Laser education center since 2008 · Zagreb & Daruvar
Laser Spider Vein Removal in Croatia
Dilated red, purple, or bluish vessels can appear on the face and legs, and their cause and depth are not always the same. Before treatment, we assess what kind of changes are involved, whether a laser is the right method, and what result you can expect.
Dilated surface vessels are most often a cosmetic change, but on the legs they can sometimes be linked to a problem in the deeper venous system. That is why, before any laser treatment, we assess their color, depth, distribution, and possible cause.
Is this for me?
What spider veins are and why they appear
The changes commonly called spider veins or broken capillaries are, medically, telangiectasias. They are dilated small blood vessels lying close to the surface of the skin, visible as red, purple, or bluish lines and networks. In themselves they are not dangerous and do not turn into malignant changes, but they do not fade on their own, and their number can increase over time.
Telangiectasias usually arise from a combination of factors. These include an inherited tendency, thin and fair skin, age, hormonal changes, sun exposure, and skin conditions such as rosacea. Those factors influence the choice of treatment, the expected result, and the likelihood of new vessels appearing.
Spider veins on the face
On the face, telangiectasias most often appear beside the nostrils, on the cheeks, and along the edge of the nose, frequently on skin prone to redness. They can be an isolated consequence of an inherited tendency and long-term sun exposure, or appear as part of rosacea.
That difference affects the treatment plan and the likelihood of visible vessels returning.
Spider veins on the legs
On the legs they most often appear on the thighs and lower legs as fine, branching networks. Long periods of standing, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and an inherited tendency can all contribute to their formation.
For most patients these are isolated surface vessels without disease of the deeper venous system. In some patients, however, they can be linked to venous insufficiency, which is why a vein ultrasound is recommended before laser treatment.
How it is performed
What laser spider vein removal looks like with us
We have worked with lasers since 2008, the year the Polyclinic also became an education center in cooperation with the Fotona Laser & Health Academy. That same year, Mario Bartol performed the first laser varicose vein surgery in Croatia — so with spider veins on the legs, a possible link to the deeper venous system is assessed as well.
The treatment is based on selective photothermolysis. The hemoglobin in the vessel absorbs the laser energy, which converts into heat and causes the vessel wall to close. The energy is directed at the vessel while the surrounding skin is cooled and protected. Blood continues to flow through other vessels, and the closed vessel gradually breaks down and becomes less visible.
The course of the treatment
- Examination. The size, depth, color, and distribution of the vessels are assessed, along with their possible cause.
- Treatment plan. An approximate number of visits and the expected degree of improvement are set.
- Laser treatment. The laser is guided along the vessels while the skin is cooled at the same time.
- Aftercare. The area is cooled, and you receive instructions for skin care and sun protection.
- Follow-up. The effect is assessed after a few weeks, and the next treatment is planned if needed.
- Number of treatments
- usually 1–3 treatments, often more on the legs
- Anesthesia
- as a rule, not needed
- Recovery
- redness and mild swelling can last a few days
- Performed by
- Ines Maletić, MD
After the treatment — what is normal and what is not
After the treatment, expect redness, mild swelling, a darker line along the treated vessel, and occasionally a small bruise. These reactions settle within a few days.
More rarely, blisters, small crusts, or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin can appear. If such reactions occur, contact the Polyclinic. Consistent sun protection over the following weeks is important to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes.
The technology behind the results
The lasers we work with
At Polyclinic Maletić we work exclusively with lasers made by Fotona, a cooperation that dates back to 2008, when we also became one of its education centers. The device itself is only one part of the picture — the outcome of a procedure is decided by the knowledge with which it is applied.
Physicians come to our polyclinic from the United States, Canada, Australia, Dubai, Russia, Israel, Turkey, and other parts of the world to learn about laser procedures and see how we work. In Daruvar there is a training hall with live broadcasts of procedures from the operating room, so learning happens on real clinical cases.
Our physicians — Ines Maletić, Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, and Mario Bartol — regularly take part in Fotona’s international meetings, which bring together experts in laser medicine. What they learn there, we apply in our work with patients.
We treat spider veins with a medical laser that directs the energy into the vessel itself, while cooling the skin.
- Education center since 2008
- Fotona Laser & Health Academy
- Live surgery broadcasts from the operating room
Why us
Why choose us for laser spider vein removal
Education center since 2008
In cooperation with the Fotona Laser & Health Academy, we train physicians from other countries in laser procedures.
Exclusively Fotona lasers
We treat spider veins with a Fotona medical laser while cooling the skin at the same time.
Examination and follow-up
The treatment is performed by a physician at the Polyclinic, with an examination before the procedure and a follow-up afterwards.
Croatia’s first laser vein surgery
Mario Bartol performed the first laser varicose vein surgery in Croatia in 2008, so with spider veins on the legs we also assess the state of the venous system.
Vascular diagnostics at the Polyclinic
If the findings point to a problem in the deeper venous system, a vein ultrasound can be performed at the Polyclinic.
The cause is assessed before treatment
If the spider veins are linked to a venous problem or a chronic skin condition, the plan is aimed at the underlying cause as well.
A family polyclinic since 1998
Two generations of the Maletić family work at the Polyclinic today, in Zagreb and Daruvar.
Zagreb & Daruvar
At both locations, treatments follow the protocol of Polyclinic Maletić.
Why trust us
How many treatments you need — and when the laser will not solve your problem
The number of treatments depends on the diameter, depth, and color of the vessel, the size of the area, and the possible cause behind it. The effect of an individual treatment is also influenced by the chosen wavelength, energy, and pulse duration.
The result depends on the diameter, depth, and color of the vessel, the size of the treated area, and the underlying cause. A small surface vessel on the face can fade after the first treatment, while a network of vessels on the lower leg often takes several visits a few weeks apart. The effect is assessed once the initial skin reaction has settled.
An approximate number of treatments is set after the vessels have been examined and their possible cause assessed.
“The laser can act on the visible vessel, but whether new ones appear depends on the cause that produced it.”
The laser acts on the visible vessel, but it does not always remove the cause behind it. With venous insufficiency or rosacea, the plan must therefore also include assessing or treating the underlying condition.
When spider veins on the legs point to a vein beneath them
With isolated spider veins on the legs, a vein ultrasound is often not needed. It is recommended when the vessels run along a large surface vein, or when there are varicose veins, swelling, pain, or other symptoms that may point to venous insufficiency.
If a vein that does not close properly lies beneath the surface vessels, the treated spider veins can disappear, but new ones may keep appearing until the underlying venous problem is resolved. A vein ultrasound can be performed at the Polyclinic, and you can read more about treating venous insufficiency on the laser varicose vein surgery page.
“If spider veins on the legs are linked to venous insufficiency, the laser acts on the visible vessel but does not treat the underlying vein problem. That is why, before treatment, we assess whether the venous system should be addressed first.”
When rosacea is involved
Rosacea is a chronic, recurring skin condition, and dilated vessels are one of its signs. The laser can reduce their visibility, but it does not remove the skin’s tendency to form them again. That is why sun protection, appropriate skin care, and avoiding personal triggers matter as well.
“With rosacea, the laser can reduce the visibility of the vessels, but it does not remove the skin’s tendency to form them again. That is why the treatment plan also includes skin care, sun protection, and control of personal triggers.”
Tanned skin is not treated with the laser because of the increased risk of pigmentation changes. The treatment is also postponed while the skin is recovering from another procedure or when there is active inflammation in the area. An appointment can be arranged once the tan has faded and the skin has fully healed.
The long-term effect
What the result looks like after a few months
The final result is assessed roughly two to three months after the last treatment, once the gradual breakdown of the closed vessel is complete and the temporary skin changes have settled. The effect is judged by how much less visible the spider veins are — not as a guaranteed complete removal of every vessel. In some patients, individual visible vessels may remain, or new ones may appear over time.
Real results
Before and after laser spider vein removal
We show our patients’ results discreetly and only with their consent.
Who we are
Who will welcome you
Polyclinic Maletić is a family polyclinic that has been operating since 1998, today in Zagreb and Daruvar. Since 2008 it has also served as an education center in cooperation with the Fotona Laser & Health Academy.
Laser spider vein removal is performed by Ines Maletić, MD, co-founder of the Polyclinic and an Expert Clinical Lecturer with the Fotona Laser & Health Academy.
Meet the whole team
Price
The price of laser spider vein removal
Laser spider vein removal on the face and legs costs from €100.00 per treatment. The final amount depends on the size of the area and the number of vessels, and is set after the examination.
If a vein ultrasound is needed for spider veins on the legs, it costs €60.00. The full price list is available on the Prices page.
To have spider veins on your face or legs assessed, you can book an examination. The physician will assess whether the vessels are suitable for laser treatment and whether an additional vein examination is needed.
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Laser capillary removal — face
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Laser capillary removal — legs
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Vein ultrasound (color Doppler)
Patient reviews
What our patients say
Reviews taken from our Google Business profiles, Zagreb and Daruvar, translated from Croatian.
★★★★★
“I recently had a varicose vein procedure. All praise to the entire team.”
★★★★★
“Since high school I watched the double chin I inherited from my father become more and more pronounced — and 15 years later, the double chin is gone. A big thank you to Dr. Maletić and the whole team for making my wish come true. The procedure was painless, as was the recovery, and the results were visible within just a few days. The entire team was exceptionally kind and cheerful, and the atmosphere very pleasant. I left the polyclinic satisfied, and when, two days after the swelling went down, I saw that the double chin was gone, my satisfaction knew no bounds. I warmly recommend Polyclinic Maletić.”
★★★★★
“My experience with breast augmentation with Dr. Maletić in Daruvar was excellent. I am extremely satisfied with the result. All the nurses are very kind and professional. I absolutely recommend them.”
★★★★★
“All praise for Polyclinic Maletić in Daruvar! I had a lip augmentation with fillers and I am very satisfied with the result. I would especially like to commend Dr. Mario Bartol, who is exceptionally kind, professional, and has a wonderful approach to patients, which made me feel comfortable and safe throughout the treatment. All the nurses are also very kind, helpful, and professional. I warmly recommend them to anyone considering aesthetic treatments!”
★★★★★
“Laser acne treatment is the only treatment that has helped me, and I would not choose any other facial treatment over it. Dr. Ines is one of the kindest people I have ever met and always has useful advice. Kind staff and top-level service — I warmly recommend her to everyone!”
★★★★★
“I had a wart on my face removed by laser. Very professional service with excellent results. The wart was quite large, but after just one treatment it was gone. All recommendations!”
★★★★★
“Blepharoplasty, 4D laser, and double chin. Perfect. All recommendations!”
★★★★★
“The best team of physicians, exceptionally professional and kind. I have been loyal to Polyclinic Maletić for more than 10 years and I am always satisfied with the results. Thank you.”
★★★★★
“I came to Dr. Maletić with a big problem and a lot of stress. I was met with such warm empathy and kindness, and patience in answering all my questions. Thank you, Dr. Maletić, for your advice and sincere support. I know I can always turn to her for advice, and that means a great deal to me. The staff of the Zagreb polyclinic are also very helpful and kind. My thanks to them as well.”
★★★★★
“Dr. Maletić’s practice, both in Daruvar and in Zagreb — and I have had several procedures — I can only recommend, because I felt very comfortable there and in expert hands!”
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
How many treatments does spider vein removal take?
On the face, small surface vessels often fade after the first treatment, while on the legs several visits a few weeks apart are usually needed. The total number depends on the size, depth, and color of the vessels, the size of the treated area, and the possible cause behind them.
Does laser spider vein removal hurt?
Anesthesia is as a rule not needed. During each pulse you may feel a brief warm sting, and the skin is cooled at the same time to reduce discomfort. How intense the sensation is depends on the area and on the depth and diameter of the vessel.
Do spider veins come back after laser treatment?
A vessel that has closed after treatment does not, as a rule, reopen. However, the tendency to form them remains, so new vessels can appear — especially with rosacea, long-term sun exposure, or strain on the venous system. That is why skin care, sun protection, or treatment of the underlying cause are considered alongside the treatment.
Can I come in during summer, or if I have a tan?
Tanned skin is not treated with the laser because of the increased risk of pigmentation changes. After the treatment, several weeks of consistent sun protection are needed, so the colder part of the year is often more practical. An appointment can be arranged once the tan has faded.
Are spider veins on the legs a sign of varicose veins?
Not necessarily. For many people they are isolated surface vessels without disease of the deeper venous system. In some patients, however, they can be linked to a vein that does not close properly. In that case the laser can remove the visible vessels, but new ones may keep appearing until the underlying cause is addressed. At the examination we assess whether a vein ultrasound is needed.
Do creams and serums help against spider veins?
Creams and serums can calm redness and help sensitive skin, but they cannot remove an already dilated blood vessel, because they act more superficially. With rosacea, skin care and avoiding personal triggers are an important part of treatment, but they do not replace laser treatment of the visible vessels.
What does the skin look like right after the treatment?
The treated area is usually red and slightly swollen, and a darker line or a small bruise can appear along the vessel. These reactions settle within a few days. More rarely, blisters or small crusts can appear; in that case, do not touch the area and contact the Polyclinic.
Book a consultation for laser spider vein removal
Zagreb and Daruvar, weekdays 8:00–20:00.