Vein Treatment

Millions of Americans are affected by vascular skin condition such as rosacea, spider veins and telangiectasia which can cause unsightly broken blood vessels, discoloration and lesions to appear on the skin of the face and legs. People affected by these skin conditions often report embarrassment or self-consciousness, which can deter them from joining social occasions or even going out in public. While much progress has been made in identifying the causes of these conditions, treatment options have been largely limited to procedures that incur adverse side effects on patients such as electrosurgery, sclerotherapy and surgery.

• Rosacea is a common disorder that mainly affects skin on the face. While it is typically characterized by harmless cosmetic symptoms, such as redness in the face, some patients also complain of heating or discomfort when they flush. Triggers of rosacea episodes can include strenuous exercise, temperature extremes, alcohol and spicy foods. 
• Telangiectasia are tiny broken blood vessels that are permanently fixed in the dilated state. While they usually do not present a medical issue, they do create a cosmetic concern as they can take on the appearance of find red lines coursing through the surface of the facial skin. 
• Leg veins are dilated vessels that range from large veins to small telangiectasias. Other non-laser treatment of leg veins typically involves sclerotherapy, a procedure in which a liquid is injected into the damaged vessels to harden and destroy the vessel wall. Excel V can treat leg veins up to 4mm in diameter. 
• Port Wine Stain is a type of red or purple birthmark made of dilated blood capillaries. They often appear on the face and do not fade unless they are treated. Non-laser treatment of port wine stains has included radiation, freezing and surgery, often resulting in pain and scarring. 
• Cherry Angioma are small red bumps that appear spontaneously on the skin. They typically appear in middle age and will proliferate. Non-laser treatment of cherry angiomas includes cryosurgey and electrosurgery. 

We offer vein treatment using: 

• Excel V laser 
• Sclerotherapy

What is excel V laser and how does it work? 

Excel V laser is a new approach to treating vascular skin conditions that puts patients' safety and comfort first. The laser targets and is absorbed by red blood vessels which ultimately causes vein walls to collapse. This enables precise and effective treatment of everything from small to medium sized veins and spider veins. 

Does excel V laser treatment hurt or have side effects? 

The system leverages innovative cooling technologies to ensure patient comfort, and there are no long-term side effects or downtime.

What is sclerotherapy and how does it work? 

Sclerotherapy is a microinjection procedure to treat small to medium sized veins. The procedure involves injection of a sclerosant solution into the vein using a very fine needly. This solution irritates the vein lining causing it to undergo fibrosis and eventually disappear. Multiple veins can be injected at each session. 

What are spider veins? 

Spider veins are most common in women in the age groups 30-50. This has been related to the hormone estrogen and pregnancy. Spider veins look like a network pattern in a circular fashion. These light purple veins usually appear in a lattice pattern and are completely harmless. 

Where is the procedure done?

It is usually performed in the doctor's clinic. It generally does not require any type of anesthesia. The patient is asked to come to the clinic in loose fitting clothing and the spider veins are identified. With a fine needle, the veins are injected with a chemical that will destroy the vein. There is minimal pain. For those who are unable to tolerate the pain, a topical local anesthetic can be placed on the skin about 30 minutes prior to the procedure.

What chemicals are used for sclerotherapy?

The spider veins are destroyed by injecting a small amount of a chemical in the vein. The sclerosant we use most often is polidocanol. The chemical irritates the small vein and causes it to undergo fibrosis and eventually disappear.

Can sclerotherapy be used to treat large varicose veins? 

Following the treatment for larger veins, compression hose stockings are usually recommended to be worn for at least one week. It is best to get spider veins treated in the winter months as one can easily wear stockings. 

How many sclerotherapy treatments are required? 

It varies from individual to individual, but typically 2-4 treatments are required for the best results. In patients with milder cases, 1-2 will suffice. The treatments are more in number when there are more veins or slightly larger veins requiring treatment. 

Do I have to limit any activity after the treatment?

Walking is highly recommended soon after the procedure. But any high activity sports should be avoided for the first 2-3 days. 

Does sclerotherapy hurt?

There is a little sting associated with each injection. The burning sensation lasts a few seconds. Most individuals tolerate the procedure and do not require any type of anesthesia.

What happens when spider veins are not treated?

Absolutely nothing. Spider veins are small veins which are entirely a cosmetic nuisance. They do not form blood clots, they usually do not ache, and they do not cause swollen feet or pain. One may elect to observe them. 

Can sclerotherapy be performed on the hands or face?

No absolutely not. Sclerotherapy should never be done on the face and hands. The hand veins may not look pretty at time, but they should never be treated. If the facial veins are very conspicuous, laser vein treatment is a better option than sclerotherapy. 

Is there any harm in removing spider veins?

Spider veins have no function and removing does no harm. The only reason they are removed is because of their unsightly appearance or due to symptoms, which range from pain to cramps. 

Can anyone undergo sclerotherapy?

Almost anyone with unwanted spider veins can be treated, except women who are pregnant or nursing. Other relative contraindications include those with skin infections, uncontrollable diabetes, fever, history of deep vein thrombosis, anticoagulant therapy those patients taking corticosteroids. 

Is there any preparation required before sclerotherapy?

No preparation is required before the procedure. It is recommended that one stop smoking and stop taking aspirin a few days before the procedure. Any patient on a blood thinner is not a candidate for sclerotherapy. 

What happens after sclerotherapy treatment?

There is some mild pain that can easily be overcome with Tylenol. The injected site will appear bruised and swollen for a few days. Continual wearing of the ace bandaged will relieve the swelling and pain. The bruising usually disappears in 2-3 weeks. One will have no problem with walking. After the first 3 days, most patients can resume normal activities. 

How long is each sclerotherapy session?

Generally, most individuals have multiple spider veins and only up to 15-20 injections can be done at seating. Each treatment session lasts 30-40 minutes.