SCLEROTHERAPY                    LASER TREATMENT

SCLEROTHERAPY is the use of a "sclerosing" solution to eliminate unwanted leg veins.  We use a syringe with a tiny needle to introduce 3.0cc of a saline as a sclerosing agent into the vein in order to irritate the lining of the vein and cause it to swell shut and eventually disappear.

Sclerotherapy has been used for many years to eliminate both small spider veins on the legs as well as some larger veins called "medium reticular veins" or small varicose veins.  Treatment of reticular veins is often effective in preventing new spider veins from forming.

MORE THAN ONE SCLEROTHERAPY TREATMENT is usually required for adequate clearing of veins, whether they are spider veins or reticualr veins.  After each session the blood present in treated veins will clot or dry up and appear darker.   The skin surrounding the vein often appears bruised.  It may take two to eight weeks for these signs to disappear as the body gradually digests this blood.

ONLY MILD DISCOMFORT is reported by the majority of patients.  A slight to moderate burning sensation may be felt during the treatment which usually disappears within seconds.  A numbing cream may be used 1-1/2 hours before to make it more comfortable.

SCLEROTHERAPY IS SAFE and has been performed on millions of patients nationwide and on thousands of our patients.  The risk of complications is low and usually consists of minor effects such as mild cramping in the legs later the same day of treatment or mild swelling and/or blistering around the areas of injection.  Brown discoloration can occur and usually fades with time or may be treated with bleaching agents.  Rarely has this pigmentation been reported to persist.  Bruising is common and sometimes a knot may occur in a treated area, particularly in areas of larger veins.  This just consists of dried blood, inflammation and fibrous tissue.   These knots are not a major cause of concern.  Sometimes they may be lanced and drained to speed the healing process.  The risk of scarring from this procedure is low, occurring in less than 2 per 30,000 of our [patients.

LEG VEINS ARE INHERITED in a majority of patients.  Trauma to the legs as well as prolonged periods of standing can accelerate their formation.   Pregnancy and other hormonal influences can also play a role in making excess leg veins more common in women. 

PREVENTION includes removing aggravating factors, such as prolonged standing and trauma to the legs.  Dome forms of vigorous exercise may aggravate this condition.  Support hose are thought to be beneficial.

SCLEROTHERAPY IS AFFORDABLE for many patients.  A treatment consists of one syringe.  More than one treatment may be given in a session.   This therapy is considered cosmetic and is not covered by medical insurance.

RECOVERY IS SPEEDY with most patients being able to return to normal activities immediately.  We recommend patients to elevate their legs as much as possible during the next 1-2 days after treatment.  We do not require bed rest but ask patients to avoid strenuous exercise such as jogging, long walks, and aerobics for 2-3 days.  Whenever sitting, it is best to elevate the legs.  Support hose should be worn for two weeks following treatment to reduce the re-opening which occurs with some veins..

If moderate swelling occurs and elastic bandage may be applied and ice packs may help in the first 24 hours.  Mild discomfort may be treated by the use of Tylenol^®.  

Most patients are able to return to work immediately unless the work is particularly stressful on the legs, such as waitressing.

Before treatment it is better to avoid aspirin-containing products for two weeks to minimize bruising.

SALINE SCLEROTHERAPY is the best treatment for leg veins. Leg veins can be best treated by sclerotherapy, or "saline" injections. Dr. Sparks feels that sclerotherapy has better and longer lasting effects on the leg veins than would be seen with the laser.

VASCULAR LASER TREATMENT for facial spider veins is a safe, effective way to remove unwanted vascular blemishes.

Laser treatment of facial spider veins is also safer, more effective and more comfortable than older treatments using an electric needle to cauterize the vessels.

The laser works by targeting the red blood cells within the vessel. The laser energy rapidly heats up and seals the vein with minimal effect on the overlying skin. The risk of side effects such as infections, scarring and pigmentation is low.

The areas treated heal usually with some redness and/or swelling in the areas treated immediately following laser treatment  Some of the treated veins may re-open after the laser has sealed them shut. As a result not all the veins treated may disappear from one treatment. Most veins will require between one and three treatments for significant improvement.

BEFORE AND AFTER LASER it is recommended to observe the following instructions: Avoid aspirin-containing products for two weeks before and after treatment. A topical anesthetic cream is to be used prior to treatment to make the treatment comfortable.

With the laser treatment of the face, sunscreen is recommended for two months following treatment to prevent changes in skin pigmentation.

© Maggie Sparks, M.D.

For additional information visit our Medical Alliance website.

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