We are proud to announce the addition of Vein Treatments to our list of available services.
See below for FAQs or contact us if you would like more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS?
Small "spider" veins are usually the first manifestation of increased venous pressure. They are small, red-purple in color, appear in the thighs, legs, and ankles and most frequently affect women of childbearing age and older. Family history of the problem and aging increase one's tendencies to develop spider and varicose veins.
HOW DO WE TREAT THEM?
Several methods can be used to remove spider and varicose veins, including sclerotherapy, laser treatments, and surgery. Spider veins do not require surgery and are usually treated with sclerotherapy or laser treatments.
HOW IS A LASER TREATMENT PERFORMED?
Laser treatment is a safe, effective option that targets vessels under the skin while bypassing the skin itself. The laser energy is absorbed by hemoglobin, a substance in blood that gives it a red color, which causes the vessel to coagulate and subsequently be absorbed by the body.
HOW IS SCLEROTHERAPY PERFORMED?
The procedure involves the injection of a sterile solution (called a sclerosing solution) into the vein using a very fine, hair-thin needle. This solution irritates the vein lining causing it to swell and the blood to clot. The spider veins then turn into very small, fine scar tissue that is reabsorbed over time.
WHAT SOLUTION IS USED?
The sclerosants most commonly used are hypertonic saline or sodium tetradecylsulfate, both which are FDA approved for sclerotherapy.
DO THESE PROCEDURES HURT?
Most procedures do not cause any pain. The amount of discomfort, if any, a patient might feel during treatments depends on individual sensitivity, type of treatments and area treated. During sclerotherapy treatments some patients might feel a very mild localized itching sensation, lasting only a few seconds. During laser treatments some patients experience a feeling similar to the snap of a rubber band. The treatment of larger dilated veins may require the use of a local anesthetic, rendering the procedure painless.
ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS TO THESE TREATMENTS?
Vein treatment, like any medical intervention, will have the potential for some adverse effects. Fortunately, serious side effects from vein treatment are rare. The most common side effects are temporary discoloration along the course of the treated vein, bruising, swelling, or localized hair removal.
IS THERE ANY HARM IN REMOVING THESE UNSIGHTLY VEINS?
Varicose and spider veins are non-functional, and their removal does not adversely affect circulation. In fact, their removal may actually improve the local venous circulation. By the time varicose and spider veins have appeared, normal veins in the same vicinity have taken over their function.
DOES TREATMENT AND REMOVAL OF VARICOSE VEINS RESULT IN THE APPEARANCE OF NEW VARICOSE VEINS?
The removal of varicose or spider veins does not, in and of itself, stimulate the development of new varicose veins. However, anyone who has varicose or spider veins is likely predisposed to this condition and can expect new varicose or spider veins to develop, whether of not pre-existing veins have ever been treated.
WHICH IS BETTER, LASER TREATMENT OR SCLEROTHERAPY?
When you come in for a free consultation, we will evaluate your best treatment option. Some veins respond better to laser treatments, and some to sclerotherapy. We will guide you toward the most effective non-surgical method for removing varicose and spider veins.
CAN ANYONE BE TREATED?
Almost anyone with unwanted varicose and spider veins can be treated, except women who are pregnant or nursing. Other relative contraindications include diabetes, fever, history of deep vein thrombosis, anticoagulant therapy, and severe asthma (requiring chronic steroids).
WHAT SHOULD I DO PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE?
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs for 2 days prior to your treatment. Also, try to avoid alcohol and smoking for 2 days before the treatment.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?
After vein treatment there is usually some redness and swelling along the course of the treated veins. This may persist for a few hours to days. You should feel completely normal after the treatment and immediately resume all normal activities (many patients have treatments during their lunch break and return to work). Treated veins will start to disappear a few weeks after the procedure.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
The number of treatments required is based upon the number and extent of your unwanted veins. There is a limit to the amount of vein therapy your body can tolerate during any one session so several treatments will likely be necessary. The average number of needed treatments is three to five.
HOW OFTEN ARE TREATMENTS PERFORMED?
If multiple veins are present and more than one treatment visit is required, the sessions can be at intervals as soon as 24 hours apart. The total number of treatment sessions is not affected by the interval between treatments.
HOW LONG IS EACH TREATMENT?
Each treatment session lasts up to 30 minutes.
SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL AFTER I HAVE ALL OF MY PREGNANCIES BEFORE TREATING MY VEINS?
There is no need to wait until having all of your pregnancies before beginning treatment. The better option is to treat varicose and spider veins prior to pregnancy so that they cannot become worse. Although new varicose and spider veins can develop during subsequent pregnancies, previously treated veins should not reoccur.
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