According to studies, about 1 in 4 American adults is affected by varicose veins. The gnarled, protruding veins are often a constant source of discomfort and embarrassment for those suffering from this condition. At our Indian Wells medical spa, we strive to provide all our patients with long-term solutions that improve their appearance as well as self-confidence. For men and women suffering from varicose or spider veins, we use CoolGlide laser therapy to remove these veins and return legs to a smooth appearance.
Our CoolGlide laser treatments are administered by our expert nurse, who has been with our practice for over 15 years. She has even provided the CoolGlide treatment to Dr. Cosgrove herself, with excellent results. To learn more about spider vein treatment in Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Springs, visit Desert Med Aesthetics today!
Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
While often used interchangeably, spider veins and varicose veins are two different conditions, each of which has unique symptoms and treatment methods.
Telangiectasia (spider veins) are thin red, purple or blue-colored dilated blood vessels that occur near the surface of the skin. Spider veins often take a branching or web-like pattern and frequently occur around the face or on the legs. While often considered more of a cosmetic problem rather than a medical concern, this condition can cause patients to feel itching, burning or stinging sensations.
In contrast, varicose veins are thick, gnarled veins that protrude from the skin. As blood flows through the body and back to the heart for oxygenation, tiny valves within the veins prevent blood from flowing backwards. When these valves do not work properly, blood flows backwards through the vein, causing it to enlarge and twist. Although the development of varicose veins is not life-threatening, the condition can be painful and can spur secondary complications such as pain or difficulty walking and standing, skin conditions, ulcers, and an increased risk of blood clotting.
What Causes Varicose and Spider Veins?
While each condition manifests differently, the causes of spider veins and varicose veins are similar. Patients most at risk of developing these conditions are individuals who:
- Have a family history of varicose veins
- Are pregnant
- Are overweight
- Have highly sedentary lifestyles
- Are sitting or standing still for long periods of time
- Wear high-heeled shoes and tight, restrictive clothing.
The development of varicose veins or spider veins is also a common side effect of aging.
Traditional Treatments and Their Limitations
As technology has advanced, so have treatment options for spider and varicose veins. In the past, sclerotherapy and conservative compression garments were often the only solutions for varicose veins treatment and addressing spider veins.
During sclerotherapy, a specific injection is applied directly to the gnarled vein and causes it to collapse, forcing the blood to find another route to the heart. Over time, the vein is reabsorbed into surrounding tissue and fades. While this solution is still recommended in certain cases, not all patients require such invasive treatment. At Desert Med Aesthetics, we offer laser vein removal with CoolGlide.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Doriana Cosgrove
Since opening Desert Med Aesthetics, Dr. Doriana Cosgrove has dedicated her career to providing men and women with comprehensive, personalized care in a welcoming environment.
Starting with your initial consultation, you’ll be welcomed by a staff that is genuinely committed to helping you achieve your goals. For new patients, your first visit is focused on identifying problem areas that are keeping you from feeling confident about your appearance.
Whether you’re visiting Dr. Cosgrove for the first time or returning for touch-ups, the team at Desert Med Aesthetics looks forward to providing you with the aesthetic care you deserve.
How Does Laser Vein Removal Work?
As with other laser skin therapies, laser vein removal delivers light set to targeted wavelengths in order to remove flaws or imperfections. In the case of varicose and spider veins, CoolGlide is set to directly target abnormal vein structure and causes the vein to collapse much like sclerotherapy. However, rather than requiring the application of medication and needles, CoolGlide laser vein removal is completed externally.
CoolGlide is unique in that its light energy can be set to several different wavelengths and used in a number of treatment solutions. This versatility makes it possible to use CoolGlide in the treatment of deeply twisted varicose veins as well as super-fine spider veins. Best of all, this procedure requires little to no post-treatment downtime. Men and women who choose to remove visible veins with this solution often find themselves able to return to their daily routine soon after treatment.
What is the CoolGlide Vein Removal Process?
Like other laser skin therapies available at Desert Med Aesthetics, your treatment journey will start with a one-on-one consultation with Indian Wells cosmetic specialist Dr. Cosgrove. During this visit, Dr. Cosgrove will evaluate your medical history and discuss your lifestyle to ensure that this process will provide a long-term solution.
When it is time for your treatment, you’ll be given a pair of goggles to wear throughout the session. Cooling gel will be applied to your skin to help ensure an effective and comfortable treatment. While CoolGlide laser therapy is non-invasive, some of our more sensitive patients find their session more enjoyable with the addition of topical anesthetic. Over the course of the session, the laser will be directed at the large, visible veins. As the veins are heated with light energy, they begin to collapse, which is a process known as thermocoagulation. Depending on the size of the treatment area, laser vein removal can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
What is Recovery Like?
Varicose and spider veins can have different effects on different patients and will require a unique treatment strategy. While some individuals with varicose veins may require multiple sessions, others may only need a couple of treatments. The possible need for multiple treatments will be discussed during your initial visit with Dr. Cosgrove.
In the days and weeks that follow laser vein removal, it is not uncommon for patients to experience discoloration, swelling, or redness around the treatment area. These side effects are completely normal and usually dissipate within one to two weeks.
Learn About Laser Vein Removal and Varicose Veins Treatment in Indian Wells!
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Doriana Cosgrove
Since opening Desert Med Aesthetics, Dr. Doriana Cosgrove has dedicated her career to providing men and women with comprehensive, personalized care in a welcoming environment.
Starting with your initial consultation, you’ll be welcomed by a staff that is genuinely committed to helping you achieve your goals. For new patients, your first visit is focused on identifying problem areas that are keeping you from feeling confident about your appearance.
Whether you’re visiting Dr. Cosgrove for the first time or returning for touch-ups, the team at Desert Med Aesthetics looks forward to providing you with the aesthetic care you deserve.
Laser Vein Removal FAQs
Laser vein removal using CoolGlide may be a suitable option if you notice signs such as visible spider veins, varicose veins, or areas of vein discoloration that affect your confidence or comfort. You may benefit especially if your concerns involve cosmetic appearance rather than severe medical symptoms, such as significant pain or swelling, which may require other treatments.
During your consultation, Dr. Cosgrove will assess your skin tone, vein depth, and overall vascular health to confirm whether laser is the safest and most effective route. Your candidacy also depends on having realistic expectations and being committed to follow-up care to sustain results.
Ideal candidates include individuals with visible spider veins or varicose veins who are self-conscious about their appearance and seek to improve it. This includes those with:
- A family history of vein issues
- Age-related vein damage or skin changes
- Discomfort following prolonged standing or sitting
- Pregnant individuals post-delivery (once cleared for treatment)
- Weight fluctuations that affect vein appearance
During your consultation, Dr. Cosgrove reviews your medical history and lifestyle to develop a personalized treatment plan. CoolGlide is especially suitable for those who are unsatisfied with compression stockings or invasive treatments, offering a rejuvenating alternative with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Traditional sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the problematic vein to cause it to collapse. While effective for many, it can be invasive and requires more meticulous follow-up. CoolGlide, in contrast, treats veins externally using light energy to induce vein collapse. It avoids needles, reduces risk of allergic reaction, and is often more comfortable.
Additionally, it can treat both spider and varicose veins without the need for medication. The air-cooled surface also improves patient comfort. Many patients choose CoolGlide either as a standalone solution or in combination with existing sclerotherapy treatments, depending on the vein type, size, and location.
Laser vein removal with CoolGlide is typically well-tolerated. Many patients describe the sensation as moderate warmth or a light rubber-band snap—not painful. To maximize comfort, the device is equipped with cooling technology to protect the skin’s surface as the laser energy targets underlying veins. Additionally, if needed, a topical numbing cream may be applied before treatment.
Any discomfort during or after the procedure is mild, and over-the-counter pain relievers can ease temporary soreness. Because the process is non-invasive and gentle, there’s virtually no need for powerful anesthesia; you’ll walk in and out with minimal fuss and prompt relief.
Though recovery is rapid, there are a few things you should temporarily avoid to ensure optimal results. Most patients are encouraged to avoid hot baths, saunas, and direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours after treatment to reduce the risk of irritation or hyperpigmentation.
Vigorous exercise or heavy lifting should be postponed for 24 to 48 hours to allow your skin to cool down and stabilize. Immediately following your session, walking is excellent and encouraged—it actually helps promote healthy circulation to support your body’s natural healing and vein-clearance process.
The number of sessions depends on vein size and complexity. Smaller spider veins often respond to treatment within a few sessions, while larger varicose veins may require multiple sessions for complete resolution. Dr. Cosgrove tailors a treatment plan guided by your vein anatomy and aesthetic goals. Some patients experience significant improvement after just one follow-up visit, while others prefer to spread sessions over several months to target stubborn areas.
CoolGlide is considered safe when administered by an experienced provider like Dr. Cosgrove. Common side effects include temporary redness, light swelling, or minor bruising, which typically resolve within one week. Less commonly, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or itchiness may occur. These are rare and usually transient. During your consultation, Dr. Cosgrove will assess your skin tone, vein depth, and any potential contraindications to minimize risks and provide guidance on pre- and post-care to support optimal healing.
While commonly associated with leg veins, spider veins and fine vascular imperfections that appear on the face, chest, or hands can also be treated. CoolGlide’s versatility allows customized wavelength settings to target various depths safely. Dr. Cosgrove evaluates each area to customize energy settings and cooling for optimal outcomes, ensuring that even delicate facial or décolletage veins can be diminished with minimal post-procedure changes.
Following treatment, the targeted veins typically darken gradually, turning into scar-like threads that fade over 2-6 weeks. Deeper or larger veins may take a month or more to show full results. Because the treated veins collapse and are absorbed by the body, results are effectively permanent, provided new veins don’t develop.
Sun protection, maintaining healthy blood flow, and regular compression can reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Dr. Cosgrove may offer maintenance sessions to ensure your skin remains clear and smooth.
Some patients may notice a temporary darkening around the treated veins, which typically lasts a few days before fading. This is normal and part of the body’s removal process. The good news is that CoolGlide also supports collagen stimulation, which may improve overall skin texture. To maintain results, protect treated areas from sun exposure using SPF, wear sunglasses or hats if treating facial veins, and keep your skin hydrated with quality moisturizers.
Healthy lifestyle habits, like maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity, also help support circulation and vascular health. If any skin changes concern you, Dr. Cosgrove can guide you to products tailored to protect and enhance skin tone post-treatment.