Laser Vein Removal
The Nd:YAG laser closes unwanted veins with light instead of needles. Its energy is absorbed by the hemoglobin inside the vessel, which coagulates and collapses the vein so your body can reabsorb it, leaving the surrounding skin untouched. Laser is often the better choice for facial veins and broken capillaries, and its deep-reaching wavelength also handles thicker leg veins.
What is laservein removal?
Laser vein removal uses the Nd:YAG laser, a wavelength that passes through the skin's surface and is absorbed by the blood inside a visible vessel. The heat causes the vein to coagulate and collapse, and over the following weeks the body reabsorbs it. There are no needles and no incisions, and the surrounding skin is spared.
It shines on the face: veins around the nose, cheeks, under the eyes, and chin, broken capillaries, rosacea redness, and cherry angiomas. Because the YAG penetrates deeply, it can also treat thicker or larger leg veins. For medium to large leg veins, sclerotherapy usually remains the better tool, and we will tell you honestly which one your veins call for.
Sessions take about 15 to 45 minutes and feel like quick snaps or mild warmth; numbing cream is available. Some veins darken or disappear immediately, with continued fading over two to four weeks. The same platform also treats pigmentation and other vascular concerns, which we can fold into your plan at consultation.
Who is laser vein removal for?
Laser vein removal is for the veins too small or too visible for anything else.
Laser is generally best for small superficial vessels, especially on the face; sclerotherapy remains the choice for medium to large leg veins. We examine your veins at consultation and recommend the right tool, or a combination, for your case.
Visible facial veins or capillaries
Vessels around the nose, cheeks, under the eyes, or chin that makeup no longer covers.
Rosacea redness or cherry angiomas
The YAG is highly effective on facial redness, broken capillaries, and small red spots.
Small leg veins
Fine superficial vessels, or thicker veins where the YAG's deep wavelength is appropriate, as judged at your exam.
Most skin types and tones
The Nd:YAG wavelength is particularly safe for darker skin.
You want a non-surgical option
No needles or incisions, with realistic expectations: treated veins are removed, but new ones can form with age and sun.
Where the YAGworks
Facial vessels are the signature use, and the same laser reaches veins on the legs and body. Select an area on the figure to see what to expect there.
Lip vein, YAG laser
A real patient,a real result.
This patient was treated at our office with the YAG laser for a prominent vein at the corner of the lower lip, and photographed before and after. Drag the handle to compare.
See all Laser Vein Removal (YAG) resultsIndividual results vary. Photographs are unretouched patients of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center, shared with permission, and are not a guarantee of your own outcome.
See the YAG laser at our office
Watch the laser at work on real patients, including the facial vein treatment featured above.
Whatto expect.
Book a consultationPricing depends on the vessels treated and the number of sessions needed, so we quote it after your exam. CareCredit financing is available.
Facial vein sessions typically run 15 to 30 minutes; larger treatment areas up to 45. Sessions are spaced four to six weeks apart.
Slight redness or swelling for a few hours is typical. Makeup can usually go back on within 24 hours.
Some veins darken or disappear immediately; the rest fade over two to four weeks. Small superficial facial veins sometimes clear in one session, while others take two to four.
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions will I need?
Vascular work typically takes two to four sessions, and small superficial facial veins sometimes clear in a single visit. We give you an estimate at your exam.
Is it painful?
Most patients feel quick snaps, like a rubber band, or mild warmth. Numbing cream is available for sensitive areas.
Is there downtime?
Minimal. Expect slight redness or swelling for a few hours; makeup can usually be worn within 24 hours.
Is it safe for all skin types?
The Nd:YAG wavelength is safe for most skin types and is particularly well suited to darker tones.
When will I see results?
Some veins darken or disappear immediately after treatment, with continued fading over the following two to four weeks.
Are the results permanent?
Treated veins are closed off and cleared by the body, so they do not typically return. New veins can still develop with age and sun exposure, so maintenance sessions may be recommended over time.
Can it help rosacea and facial redness?
Yes. The laser is highly effective for facial redness, broken capillaries, and cherry angiomas.
Laser or sclerotherapy for my leg veins?
Laser is best for very small superficial veins and facial vessels; sclerotherapy is usually the choice for medium to large leg veins. Your provider examines your veins and recommends the right approach, sometimes both.
How do I prepare?
Avoid sun, tanning, and self-tanner for two weeks before your session, and stop retinoids and exfoliants a few days ahead.
What is the aftercare?
Daily sunscreen, keep the area clean and moisturized, and hold off on harsh products until the skin settles.
What are the possible side effects?
Temporary redness or swelling, occasional mild bruising, and rarely a temporary pigment change.
Where to next
Related treatment
BBL (BroadBand Light)
Sun damage, redness, and tone.
Explore the treatmentRelated concern
Redness & Rosacea
Flushing, visible vessels, and persistent redness
Start from the concernWorth reading
Facial Vein Removal with YAG Laser: Stunning Results
Visible facial veins can be frustrating and difficult to conceal. Whether they appear around the nose, cheeks, or under the eyes, these small red, blue, or
Read the answerAsk about your skin.
Tell us what you would like to change and we will come back with the treatments that fit, honest expectations, and a time to talk it through.
Your details go straight to our Montgomery Road front desk and are never shared. A team member replies during office hours, usually the same day.
Ready when you are.
Book a consultation at our Montgomery Road office, or call and we will help you decide where to start.
Medically reviewed by Shalini Gupta, MD, Harvard-trained dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center. Last reviewed September 2026. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a personalized medical consultation.