The Nd:YAG vascular laser is a go-to, “gold-standard” option for advanced vascular lesions. At Skincare by Skin Spot in Chilliwack, British Columbia, we use targeted 1064 nm laser energy to treat vessels on the surface and deeper within the skin—from facial broken capillaries to small leg veins—without surgery. Treatments are quick, precise, and aided by integrated cooling for comfort and skin protection.
Advanced 1064 nm vascular laser designed for both superficial and deeper vessels
Physician-overseen protocols and experienced clinicians
Integrated cooling between pulses for comfort and epidermal protection
Face & body mapping (nose/cheeks/chin, legs, trunk) with clear series planning
Option to combine with IPL for background redness and LightStim for recovery
Laser light is absorbed by hemoglobin inside the targeted vessel. The energy turns to heat, coagulating the blood and damaging the vessel wall so it collapses and seals closed. Blood is rerouted through healthier veins, and the treated vessel fades as the body clears it. Thanks to contact cooling between pulses, surrounding skin and non-target vessels are protected.
Sensation: brief, hot “rubber-band snap”; numbing is typically not required
Onset: vessels may darken/gray immediately; visible fading over 2–6+ weeks
Typical series: 1–3+ sessions depending on vessel size/depth
Spacing: generally 4–8 weeks between sessions
Broken capillaries / telangiectasia (face & body)
Small leg veins / spider veins (non-varicose)
Diffuse facial redness (often paired with IPL)
Cherry angiomas and small hemangiomas
Port-wine stains (case-by-case)
Sun-related or age-related vascular changes; rosacea-related facial veins
We’ll assess your skin and vessels to confirm eligibility and the best modality (Nd:YAG alone or combined with IPL photorejuvenation).
Consultation & vein mapping — medical history, medications, sun exposure, and visual assessment (face/legs).
Test spot & plan — confirm response, number of sessions, and aftercare.
Laser session — protective eyewear; precise pulses with integrated cooling.
Aftercare — cool compress as needed, SPF 30+ daily, avoid heat/sauna/hot baths for 24–48h, and follow leg-vein guidance.
Visit length: typically 15–30 minutes per area
Comfort: mild–moderate snaps and warmth; well tolerated without anesthetic
Not suitable with recent tanning/self-tanner, photosensitizing medications, active infection, bleeding disorders, or during pregnancy. Very dark or deeply tanned skin may require alternative strategies. For larger, bulging varicose veins or suspected venous insufficiency, we may recommend medical evaluation; Nd:YAG is best for cosmetic surface/spider veins.
Common, temporary effects: redness, mild swelling, transient darkening/“cat-scratch” look, occasional pinpoint bruising. Do not pick or scratch.
Leg-vein tips: consider compression, avoid hot tubs and high-impact exercise for 24–48h, and do not sun-expose treated areas.
Small facial vessels can clear in 1–2 sessions; leg veins or deeper vessels may need 2–4+ spaced 4–8 weeks apart.
Treated vessels may appear darker or grayish before they fade over 2–6 weeks. Expect mild redness/swelling that settles within hours to a few days.
Most describe a quick hot snap with momentary sting. Cooling helps maximize comfort.
We can target individual vessels with Nd:YAG and often pair with IPL to address background redness.
Minimal. Avoid heat, vigorous exercise (24–48h), and sun exposure; use SPF daily. Makeup is usually fine the next day.
Treated vessels are closed and cleared, but new vessels can form over time due to genetics, sun exposure, or lifestyle. Maintenance may be helpful.