Sclerotherapy for Spider and Varicose Veins
Sclerotherapy is a technique that continues to be the gold standard for the treatment of spider and varicose veins. Spider veins refer to the bluish-purple veins on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are large bulging veins, often appearing ropy, located a bit deeper in the skin. The major risk factors for producing spider and/or varicose veins are heredity, pregnancy, weight gain, and long periods of standing. Often, the legs might ache or feel heavy and tired as a result of these veins. Treatment of the veins not only improves the appearance of the legs, turning back the clock of nature, but also improves the overall circulation of the legs. Spider and Varicose veins arise from incompetent valves, which normally help to keep blood moving in one direction. When the valves fail, blood refluxes backwards into the veins and causes them to bulge and break on the surface. Eliminating these inefficient veins allows the inner vascular system to function more efficiently. Treatments are performed by injecting a sclerosing solution directly into the veins using a tiny needle. The solution irritates the vein wall and causes it to collapse. The body absorbs the dying veins and they are effectively eliminated for good. Treatments are done every 2-3 weeks apart. Greater than 95% clearance is achieved with this technique. We ask patients to wear support stockings for 36 hours after each procedure.
Facial Veins
Facial Veins commonly occur around the nose, cheeks and forehead. They can be an early sign of Rosacea. The only effective treatment for facial veins, which are often associated with flushing symptoms, is laser ablation of these small vessels. The laser we use targets hemoglobin, the product in blood which gives it a red color. The overlying skin is left completely in tact. The blood inside the vessel heats up when hit by light energy and causes the vein wall to collapse. Sometimes the veins are stubborn and require additional treatments until they are entirely eliminated. Once the vessels are gone, the flushing symptoms which may also have been present, especially on the cheeks, disappear. Depending on which laser we use, sometimes a small amount of purpura is created which lasts 1-2 weeks. Make up effectively covers the purpura.
Rosacea Treatment
Rosacea is a hereditary condition which usually appears around 30 years of age. It is more common in women and is characterized first by the appearance of broken blood vessels around the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. Flushing symptoms can arise with exposure to exacerbating factors such as spicy foods, hot beverages, sun exposure, wine, and cheese. In more advanced cases of rosacea, acne like bumps can arise and the eyelids may become involved. The only effective method of treating the blood vessels and flushing in rosacea is by eliminating the superficial vessels. This is accomplished by using a laser which targets vasculature. Anywhere from 1 to 5 treatments may be required depending on the extent of disease.
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For more information: Leg Varicose &
Spider Vein Treatments |
