We're excited to offer Sciton's Clear V 1064nm vascular laser at R Med+Spa in Durango — and it's one of the most versatile tools in our treatment room. Whether you're bothered by spider veins on your legs, persistent facial redness, or a small spot on your lip, Clear V targets the problem with precision while leaving the surrounding skin untouched.
All Clear V treatments at R Med+Spa are performed by Dr. Brian Rike, DO, a board-certified physician with extensive training in laser and aesthetic medicine.
What Does Clear V Laser Treat?
Clear V uses a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser wavelength that targets hemoglobin — the pigment inside blood vessels — to selectively heat and collapse unwanted vessels. The body then naturally absorbs them, leaving the skin clearer.
Conditions it treats:
- Spider veins (legs, face, body)
- Telangiectasia — tiny red or purple vessels on the cheeks, nose, or chest
- Rosacea — reducing visible redness and broken capillaries
- Cherry angiomas — those small, bright-red spots that appear with age
- Venous lakes — benign blue-purple lesions, typically on the lips or ears
- Port wine stains and other vascular birthmarks
- Poikiloderma of Civatte — sun-damaged redness on the neck and chest
- Pigmented lesions — sun spots, age spots, and freckles
Note: Clear V does not treat varicose veins. Varicose veins are deeper and larger and require different interventions (sclerotherapy, EVLT, or surgery). If you're unsure which you have, we'll help you figure it out during your consultation.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Clear V is suitable for a wide range of patients. You're likely a good candidate if:
- You have visible spider veins on your legs, face, or other areas
- You deal with facial redness or broken capillaries from rosacea
- You have small to medium vascular lesions you'd like removed
- You want a non-surgical, low-downtime option
- You've noticed cherry angiomas or a venous lake developing
If you have more complex vascular conditions or very large areas of involvement, Dr. Rike will discuss what combination approach makes the most sense for you.
What to Expect During Treatment
Clear V sessions are straightforward and efficient:
- 1Consultation: Dr. Rike examines your skin and discusses your goals. New patients may need an Aesthetics Consult first.
- 2Preparation: The area is cleaned. A cooling gel may be applied to protect the skin and improve comfort.
- 3Laser treatment: The handpiece is applied to the target area. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild snapping or stinging — similar to a rubber band against the skin. The laser's built-in cooling helps minimize discomfort throughout.
- 4Immediate aftercare: A cool compress is applied. You'll leave with written aftercare instructions.
Sessions typically run 20–60 minutes depending on the size and number of areas treated. Smaller lesions (like a single cherry angioma or venous lake) can often be addressed in just a few minutes.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
It depends on what's being treated:
- Spider veins and telangiectasia: typically 2–4 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
- Rosacea and chronic redness: often 3–6 sessions
- Cherry angiomas and venous lakes: frequently resolve in 1–2 treatments
- Port wine stains and poikiloderma: may require additional sessions
Clinical data supports the effectiveness of this approach. Published research in the *Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy* demonstrates significant improvement in vascular lesions with minimal side effects, and a study in *Dermatologic Surgery* found that over 80% of patients reported satisfaction after completing their series. Long-term follow-up research published in the *Annals of Plastic Surgery* confirms durable results for many patients.
How Long Do Results Last?
For treated lesions, results are often long-lasting — treated spider veins and cherry angiomas typically do not return. That said, new lesions can develop over time due to genetics, sun exposure, hormonal changes, or aging. Ongoing sun protection and periodic maintenance sessions help keep skin looking its best.
For rosacea, maintenance treatments every 6–12 months are common, since rosacea is a chronic condition that tends to be triggered by environmental and lifestyle factors.
Post-Treatment Aftercare
Following your provider's aftercare instructions significantly improves outcomes and reduces the chance of complications. Key guidelines after Clear V treatment:
- 1Avoid exercise and heat activities for 72 hours — no hot showers, saunas, or vigorous workouts. Heat increases swelling and the risk of bruising.
- 2Apply a cool compress to treated areas for 10–15 minutes as needed the first day.
- 3Keep the area clean — gentle cleansing with mild soap and lukewarm water. No scrubbing.
- 4Moisturize with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or aloe vera. Avoid retinoids, acids, and active ingredients until skin has healed.
- 5Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on treated areas daily, even on cloudy days. Sun exposure post-treatment can cause hyperpigmentation.
- 6Minimize direct sun exposure for 2 weeks after treatment.
- 7Watch for unusual reactions — some bruising, redness, or mild swelling is normal and resolves within days to a week or two. Contact us if you notice excessive crusting, discharge, or worsening symptoms.
*Note: In some cases, residual bruising or staining after spider vein treatment may take a few extra weeks to fully clear. If it persists, we can address it with BBL 590 at a follow-up visit.*
Side Effects
Clear V is well-tolerated by most patients. Expected and possible side effects include:
- Redness — resolves within hours to a few days
- Swelling — mild, typically resolves in 2–3 days
- Bruising — possible with vascular treatments, usually clears in 1–2 weeks
- Temporary pigment changes — rare; hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can occur and typically resolves over time
Serious complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by a trained physician. Dr. Rike oversees every treatment at R Med+Spa.
Why Choose R Med+Spa for Clear V?
At most med spas, laser treatments are performed by aestheticians. At R Med+Spa, Dr. Brian Rike, DO performs all Clear V treatments personally. His medical background allows for precise energy titration, real-time adjustments, and the ability to combine Clear V with complementary treatments when appropriate.
We also offer a clear complement to Clear V for broader skin concerns:
- [BBL HERO™](/post/bbl-hero-full-treatment) — broadband light for sun damage, pigmentation, and rosacea over larger areas
- [Clear Silk™](/post/clear-silk-laser) — gentle 1064nm laser for an even complexion with zero downtime
- [Halo™](/post/halo-laser-treatments-durango-colorado) — hybrid fractional laser for more comprehensive resurfacing
Want to learn more about what these vessels actually are? Read our educational guides:
- [What Is a Spider Vein or Telangiectasia?](/post/what-is-a-spider-vein-or-telangiectasia)
- [What Is a Venous Lake?](/post/what-is-a-venous-lake-or-those-little-blue-purple-small-circular-raised-lower-lip-lesion)
Book a Consultation in Durango
If you're bothered by spider veins, facial redness, or vascular lesions anywhere on the body, Clear V is worth exploring. We offer free consultations for vein and vessel treatments.
Call us at [(970) 501-0610](tel:+19705010610) or [book online](/book) to schedule your consultation.
R Med+Spa is located in Durango, Colorado. Dr. Brian Rike, DO performs all vascular laser treatments.
*Individual results vary. Clear V treatments at R Med+Spa are performed under physician supervision. Not appropriate for varicose veins or certain medical conditions — a consultation is required to determine candidacy.*


