SCLEROTHERAPY AND LASER VEIN TREATMENTS

Heredity and normal aging conspire to increase visibility of unsightly veins. Pregnancy and any added pressure to veins (weight gain, standing for long periods of time) will also exacerbate the problem. Primarily a woman’s condition, almost 75% of all adult women have spider veins

Who is it for?

Anyone who is bothered by either blue, red or spider veins on the face, thighs, calves and ankles; as well as people with aching, burning and/or cramping in the legs caused by broken veins. What could the treatment involve? Both vascular laser treatments and traditional sclerotherapy are available. Lasers have an advantage in that they’re better at targeting tiny veins that are often difficult to inject. Lasers can’t reach deep enough for some leg veins, however, and may be used in tandem with traditional sclerotherapy to achieve the desired result. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sclerosing solution (saline or chemical) directly into the vein; approximately one inch of the vein is treated per injection.

How does it work?

Laser: The Cool Glide YAG Laser is used in this treatment. As the laser is passed over a site, its energy is absorbed into the targeted vessel, cauterizing it. The body then reabsorbs the vein, causing it to disappear. Sclerotherapy: Spider veins are caused by abnormal blood flow and unstable vessel walls in the affected veins. The sclerosing solution further weakens the walls to the point that they collapse into one another and stick together. The vein is then reabsorbed and disappears.

What can I expect?

Laser: There is a deep stinging sensation during the treatment. Ask the nurse or doctor for a topical anesthetic to lessen the sensations. Sclerotherapy: During the treatment, you will feel a pinch as the needle is inserted and a warm sensation as the solution is released into the vein. When the needle is extracted, the doctor will apply a compression dressing (cotton ball and heavy tape) to the area and then move on to the next site. The treatment lasts 15 minutes to an hour depending on the number of sites. Following the treatment, you may have to wear elastic stockings and/or some kind of compression wrap for several days to several weeks. You may notice bruising when you remove the wraps. Please note: This treatment will not deter the development of new veins. It also is not designed for varicose veins that most often must be surgically removed.

Results

Depending on the severity of the problem, a series of sessions will be required and can be scheduled at 2-4 week intervals. The skin will noticeably improve with each treatment. Maintenance treatments may be needed annually. >> click here to see before and after photos