Varicose vein
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Varicose and spider veins are terms used for the small, unsightly, superficial veins usually found in clusters on the legs.
Most women are concerned with the cosmetic appearance of these veins, but there are frequently associated symptoms such as itching, burning, aching and throbbing. The symptoms are often worse at certain times of the menstrual cycle. In addition, the presence of thread veins may indicate an abnormality of the venous system, which may require further investigation.
Microsclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment to improve the appearance of these veins. It involves the introduction of a solution into the lumen of unsightly blood vessels, causing these to thrombose and consequently stop the flow of blood through them.
Treatment
1) Sclerotherapy Injection
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution (eg. Polidocanol or hypertonic saline) into the vein using a fine needle. The vein walls subsequently adhere to each other closing off the abnormal segment of vein. This process can take a few weeks for spider veins, to several months for large veins.
Most people require at least 2 treatments per leg and each session takes about 30mins.
There must be at least 4 weeks between treatments on the same leg.
Treatment on the other leg can be done within 2 weeks.
2) Compression stocking
Following each treatment session, you will be required to wear a special compression stocking to assist the sealing off of the treated veins. The stocking will need to be worn continuously for 3-4 days. It will need to be worn for another 7-10 days, but during this time it may be taken off for showers or baths and in bed at night. Daily walking for 45-60 minutes is necessary while wearing the stocking.
3) Laser Therapy
3.1 V-beam for Telangiectasia and Spider Vein Removal
These lasers offer the latest technology in treating spider veins. This laser effectively treats vascular lesions and leg veins. It is patented and US-FDA cleared for leg vein removal. The laser contracts the veins, without bruising usually associated with other leg vein treatments. The V-beam (The Most Advanced Pulse Dye Laser Technology) is excellent for targeting fine superficial spider veins especially on the face, thighs and legs where previously sclerotherapy was the only viable option. Depending on the individual, one to three treatments may be necessary.
3.2 Fotona (Endovenous Laser Ablation) for Large Vein Removal
Fotona XP Nd;Yag laser with optical fiber is perfectly suited to treat both superficial and large veins up to 4mm. in size anywhere on the body. The optical fiber is inserted into the big veins and ablate them. Vascular lesions, such as hemangiomas and "strawberry nevi" are also easily and quickly treated.
Frequently-Asked Questions:
How long will it take for my veins to disappear?
Each patient's body will have its own time schedule for how quickly veins will be reabsorbed. This could range from days to weeks and possibly months.
How many treatments will I need? 2-3 sessions
Many clients may need only one treatment to accomplish their goal. Others should expect 2 or more treatments 6 weeks to 8 weeks apart. Patients often differ in what they want out of their treatments. Some want their veins completely gone; others may want them just to be markedly improved.
Will my treated veins come back? Once a vein is completely dead and reabsorbed, it should be gone. However, a person who has already made spider veins may have a tendency to make more in the future. Any newly developing veins can be quickly treated.
What is the cost of laser spider vein removal? The cost will depend on how many veins you have and the time it takes to treat them. Many patients can be treated in as little as 15 minutes. An assessment of cost will be determined at the time of your free consultation.
Are there any activity restrictions immediately after treatment? You may continue with normal daily activities. However, you need to refrain from hot baths or exercise for 3 days. Depending on your veins, you may need to be wearing an elastic wrap around your leg in the area that received treatment. These wraps may be removed for showering and reapplied during these 3 days. These minor restrictions will enhance your treatment results.
How does laser spider vein removal work? Fotona XP (long pulsed Nd-Yag laser) and Vbeam (Pulse dye Laser) have a wavelength of 1064 and 595 nanometers, respectively. This wavelength targets hemoglobin or blood. Each vessel is traced with pulses of laser light. As the energy is absorbed by the blood in the vessel, heat is created and the vessel wall is destroyed. The vein will die and the body will clear away the tissue as it would clear away any bruise. Treatments with our laser require no anesthetics and no downtime, with very low risk of side effects. People with all skin colors may be safely treated.
4) Surgery
Some people may also have larger varicose veins (> 4 mm in diameter). These larger varicose veins should be treated first. Larger veins can be treated by 1) Surgery (Phlebectomy or venous stripping 2) Endovenous Laser Treatment 3) Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy or Glue injection. The type of treatment necessary is determined by an ultrasound examination which gives an accurate assessment of vein abnormalities.