The Apogee Elite system uses the Nd-YAG laser to treat the fine blue and fine red veins on the face or the legs, it also works for rosacea.  The haemoglobin in the blood picks up the laser light in preference to the surrounding tissue and this in turn leads to the heating up of the blood vessel. 

This heat destroys the wall of the vessel and the resulting dead tissue is gradually absorbed by the body with the consequent disappearance of the vein.  Immediately following the treatment the skin looks red and inflamed but is cooled quite rapidly with a cooling system that is attached to the laser. 

You are advised not to have any hot baths or showers for three days and also to avoid exercise so as to keep the vessels that have been destroyed from reopening by a fresh surge of blood.  The area can also look bruised and inflamed for a few days afterwards