Varicose & Spider Veins Information
Varicose Veins
&
Spider Veins
Aging can cause many less-than-attractive changes in the body, and one of the most common unpleasant aspects of growing older is the appearance of "spider veins". Spider veins are nothing more than a cluster of veins that form patterns just beneath the skin. Aside from being unsightly, these clusters can cause real physical discomfort such as night cramps, aching, and burning.
Similar to spider veins are varicose veins, which are larger and tend to cause more pain than simple spider veins. Almost half of the adult female population of the United States will develop spider or varicose veins at one point in their lives, and these millions of women previously had no recourse other than to keep these unsightly clusters of blood vessels covered.
Schelrotherapy
Fortunately, new treatments from abroad show promise to ease the suffering of millions of men and women. Schelrotherapy is a revolutionary treatment from Europe that reduces the appearance of spider veins by collapsing the blood vessels, which in turn causes them to disappear. The procedure often takes only a few minutes and your new legs will be ready for public view after about two weeks. Additionally, few patients ever complain about any ill effects after the procedure.
If you suffer from varicose or spider veins in your legs, it is important to discuss your condition with your doctor immediately. Ignoring this vanity issue can lead to severe complications such as phlebitis, thrombosis, and venous ulcers. Speak with your plastic surgeon about how sclerotherapy can help you maintain good vein health and an attractive leg appearance.
Methods: Varicose & Spider Vein Procedures
Sclerotherapy is used to treat both varicose and spider veins. During the procedure, a tiny needle is used to inject the affected veins with a medication that makes surface veins invisible. Sclerotherapy works for most patients, and can help people deal with unsightly veins at an early stage.For some patients, several sclerotherapy sessions are required to obtain a desired effect. However, this is entirely dependent upon the type and number of veins being treated. Fortunately, normal activities can usually be resumed after sclerotherapy. In addition to this method, there are other techniques that are commonly used to treat varicose and spider veins. Speak with your plastic surgeon to determine which route is best for you.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is an in-office treatment that targets veins beneath the surface of the skin. Using an ultrasound screen, the doctor can visually monitor the vein and avoid surgical removal while treating its condition.
Endovenous
laser treatment
Endovenous laser treatment provides an alternative to the surgical stripping of the affected vein. In this procedure, a small laser fiber is inserted into the damaged vein and pulses of laser light are delivered to collapse the vein and seal it shut. Local anesthesia is commonly used, but the procedure is done in-office and is FDA-approved for the treatment of the greater saphenous vein.
Radiofrequency Occlusion (CLOSURE® Procedure)
The radiofrequency occlusion or CLOSURE® procedure is another alternative to the surgical stripping of the greater saphenous vein. In this operation a small catheter is inserted that delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall that causes it to heat, collapse and seal shut. The radiofrequency occlusion procedure may require local anesthesia and is also FDA-approved for the treatment of the greater saphenous vein.
Surgery
Some patients who suffer from large varicose and spider veins have no other alternative but surgery. The surgical techniques in practice include ligation, stripping, and ambulatory phlebectomy. Ligation involves the tying off of an affected vein, while stripping removes a long segment of the vein by pulling it out with a specially designed instrument. Ambulatory phlebectomy utilizes tiny incisions to remove varicose and spider veins. The type of anesthesia varies depending on the procedure being performed, but most patients are able to return home on the same day as the procedure.
Ambulatory
Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is commonly used to treat larger, problematic veins. Small incisions are made along the path of the vein and the vein is removed one piece at a time. The procedure takes about an hour and a local anesthetic is used so the patient does not experience any discomfort. The incisions are usually so small that stitches are not typically required, and patients are able to return to their normal routine the very next day.
Laser/Light source treatment
Today there are several laser or light source treatments available to treat varicose and spider veins. These different procedures target affected veins with a light beam to seal them off and cause them to dissolve. Generally, laser or light source treatment is only used for small veins, but the procedure can be combined with sclerotherapy for impressive results.
Varicose & Spider Veins Questions and Answers
How can I determine if I'm a good candidate for varicose and spider vein/sclerotherapy surgery?
People of any age may be good candidates for sclerotherapy, although women who are pregnant or nursing may be discouraged from beginning the treatment. If you're tired of being self-conscious in shorts or a swimsuit, the time has come to contact your plastic surgeon and discuss sclerotherapy today.
How will I be evaluated for varicose and spider vein surgery?
During your initial consultation it is imperative to be up front and honest with your doctor about your goals for treatment. Your plastic surgeon will work with you to determine the appropriate course of action for your needs and together you will determine if sclerotherapy or an alternative varicose and spider vein treatment works for you.
Will my insurance help cover the cost of sclerotherapy treatment?
Discuss sclerotherapy with your insurance company if you have any questions about treatment coverage.
What are some of the risks involved with the varicose and spider vein techniques?
Sclerotherapy and other varicose and spider vein techniques are extremely safe when performed by experienced doctors. However, no medical procedure is completely without risk. Any concerns you may have about your treatment can be addressed by your plastic surgeon.
What steps should I take to prepare for treatment?
Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare yourself for sclerotherapy. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful procedure. You may be asked not to apply any type of moisturizer or sunblock to our legs on the day of the procedure or to wear shorts so you will be comfortable.
What will the day of sclerotherapy surgery be like?
The sclerotherapy procedure is relatively quick and usually lasts less than one hour. Once you are comfortable on the examination table your doctor or nurse will use one hand to stretch the skin of the area taut while injecting the sclerosing agent into the affected veins with the other. When the procedure is completed, a cotton ball and compression tape is applied to the treated area and you will be sent on your way.
How can I expect to look and feel immediately after surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specifics, but most patients are instructed to wear the tape and cotton ball dressing for about 48 hours after their procedure. Some patients may experience some cramping in the legs for a day or two after sclerotherapy and the treated veins will be bruised when the dressings are removed. However, over time any bruising and altered pigmentation will fade and the end result will be an improvement over your original condition.
When can I pursue my normal activities again?
Thanks to the relatively non-invasive nature of sclerotherapy, you will be able to return to your normal activities soon after your treatment. Although you may be directed to avoid strenuous activities for a week or two after your operation, recovery time is very quick for varicose and spider vein treatment and the operation will not dramatically effect your normal routine.
How long can I expect results to last?
Sclerotherapy will permanently erase noticeable varicose and spider veins. However, no treatment will prevent new veins from emerging in the future. Most patients are very pleased with the results of sclerotherapy. Your skin will appear younger, clearer and healthier. Speak with your plastic surgeon about the benefits of sclerotherapy and varicose and spider vein treatment today.