Leg Vein Treatments
- Sclerotherapy
- Laser Treatments
Superficial leg veins, also called, spider veins, telangiectasia, or star burst blemishes, are dilated, small surface vessels. They are pink, red, or purple and can occur on ankles, lower legs, or thighs as lines or clusters. The cause of these vessels is unknown, but they are more common in women. A hereditary tendency is probably one of the most significant factors. Pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, obesity, trauma and long periods of standing or sitting may cause vessels to appear or become more prominent. Exercise, weight loss, and support hose may help limit the number of new vessels, but will not prevent the development of new vessels.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the injection of a sclerosing solution (hypertonic saline, Sotradecol, and others) into the dilated vessels. This causes the lining of the vessels to swell and close resulting in both a lighter color and improvement in appearance or complete disappearance of the vessels. The treatment is completed by Dr. Charles as an out patient procedure performed in the office.
Laser Treatments
Laser and Pulsed Light treatments are being used as an alternative to or to complement sclerotherapy for small veins or spider veins. They all work on the same basic principle: light energy is delivered through a small laser hand piece to a targeted vein, in a series of brief pulses. The light energy is absorbed by the lining of the blood vessels and the blood within the blood vessels. The heat generated causes a coagulation (clotting) of the blood, which is subsequently absorbed by the body. The advanced laser treatments allow the delivery of a precise dosage of energy to each blood vessel. Discomfort is minimal and cooling devices are used to further reduce any pain the patient may experience. Several treatments are usually needed for optimal results. A consult with our knowledgeable staff can help determine if this treatment option is right for you.
Common Questions & Answers:
What can I expect during injections?
A very fine needle is used which feels like a small mosquito bite or bee sting. Fifteen to thirty seconds of mild discomfort or burning at the site of injection may be experienced.
What are the side effects and risks associated with sclerotherapy?
There are no serious side effects from the procedure. However, temporary side effects may occur, such as:
Bruising and swelling: Local swelling and bruising may occur at the site of the needle penetration and along the vessel. Swelling resolves within 24 hours, bruising fades slowly within several weeks.
Tenderness: Tenderness may occur at the injection site and along the vessel and may persist for several days.
Itching: Immediately following the injection, a hive-like reaction with itching may develop at the site, usually subsiding within 30 minutes
Trapped blood: It is an uncommon problem that feels like a tender bump in the treated vein. It can be easily removed with a tiny needle.
Cramping: Following injection of the ankle or calf, a “charley horse” type of muscle cramp may occur. Flexing the toes up and down, additionally massaging will alleviate this discomfort.
Pigmentation Changes: Spider veins may rupture during the treatment process leaving linear brown streaks, quarter sized areas, or small brown spots which resolve within six to twelve months.
Telangiectactic mats: A network of very red or red-purple veins may develop near the injection site during the course of treatment. Resolution takes place spontaneously or after repeated treatments. These mats may respond slowly and are frequently difficult to treat. Treatment with one of several lasers developed to treat leg veins may improve matting.
Ulceration: A small ulcer may develop at the injection site, which will crust and heal in one to two weeks. Ulceration may occur even when meticulous injection telangiestasia is used. There is a risk of scar formation from this process, which occurs less than 1% of the time.
How soon will the vessels disappear?
Fading occurs over eight weeks, at which time pretreatments may be performed. Small vessels may disappear completely and larger vessels should decrease in size. Treatments of existing vessels do not prevent the formation of new ones.
Are there any contradictions to this therapy?
Patients with a history of inflammation of the veins (thrombophlebitis), blood cots in the legs, diabetes, arterial or other vascular problems, or previous leg ulcers are not treated. Pregnant women are almost always advised to postpone treatment for six months after delivery.
Do other treatment options exist?
Sclerotherapy remains the treatment of choice for spider vein telangiectasia. It is most commonly employed as the initial treatment method. Most leg veins will respond to a series of injections. If sclerotherapy does not fade vessels appreciably, other treatment methods exist. These include: electrocautery, the pulse dye lasers, and the photoderm pulsed light source. These options are all available and will be discussed during your consultation.
Will insurance pay for varicose and spider vein treatment?Health insurance and Medicare reimburses a high percentage of treatment cost if deemed a medical necessity. If you have a medical problem and receive a positive result after having an ultrasound scan, we will work with your insurance company and provide them the information needed for predetermination of benefits. Spider vein treatment is usually not covered by insurance as it is considered cosmetic and deemed an out-of-pocket expense.
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