We use a variety of treatments to make veins disappear and symptoms improve. These state-of-the-art advancements have made the treatment of leg veins safer, faster, more tolerable and more effective. The days of vein stripping are thankfully gone!
VenaSeal Treatment for Varicose Veins
What is VenaSeal? This technologically advanced injectable treatment is a FDA approved, non-surgical solution for effectively diminishing varicose veins. Varicose veins are known to occur when there is a reversal in venous blood flow or reflux in the large and/or small saphenous veins. VenaSeal provides an effective solution for treating the underlying cause of varicose veins without an incision.
How does it Work? VenaSeal is a unique solution that involves the closure of unhealthy veins without the need for tumescent local anesthesia or the risks associated with thermal-based closure treatments. The treatment first begins with a local anesthesia in order to ensure patient comfort. The doctor can then insert a small catheter tube with the help of an ultrasound guide. There is minimal discomfort involved in the process, with a reported feeling of slight pressure. Once the catheter is in the correct location, the VenaSeal treatment adhesive is then injected at specific points. The vein is then closed through a specific method. This procedure successfully helps to redirect the blood to surrounding healthier veins. The remainder of the varicose vein then falls off and is removed through the body’s natural processes.
Endovenous Laser Therapy for Varicose Veins
What is Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)?
EVLT is a FDA approved, non-surgical procedure in which the underlying problematic veins are treated. Endovenous Laser Therapy is performed under local anesthesia with a pinpoint sized incision. The CoolTouch™ Endovenous Laser works by precisely heating water within the wall of the vein causing it to seal shut and disappear.
The treatment is performed with a high tech duplex ultrasound machine to map the vein, and visually guide the laser treatment. EVLT generally takes approximately 30-45 minutes and a compression stocking is worn for 7-10 days. Patients can return to normal lifestyle right away, except no high impact exercise for one week.
The goal of EVLT is to eliminate the abnormal sub-surface veins so that the blood re-routes through the remaining normal veins much more efficiently. The result is reducing the abnormal pressure on the remaining veins, therefore eliminating symptoms.
Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy (varicose vein microsurgery) is a safe, in-office procedure for the removal of surface varicose veins under local anesthetic. Virtually scarless, freckle sized incisions are made through which the unwanted varicose vein is removed.
Patients only need one day off from work and can return to normal activities after 24 hours (except heavy exercise). Post-operative care simply consists of wearing a one-legged support stocking for seven days.
*Individual results and experiences may vary from person to person.*
Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy or “UG sclero” Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy or “UG sclero” as we call it, is an in-office, non-surgical treatment for painful varicose veins under the skin’s surface. A safe, FDA approved, “foamed” solution is administered into the abnormal veins with a tiny needle, while the doctor visually monitors the treatment on an ultrasound screen. This enables treatment of veins that can’t be seen because they are below the surface of the skin and would otherwise require surgical removal. The foamed medication then works to seal these abnormal veins shut. This new technology has made the treatment of venous insufficiency safer, faster, more specific, more tolerable, and more effective.
Cosmetic Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
Cosmetic or surface sclerotherapy is similar in concept to ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, but instead of looking with an ultrasound device, we visually treat the surface spider veins. A concentrated solution is administered into the unwanted blue, red and purple veins with a tiny needle. The solution works by irritating the lining of the vein so that the vein seals shut. This procedure has been used for the treatment of veins since the 1930’s, but has been refined over the last 10-15 years. One treatment usually takes 10-20 minutes depending on the number of veins to be treated. Patients resume normal activity after treatment and wear compression stockings for a few days. Most people need a few treatments to obtain the best results and are generally performed at 8 week intervals. The majority of veins that are treated with sclerotherapy will go away, but it will not prevent the development of new veins. It is important to have underlying varicose veins treated prior to spider vein treatment so as to eliminate the source of some spider veins.
Laser Therapy for Spider Veins
Lasers are used as an alternative or complement to sclerotherapy for surface spider veins. We can use three different types of lasers depending on the skin type of the patient and the color and size of the spider vein being treated. In this method, light energy is used causing the veins to heat, seal shut and disappear. One treatment usually takes 10-20 minutes, is tolerated well and patients resume normal activity right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
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[accordion_content title=”Will I need any more treatment after EVLT or VenaSeal?”] The goal of EVLT/VenaSeal is to improve circulation of the blood out of the legs. In doing so, not all bulging varicose veins will disappear. Residual surface varicose veins may be treated with ambulatory micro-phlebectomy (varicose vein microsurgery), which sclerotherapy or spider vein laser treatment. [/accordion_content]
[accordion_content title=”Which veins need Ambulatory Micro-Phlebectomy?”] Surface varicose veins that are too twisted for Endovenous Laser Therapy and VenaSeal and too large for sclerotherapy. [/accordion_content]
[accordion_content title=”What types of veins are treated by sclerotherapy?”] Purple and blue spider veins do exceptionally well with sclerotherapy, however, some varicose veins may also be treated with this method. [/accordion_content]
[accordion_content title=”What is Spider Vein Laser Treatment Like?”] Eye protection is worn and pulses of laser light in combination with skin cooling are performed. Most patients describe the sensation as a rubber band snapping on the skin and is well tolerated. [/accordion_content]
[accordion_content title=”When is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Used?”] This treatment is used to address varicose veins and “feeder” veins that are just under the skin’s surface. These types of veins can contribute to symptoms, leg swelling and spider veins. [/accordion_content]
[accordion_content title=”How is EVLT different from radiofrequency closure (VNUS) technique?”] Closure procedure is an older technique that is generally performed in a hospital setting and has been shown to be less effective when compared to laser therapy. [/accordion_content]
[accordion_content title=”Will healthcare insurance cover Vein Procedures?”] Yes, in most cases insurance companies will cover treatment of varicose veins that they consider “medical.” Spider veins are often considered “cosmetic” and are not covered. [/accordion_content]
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Patients will require few to numerous treatments to fully address each type of vein that a patient has. It is important to understand that vein development usually occurs over 10-30 years and therefore 6-12 months of treatments are usually required to adequately, thoroughly and permanently improve the veins that have been formed. The majority of veins that are treated will go away permanently, but these treatments will not always prevent the development of new veins. When done in the proper order, most patients remain “clear” for many years, if not the rest of their lifetime. Call the Cosmetic Vein & Laser Center today to schedule an appointment to take care of your leg vein issues.