Vein Removal
Unsightly and uncomfortable leg veins are a problem for millions of Americans. Prolonged standing, pregnancy, weight gain and genetics can cause these veins to appear and get larger over time. Laser treatments of these veins is a revolutionary process, requiring no insult or damage to the skin overlying the vessels. This in turn dramatically reduces the rate of infection or other complications. The laser targets the blood inside the vessel, gradually heating it up and causing the vessel to collapse. The body then absorbs the non-functional remaining tissue, much the same way it would absorb a bruise. Since these vessels do not contribute to blood return to the heart in the same manner of deeper veins, there is minimal risk to eliminating them.
Patients usually achieve a significant reduction of the appearance of the veins. With minimal discomfort the veins will reduce to a reddish appearance, which usually disappear after 48 hours. Usually two to three treatments are required but a few stubborn veins may take more to be completely removed. The veins that are destroyed and absorbed will not come back; however those prone to leg vein formation will probably continue to produce new veins.
Spidery veins are the most amendable to laser therapy. True varicose veins are best treated with sclerotherapy or surgery. Larger veins can be treated with laser therapy, but it is best to consult with the physician prior to treatment if you have any questions regarding the best treatment for you.
Dr. Miller also offers traditional sclerotherapy for the treatment of larger vessels. Sclerotherapy involves tiny injections to create an injury to the lining of the veins. The vessel collapses and is absorbed by natural clearing processes of the body. Support hose are recommended after the treatment, for about a week, but there is no restriction in activity. The support hose maintains the collapsed state of the vessel and promotes complete absorption of the vessel. Usually two treatments are required, approximately 8 to 12 weeks apart.
Usually a combination of sclerotherapy and laser treatment provides the best outcome. Dr. Miller will consult with you and together you will decide the optimum treatment plan.
As always Dr. Miller is always available for any questions you may have after the treatment.
Spider Veins
Unsightly spider veins on the face and legs often cause patients to go through elaborate lengths to camouflage and cover them. Sclerotherapy injections have been used for years to treat larger veins, but sometimes it is ineffective for the smaller spidery veins. These veins are now easily treated with laser therapy. The laser precisely targets the blood within the vessel, causing thermal injury to the endothelium or lining of the vein. The vessel then collapses and, no longer functional, the body absorbs the damaged tissue. Usually 2 to 3 treatments are required to assure the vessel does not reopen and reform. We recommend compressive therapy (usually support hose) for 1 to 2 weeks after treatment to maintain the collapsed state of the veins.
Treatments take approximately ½ hour, depending on the number of vessels being treated. Most vessels need to be treated twice before resolution occurs. Repeat treatment in the same areas should occur 8 weeks later. Multiple treatments at different sites can be performed at the same time. There is no damage to the overlying skin, as the laser passes right through the skin on the way to its target. There will be a slight red raised reaction along the path of the targeted vein. Similar to the look of a cat scratch (without any disruption of the epidermis) this reaction resolves in 24 hours. Occasionally bruising will occur. Since the integrity of the skin is not disrupted, the risk of infection is very low.
Several types of topical anesthetics are available, as well as any oral medications that may be required, for patient comfort during treatment. It is best to avoid any blood thinning medications such as aspirin for 24 hours prior to treatment. There is usually no discomfort after treatment, but Tylenol and ibuprofen can be taken afterward if needed. You will see improvement with the initial treatment, and after 2 to 3 treatments most of the treated veins should dissipate.
Telangiectasias
Telangiectasias are small vessels usually found in conglomerations on the face. These vessels can be close to the surface of the skin and can be traced with the naked eye. Others are deeper and cannot be seen distinctly but add a rosy color to the surface skin. Telangiectasias can associated with distinct skin problems like rosacea, or can appear for no identifiable reason. They are benign but can become unsightly and an annoyance.
Telangiectasias are easily treatable with the latest laser technology. Different lasers are used for treatment depending on the depth and type of vessels to be eliminated. The laser targets hemoglobin molecules within red blood cells. This causes the vessel to heat up and collapse. The destroyed vessel is absorbed by the body through a process called phagocytosis. Once the vessel is absorbed, it will not come back, however the body is capable of producing more, new vessels over time.
Treatments take approximately ½ an hour, depending on the number of vessels being treated. It is pain free, with return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. There may be some redness initially, which subsides within 24 hours. Scabbing and bruising are possible side effects that rarely occur and are temporary. Vessels usually require at least 2 treatments no sooner than 2 weeks apart.
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