels or leg spider veins may require 2 to 4 sessions. Lori will assess response after each session and refine your plan.
Does laser vein removal hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as a warm snap or rubber-band flick with each pulse. Not painful, but noticeable. Facial treatments typically don’t require numbing. Some patients prefer topical numbing for leg treatments where multiple pulses across a broader area are needed – discuss with Lori at consultation if this is a concern.
Can laser vein removal treat leg varicose veins?
No – varicose veins (the larger, bulging, twisted vessels) are related to underlying venous insufficiency and require sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, or surgical intervention performed by a vein specialist. If you have varicose veins, we will refer you to a vein specialist rather than trying to treat them with the wrong tool.
Are laser vein removal results permanent?
The specific vessels we treat are permanently destroyed and removed from your body. However, new vessels can develop over time due to sun exposure, aging, hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition. Most patients benefit from a maintenance session every 1 to 2 years to address new vessels as they appear. Diligent sun protection substantially extends how long results last.
Is laser vein removal safe on darker skin?
Yes. We use the Cutera XEO Nd:YAG (1064 nm) platform specifically because it’s safe across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I through VI). The wavelength is preferentially absorbed by hemoglobin rather than skin pigment – which makes it appropriate for darker skin tones where IPL and shorter-wavelength lasers carry pigmentation risk. This is one reason we don’t use IPL for vein removal at our practice.
Can I combine laser vein removal with other treatments?
Yes. Laser vein removal is often combined with Laser Genesis (which addresses diffuse redness rather than discrete vessels) for patients with both discrete vessels and general facial redness. Some patients also combine with IPL if they have both vessels and pigment concerns (only if they’re Fitzpatrick I–III – IPL is not appropriate on darker skin). Lori will build the right combined plan at consultation.
Ready to begin
Book your laser vein removal consultation
Every new laser vein removal patient begins with a complimentary consultation with Lori. The consultation includes an assessment of the specific vessels you want treated, confirmation that laser is the right tool for your vessels (or a referral if it isn’t), and a written treatment plan.
There is no fee, no card required, and no obligation to book treatment.
Investment
Custom pricing at consult
Financing
From ~$25/mo · Cherry 0% APR
Member savings
Save 10–20% →
The Summit Aesthetics
116 North State Street Clarks Summit, PA 18411 | Serving Scranton, Abington, Dunmore, Kingston, Wilkes-Barre, and the wider NEPA region
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Serving Clarks Summit, Scranton, Kingston, and Northeastern Pennsylvania with physician-led aesthetic care in a calm, elevated setting.
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116 North State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411
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Phone
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