Cryo-laser + sclerotherapy
CLaCS — Cryo-Laser and Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
CLaCS (Cryo-Laser and Cryo-Sclerotherapy) is a technique in which two mechanisms work in a single session: a laser pulse through the skin onto the spider vein itself, and a sclerosant injected into the reticular vein feeding it. The skin is cooled at the same time — this provides pain relief and protects against burns. The point is to remove not just the visible pattern, but the vein that keeps feeding it.
30–60
minutes — one session
2–4
sessions, 4–8 weeks apart
0
incisions and no general anaesthesia
right away
back to your usual routine
Who Is This Procedure For
- Spider veins (telangiectasias) on the legs — especially if they came back after conventional sclerotherapy
- Feeding reticular veins of 1–3 mm: I treat them in the same session rather than at a separate visit
- Fine vessels that are difficult to reach with a needle
- A tendency towards matting — a network of tiny vessels appearing after injections
- An aesthetic request when ultrasound shows no reflux in the truncal veins
Contraindications
- Untreated reflux in a truncal vein — we close the source first, otherwise the spider veins come back
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Acute thrombosis or thrombophlebitis
- A fresh tan or darker skin — the risk of pigmentation after the laser is higher, so we postpone the session or change tactics
- Photosensitising medication, photodermatoses
- Skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area
The precise list of indications and contraindications is determined during your consultation based on vein ultrasound results.
How the Procedure Works
- 1
Examination and ultrasound
I check with duplex ultrasound for reflux in the truncal veins: if the source lies deeper, that is where treatment has to start — and I will say so plainly.
- 2
Finding the feeding vein
Under illumination I locate the reticular vein the spider vein branches from. This is the key step: without it the pattern returns.
- 3
Laser with cooling
The pulse passes through the skin and heats the vessel while the skin is cooled — which is why the session is comfortable without anaesthesia.
- 4
Sclerosant into the feeding vein
Using the finest needle I inject a sclerosant into the reticular vein — closing the spider veins' supply in the same session.
- 5
A walk and aftercare
A short walk, compression where indicated — and you are free to go. We go through skin care for the coming weeks.
Benefits of the Method
Two mechanisms in one visit
The laser clears the visible spider vein, the sclerosant closes the feeding vein. Both levels are addressed at once, not just one.
Cooling instead of anaesthesia
Cold dulls the pain and protects the upper layer of the skin from overheating — no anaesthetic injections needed.
Vessels a needle cannot enter
The finest telangiectasias are treated through the skin by the laser — where an injection is technically impossible.
Diagnosis first
Always an ultrasound before treatment. If the spider veins are only the tip of the problem, I will tell you honestly that cosmetic work alone will not be enough.
Recovery: What You Need to Know
- Redness and slight swelling along the treated vessels — usually 1–3 days
- Small crusts may appear where the laser pulses landed: do not pick them, they come off on their own
- SPF 50 sun protection and no tanning for 4 weeks — this keeps the risk of pigmentation down
- Compression hosiery if sclerotherapy was part of the session — I will tell you for how long at the appointment
- Walking straight away; hot baths, saunas and intense sport are postponed for 1–2 weeks
- We assess the result after 4–8 weeks — a network rarely clears in a single session
How does CLaCS differ from conventional sclerotherapy?
Classic sclerotherapy works with a needle — on both spider veins and reticular veins. CLaCS adds a laser through the skin: this makes it possible to treat vessels too fine for an injection and to close the feeding vein in the same session. Which one suits you depends on the calibre of the vessels and on the ultrasound findings.
Pricing
The cost is calculated per session and depends on the area and the number of vessels treated. I will give you the realistic number of sessions and a written estimate after the examination and ultrasound — an honest figure is impossible sight unseen.
CLaCS — cryo-laser and cryo-sclerotherapy
per estimate after ultrasound- The initial consultation includes a vein ultrasound and a personalised treatment plan
- Your cost estimate is confirmed in writing before the procedure and will not change
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CLaCS stand for?
Cryo-Laser and Cryo-Sclerotherapy. The technique was developed by the Brazilian phlebologist Kasuo Miyake and combines three things: a transdermal laser, sclerotherapy of the feeding vein, and cooling of the skin.
Does it hurt?
The laser pulse feels like a brief prick with a hot needle, but the skin is cooled at that moment and the sensation is dulled. No anaesthetic injections are required. If you are particularly sensitive, we work in short passes.
How many sessions are needed?
Usually 2–4, spaced 4–8 weeks apart: the vessels need time to resorb. Isolated spider veins sometimes clear in a single session, while a widespread network takes more. I will give you a realistic plan at the examination.
When will I see the result?
In the first days the skin looks worse than before the session: redness and small crusts are a normal reaction. Fading is gradual, so it makes sense to judge the result 4–8 weeks after each session.
Can CLaCS be done in summer?
It can, but be stricter with the sun: for 4 weeks after the session, SPF 50 and no tanning, otherwise the risk of dark patches over the treated area goes up. Larger areas are easier to plan outside the beach season.
Will CLaCS remove varicose veins?
No. It is a method for spider veins and reticular veins. If ultrasound shows reflux in the great or small saphenous vein, that has to be closed first — [EVLA](/uslugi/evlk) is what does that, and cosmetic work comes afterwards.
Related reading
EVLA
Laser sealing of a diseased vein through a tiny needle puncture — the leading non-surgical treatment for varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerosant injections eliminate spider veins and small vessels — no incisions, no scarring.
Miniphlebectomy
Removal of varicose nodes through 1–2 mm micro-incisions — no stitches, no visible marks.
Vein Duplex Ultrasound
Duplex ultrasound of both legs with a full report and treatment plan — all at your very first appointment.
This material is for information purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. An exact diagnosis and treatment plan are established at an in-person consultation with a vein ultrasound.
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