Spider veins
Small red, purple or blue superficial vessels may respond to targeted vascular laser treatment.
St Mary's Medical Clinic · Vein Treatment
Laser Vein Treatment in Malta
Laser Vein Treatment is a non-invasive treatment for selected small superficial veins and broken capillaries. Targeted light energy heats the vessel so that it closes and gradually becomes less visible as the body clears the treated vein.
Spider veinsBroken capillariesSmall superficial veins15–30 minute sessionsMinimal downtime
What laser vein treatment targets
Small superficial vessels can often be treated without injections or incisions.
External laser treatment is most useful when the vessel is relatively small and close enough to the skin for laser energy to reach it effectively. Suitability depends on vessel size, colour, depth and treatment area.
Broken capillaries
Selected telangiectasia and small visible capillaries on the face or body may be considered after assessment.
Larger veins need assessment
Bulging or deeper varicose veins are not simply a larger version of a spider vein and may require another vein-treatment pathway.
Assessment & suitability
The right laser case is defined by vessel size, depth and location.
Before treatment we assess the visible vessel, surrounding skin, treatment area, previous procedures, relevant medical history and factors that may influence pigmentation or healing.
Who may be suitable
Laser may be considered for small spider veins, broken capillaries and selected superficial facial or leg vessels where the clinician considers the vessel appropriate for external laser treatment.
What the consultation looks at
We assess colour, diameter, depth and distribution of the vessels, the surrounding skin and whether another treatment would be more appropriate.
Treatment course
The current clinic guidance describes approximately 2–4 sessions for many patients, although the number required depends on the vessel pattern and response.
Skin & sun exposure
Sun protection is important after vascular laser treatment because recently treated skin may be more vulnerable to pigment change.
Procedure & recovery
The laser treats the vessel without making an incision.
A focused beam of light is directed at the visible vessel. Heat damages the vessel wall and causes it to close, after which the body gradually clears the treated vein.
Consultation
The clinician identifies which visible vessels are suitable for laser treatment and discusses expected response and alternatives.
Laser treatment
Targeted laser pulses are delivered over the selected vessels. A warming, stinging or snapping sensation can occur.
Immediately after
Temporary redness or local warmth can occur. Most patients can return to normal light activities immediately.
First 24–48 hours
Avoid strenuous exercise as advised, protect the area from sun exposure and use compression if recommended for treated leg veins.
Following weeks
Some vessels fade quickly while others become progressively less visible over approximately 4–8 weeks; larger vessels may take longer.
Results & expectations
The change is usually progressive rather than instant.
The aim is to reduce the visibility of suitable superficial vessels. Some people notice improvement after one treatment, while others need a series of sessions.
Early response
Treated vessels may darken, blanch or become less visible soon after treatment, with temporary redness around the area.
4–8 weeks
The current clinic guidance describes many treated vessels continuing to fade over the following four to eight weeks.
Future vessels
A successfully treated vessel can remain closed, but new visible veins may develop later and maintenance treatment may sometimes be useful.
Prices
Laser Vein Treatment prices
Current published St Mary's Clinic pricing for consultation and laser vein treatment.
Consultation€60
Laser Vein Treatment · Per Leg€120
Our vein team
Meet the clinicians involved in your vein care.
Your consultation is where suitability, expected recovery, limitations and the treatment plan are discussed before proceeding.
Vein Team
Dr Frank Farrugia
MD, MRCP, M.Sc Health SciencesDr Frank Farrugia is listed across St Mary's Clinic's vein-treatment services and is involved in assessment and treatment planning according to the individual vein concern.
Vein Team
Dr Alexey Vinokur
Aesthetic & Reconstructive SurgeonDr Alexey Vinokur is listed as part of the St Mary's Clinic vein team across the clinic's current vein-treatment pathway.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Laser Vein Treatment.
These answers are general guidance. Your consultation is where we assess your medical history, the treatment area and the procedure-specific considerations that matter in your case.
01How long does a session take?
The current St Mary's guidance is approximately 15–30 minutes depending on the size and number of vessels treated.
02Is there downtime?
Downtime is usually limited. Most patients can return to normal activities, while strenuous exercise is commonly avoided for 24–48 hours.
03How many treatments might I need?
The current clinic page describes around 2–4 sessions for many patients. The actual course depends on the vessel pattern and response.
04When will I see results?
Some vessels improve quickly, while others fade gradually over approximately 4–8 weeks. Larger superficial vessels can take longer.
05Does laser vein treatment use needles?
The vascular laser itself is applied externally through the skin and does not require injection into the vessel.
06Can new veins appear later?
Yes. Successfully treated vessels can remain closed, but treatment does not prevent new veins from developing in the future.