LASER SPIDER VEIN REMOVAL

Spider veins are known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities. These are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it.

A number of factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy and other events that cause hormonal shifts, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications.
Spider veins usually take on one of three basic patterns. They may appear in a true spider shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point; they may be arborizing and will resemble tiny branch-like shapes; or they may be simple linear and appear as thin separate lines. Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the arborizing pattern often appears on the outer thigh in a sunburst or cartwheel distribution.

Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Varicose veins are larger - usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter, darker in color and tend to bulge. Varicose veins are also more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders. For some patients, sclerotherapy can be used to treat varicose veins. However, often surgical treatment is necessary for this condition.

Laser vein removal uses a laser that produces a highly concentrated beam of light that is attracted by the hemoglobin in the blood vessel. The vessel absorbs the light and is destroyed, but does not rupture or lead to extensive bruising as with older lasers. Because of our lasers deeper wavelength, the light is not absorbed by the skin, but goes directly to the vessel, allowing safe treatment of all skin types without burns or blisters.
The number of treatments varies according to the type and size of the vein. There is typically dramatic improvement with the first treatment. Additional treatments are usually necessary to achieve the complete desired result.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort or no pain at all. For patients with sensitive skin, a very strong topical anesthetic can be applied to minimize discomfort. If you are prone to vein development, new veins may develop , but not the same veins treated by the laser.

Who is the best candidate for laser vein therapy?

Women of any age may be good candidates for this procedure but most fall in the 20-to-60 category. In some women, spider veins may become noticeable very early on - in the teen years. For others, the veins may not become obvious until they reach their 40s.If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you will be advised to postpone the treatment. In most cases, spider veins that surface during pregnancy will disappear on their own within three months after the baby is born. Also, nursing mothers are usually advised to wait until after they have stopped breastfeeding.Spider veins in men aren't nearly as common as they are in women. Men who do have spider veins often don't consider them to be a cosmetic problem because the veins are usually concealed by hair growth on the leg. However, laser vein therapy is just as effective for men who seek treatment.

You will also be asked about your medical history, medications you take, or conditions that would preclude you from having treatment. Patients with circulatory problems, heart conditions, or diabetes may also be advised against treatment. It's important to be open in discussing your history and treatment goals with us. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have.

Preparing for the procedure.

Please do not to apply any type of moisturizer, self tanner, sunblock or oil to your legs on the day of your procedure. You may want to bring shorts to wear during the injections, as well as your prescribed support hose, and slacks to wear home.
When scheduling your procedure, keep in mind that your legs may be bruised or slightly discolored for some weeks afterward.

The procedure.

A typical session is relatively quick, lasting only about 5 to 45 minutes. You will be asked to lie down on the examination table and wear protective eyewear. During the procedure, you may listen to music, read, or just talk. You will be asked to shift positions a few times during the process. As the procedure continues, you will feel a small "pinching" sensation and possibly a mild burning sensation.

After your treatment.

Tight-fitting support hose are recommended to guard against blood clots and to promote healing. Please wear the support hose for 72 hours or more.
You should be aware that your treated veins will look worse before they begin to look better. You will notice bruising and reddish areas at the injection sites. The bruises will diminish within one month. In many cases, there may be some residual brownish pigmentation which may take up to a year to completely fade.

Getting back to normal.

Although you probably won't want to wear any leg-baring fashions for about two weeks, your activity will not be significantly limited in any other way from this laser treatment.
You will be encouraged to walk to prevent clots from forming in the deep veins of the legs. However, during the period of time to complete your treatment program, prolonged sitting and standing should be avoided, as should squatting, heavy weight lifting and "pounding" type exercises, including jogging.
A one-month healing interval must pass before you may have your second series of injections in the same site. After each treatment, you will notice further improvement of your legs' appearance.

Your New Look

Most patients are pleased with the difference laser therapy makes. The skin of your legs will appear younger, clearer and more healthy-looking. If you've been wearing long skirts and slacks to hide your spider veins, you'll now be able to broaden your fashion horizons. Often, patients are surprised at the dramatic difference in appearance between a treated leg and an untreated one.
Although laser vein therapy will obliterate the noticeable veins for good, it's important to remember that treatment will not prevent new spider veins from emerging in the future. As time passes, you may find that you need "touch-ups" or full treatments for new veins that surface. But even if you choose not to have further treatments, your legs will look better than if you never had treatment at all.