RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Superficial leg veins affect millions of people worldwide, and treatment of these vessels is a common dermatologic request. The advance of lasers in recent years has led to numerous laser and light devices intended to treat these superficial vessels. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: A review of the literature on the laser and light devices available for the treatment of superficial leg vessels with historical and recent trends is presented. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The appropriate choice of light system to treat telangiectases, venulectases, and reticular veins varies depending on anatomical, physiological, and biological differences in the vessels. Safe and efficacious treatment of superficial leg vessels can be achieved with multiple lasers by taking advantage of the oxyhemoglobin absorption peaks. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.