Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Banish Unsightly Veins

Winter is coming and for most people that means cozier clothes and more downtime relaxing by the fireplace. Something you might not consider is that winter is actually the perfect time to get a treatment for the unsightly varicose veins or spider veins you may have on your legs, chest, arms or hands. Not only can these unwanted veins discourage you from wearing your new swimsuit or strappy sundress when summer comes around, but they can sometimes be uncomfortable or painful. Fortunately, vein treatments like sclerotherapy or intravascular laser treatments can help safely and easily improve varicose veins or spider veins for both men and women.

At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, our practitioners have the necessary training and expertise in the latest innovative vein treatments to improve your varicose or spider veins. Our team is led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mitchel Goldman, who has authored several medical textbooks on the topic and is considered a pioneer in cutting-edge, effective treatments for veins.

The Benefits of Winter Vein Treatments

Compression Garments

After vein treatments, it’s necessary to wear medical graduated compression stockings to ensure successful results. While beneficial, compression hosiery can be uncomfortable or hot to wear, particularly in the summer months. During the winter, however, compression stockings can be more comfortable, adding another layer of insulation that can help protect people from the cold temperatures.

Reduced Recovery Times

Ultraviolet rays from sunlight can enlarge leg veins close to the skin’s surface. This can lead to discomfort and longer recovery times after treatment. Winter time usually means wearing pants and leggings to cover our legs, which also helps protect the legs from potentially harmful ultraviolet rays and aids in reducing recovery times after leg vein treatment.

The Best Vein Treatments

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the gold standard vein treatment for both varicose and spider veins. Sclerotherapy efficiently eliminates these veins with the use of a medical solution that is injected into the unwanted vein. The agent then dissolves them from the inside, with complete resolution and cosmetic improvement occurring after 2-3 months.

The aftercare includes the use of medical graduated compression stockings 24 hours a day for at least one week after your procedure. Since these garments must be worn continuously, even when bathing, for the first week, winter time is the perfect time for a sclerotherapy treatment.

Laser Vein Treatments

Sclerotherapy is a popular vein treatment and the best treatment to address veins that are found on the body. However, sclerotherapy is not a good option for veins found on the face. Broken capillaries or unwanted blue or green veins, like those found on the temples or around the eyes or nose, can be treated with innovative laser vein treatments. Our dermatologists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology helped develop cutting-edge laser treatments designed to improve facial veins. For example, blue veins that can be found on the temples can be improved with the CoolTouch Varia laser. Pulsed dye and IPL lasers are a great choice for improving broken or red capillaries that can be found on the nose and face.

Learn more about laser vein treatments at WebMD.com.

Potential Side Effects and After-Care of Vein Treatments

One of the benefits of modern vein treatments is that the chance of serious side effects are extremely rare. Not only is treatment time minimal around 15 minutes, but downtime is negligible, with patients able to go back to work and participate in daily activities the same day.

The most common vein treatment side effects normally disappear within a week and include:

• Mild redness
• Itching
• Bruising

While vein treatments can be performed at any time, winter time is the perfect time to treat your unsightly veins!

Contact Our Vein Therapy Experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego Today!

If you’re suffering from unwanted varicose or spider veins, contact our vein experts today to schedule a personalized consultation. Our team of board-certified dermatologists will determine the best treatment to eliminate your unattractive veins and get you ready for shorts weather!

Next, read Avoiding Fake Varicose Vein Treatments

The post Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Banish Unsightly Veins appeared first on Sclerotherapy San Diego.

Avoiding Fake Varicose Vein Treatments

Homoeopathic and naturopathic remedies continue to gain popularity as people look for alternative skin care treatments for everything from varicose veins to mole removal. As new theories pop up for how to treat these dermatologic conditions with home remedies, the truth is that these cheap and purportedly practical solutions that “really work” are, at best, ineffective and, at worst, cause additional problems. For example, a lot of the natural remedies recommended to improve varicose or spider veins may be inexpensive but lack the ability to provide real improvement.

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego offers the latest in effective vein treatments to improve unwanted varicose or spider veins. Our pioneering dermatologists have experience and training in the most cutting-edge vein treatments available, like sclerotherapy. Our very own Dr. Mitchel Goldman is a highly regarded expert when it comes to treating unsightly veins and has authored several medical textbooks on the topic.

Most of the fake varicose vein treatments are created by people who lack an adequate medical background or training. Some of these people may be seeking to make money from their proposed product or they are looking to promote a specific lifestyle and gain a following for future revenue streams. Unfortunately, some of these phony vein treatments may not only be ineffective, some of them can be potentially dangerous to your health.

The Myths About Varicose Vein Treatments

From foods to supplements, there are a lot of myths about varicose vein treatments. Let’s look at some of the more popular ineffective treatments that are being shared.

Tomato Slices

This Russian folk remedy is touted to be used for varicose or spider veins and involves the use of green tomato slices. The technique involves simply placing sliced tomatoes on the unwanted veins, wrapping them with a bandage, and waiting until a tingling is felt. The tomato treatment should supposedly be repeated for 5 times a day until you see improvement. However, all this phony vein treatment will give you is a nice tomato aroma because it won’t be effective for treating spider veins.

Garlic & Herbs

Keeping with our salad theme, we have our second vein treatment myth: garlic and herbs. It’s recommended to consume garlic daily or create a garlic paste and apply it directly to the veins because it will improve both circulation and inflammation. While garlic is beneficial as part of a healthy diet, it can’t improve spider or varicose veins. The same is true for recommended herbal remedies. Not only will these herbs have no impact on unsightly veins, but some can even be toxic to humans. For example, some recommend using horse chestnuts as a varicose vein treatment, but these seeds can be deadly if consumed raw.

Yoga

Yoga is often touted by people in health and wellness to be able to cure a number of ills, including unwanted veins. However, yoga is not an effective varicose vein treatment. While yoga may help with overall health and has been known to reduce blood pressure and maintain a healthy body weight, it won’t be able to improve or remove your unwanted veins.

Supplements

There is so much information that is circulated about supplements and how they can have a positive impact on one’s health that it can be hard to find reliable, factual information. And while the appeal to cure what ails you is understandable, the truth is that supplements can’t cure issues like varicose veins. Also, supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so there is little to no scientific evidence on their efficacy or safety. Even when taking supplements to boost your overall health, it’s important to be careful and consult your doctor on the actual benefits that can be derived from supplements.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Organic Oils

Apple cider vinegar is another popularly suggested varicose vein treatment. As a matter of fact, apple cider vinegar is often touted as a miracle cure for a lot of issues: from losing weight to lowering your blood pressure. While apple cider vinegar may have some good dietary benefits, it won’t improve your varicose or spider veins. Emu and castor oils are also commonly touted as alternative vein treatments but, unfortunately, they will not eliminate your veins. No topical oil or cream can remove your problem veins.

 

Proven Effective Treatments for Unsightly Veins

While there isn’t a natural home remedy for spider or varicose veins, there are several effective treatment options available. Not only can vein treatments, like sclerotherapy, Cooltouch CTEV laser therapy, and phlebectomy, help improve the appearance of the unwanted veins, but they can also help reduce any corresponding symptoms, such as burning sensations, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling.

Sclerotherapy, one of the most common dermatological treatments for varicose or spider veins is a minimally invasive in-office procedure in which a sclerotherapy expert injects a medicine, known as a sclerosing agent (Glycerin, Asclera® or Sotradecol™), into the main feeder vein. This feeder vein is what is responsible for the smaller veins breaking off and ultimately becoming visible, spider veins. Sclerotherapy offers people an effective, safe treatment for veins with almost immediate results.

However, as with any cosmetic or medical procedure, it is crucial to receive treatment from a professional. As a board-certified dermatologists with extensive experience in treating spider and varicose veins, our team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are considered experts when it comes to treating unsightly veins. Read more about treatment options for unsightly veins at WebMD.com.

Contact the Vein Treatment Experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego Today!

To learn more about vein treatments that work, contact our team of board-certified dermatologists today to schedule a personalized consultation with our vein experts.

Next, read It’s Time to Take Your Leg Veins Seriously

The post Avoiding Fake Varicose Vein Treatments appeared first on Sclerotherapy San Diego.

It’s Time to Take Your Leg Veins Seriously

Leg veins are a nuisance that affect over 40 million Americans. Not only can leg veins create cosmetic concerns, but if left untreated, they may lead to long-term health problems. Additionally, many people don’t understand that the seemingly unrelated symptoms they experience (such as leg heaviness, swollen legs at the end of the day, night cramps, or aching and restless legs) may actually be associated with vascular issues in their legs. For some individuals, these issues can lead to further health problems that can have serious medical complications.

The two most common types of leg veins are varicose and spider veins also known as telangiectasia. When the one-way valves inside the veins that are responsible for circulating blood toward your heart become weak or damaged, the veins become swollen, twisted, and visible just under the skin. If the valves stop functioning properly, blood may begin to pool inside the veins, causing significant swelling and lack of oxygen to nearby tissues.

Varicose veins are most commonly found in the lower extremities but may occur in other parts of the body as well. Spider veins, however, are smaller vessels that are visible under the skin and can be found on the legs, chest, abdomen and face. Spider veins are typically red, blue, or purple, and are considered more of a cosmetic concern rather than a potential health risk. But, even the smallest spider veins can cause symptoms of leg achiness and when traumatized can bleed or discolor the surrounding skin.

At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, our board-certified dermatologists are experts in innovative leg vein treatments that help reduce the appearance and health risks associated with leg veins. Dr. Mitchel Goldman, medical director of Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, is a leading authority when it comes to varicose and spider vein treatments and has authored numerous textbooks and medical publications about the subject. As a double board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Goldman has developed cutting-edge procedures to correct unsightly, enlarged veins.

The Health Problems Associated with Pronounced Leg Veins

There are several factors which can predispose a person to develop varicose veins and spider veins. These include the following:

• Genetics
• Occupations that involve a lot of standing (e.g. nurses, hair stylists, teachers, and factory workers)
• Obesity
• Hormonal transitions due to pregnancy, puberty, and menopause
• Birth control use
• Postmenopausal hormonal replacement
• A history of blood clots
• Conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen, such as tumors, constipation, and externally worn garments like girdles

If left untreated, patients with varicose veins are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as blood clots. Patients with DVT are at a higher risk of a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs. In many cases, these blood clots travel from varicose veins in the legs toward the lungs. The clots within the veins can become inflamed, a condition known as thrombophlebitis which is very painful.

Additionally, patients who don’t seek a leg vein treatment are at risk for developing non-healing skin ulcers. The symptoms of a leg vein ulcer may include pain, itching, and swelling in the affected leg, as well as discolored or hardened skin around the ulcer. These types of leg vein ulcers are chronic and may recur if left untreated.

The Best Leg Vein Treatments

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is one of best leg vein treatments to reduce the appearance of varicose and spider veins and decrease the risk of associated health problems. Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure in which a medicine, known as a sclerosing agent (Asclera™ or Sotradecol™) is injected into the feeder vein. The feeder vein is the primary culprit in causing smaller veins to become impaired and become visible under the skin. The sclerosing agent dissolves the inner lining of the vein, allowing the body to absorb it.

Sclerotherapy if often used to treat varicose and spider veins anywhere on the legs, including the ankle, lower leg, and upper thigh veins. Even veins on the chest or hands are easily treated with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a short, minimally invasive procedure that provides long-lasting results. Learn more about injectable vein treatments at WebMD.com.

CTEV Leg Vein Treatment

Developed with the help of Dr. Goldman, the CoolTouch CTEV is a minimally invasive way to get rid of unsightly varicose veins in the legs. This innovative vein treatment uses an endovenous ablation method with a special laser fiber paired with an infrared 1320 nm wavelength device. The CTEV treatment targets water in the walls of the vein, which allows the vein to be completely dissolved and eliminated without the need for surgical removal. This innovative laser treatment is ideal for patients who have varicose veins in the lower extremities. It has replaced the old fashioned “ligation and stripping “ procedure and is performed under local anesthesia near painlessly with the patient wide awake, feeling nothing.

CTEV laser treatments provide patients with long lasting results, reduced recovery times, less pain, and decreased risk of infection.

Contact the Leg Vein Treatment Experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego Today!

Eliminate unsightly varicose veins and spider veins and reduce associated health risks by contacting Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to schedule a consultation for the best leg vein treatments. We’re conveniently located in San Diego’s UTC area, minutes away from La Jolla, Del Mar, and Downtown.

Next, read The Right Treatments for Stubborn Leg Veins

The post It’s Time to Take Your Leg Veins Seriously appeared first on Sclerotherapy San Diego.

The Right Treatments for Stubborn Leg Veins

Stubborn leg veins become more prevalent as people age. Genetics often play a factor in the development of these unwanted veins, but diet, exercise, and sun exposure can all contribute to the development of leg veins as well.

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego offers various vein treatments that will eliminate unwanted leg veins and reduce pain and soreness. Our medical experts are world-renowned vein specialists with unique insight into the best, safest, and most effective treatments possible.

What are Spider or Varicose Leg Veins?

Spider veins also known as telangiectasia, are small blood vessels that branch out just under the surface of the skin. They are typically found on the legs or face, often with unnatural or unsightly twists and turns. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are larger than than spider veins, as they are swollen and raised. Usually limited to the legs, varicose veins twist and turn unnaturally just beneath the skin’s surface.

Both types of veins are more common in women than in men, partly due to bodily changes during puberty, menopause, and pregnancy. Furthermore, leg trauma (such as deep bruises, cuts, UV overexposure, or even previous surgeries) can also contribute to the development of these unwanted veins.

Lastly, jobs that involve a lot of standing, such as teaching or nursing, may cause spider or varicose veins to develop.

Sclerotherapy for Stubborn Leg Veins

At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, sclerotherapy is the recommended treatment for troublesome leg veins. During this procedure, a sclerosing agent is injected into the targeted vein, which hardens the vein (“sclero” is derived from a Greek word that means hard) until it collapses and is naturally eliminated from the body.

Sclerotherapy has been an effective treatment for spider and varicose veins since the 1930s, though the technology has improved immensely since then. If performed by trained dermatologist, sclerotherapy can eliminate most unwanted veins after just one session, although the number of veins injected, the patient’s general health, and the seriousness of the issue are factors that determine how many sessions are necessary.

The full results of sclerotherapy typically take two months, while the effects on larger varicose veins usually aren’t evident for 3-4 months. One session lasts 15-30 minutes or less, and there is little downtime associated with the procedure.

Immediately following the treatment session, patients are required to continuously wear a graduated compression stocking during the first week after treatment (even when bathing) to facilitate faster and more efficient healing. Depending on the size and extent of the veins, we may recommend that you wear a lighter weight stocking only when standing for another 1-2 weeks, to get the best possible results.

Sclerotherapy may have side effects that are mild and temporary, with patients reporting redness, bruising, and mild itching, each of which typically disappears within a few days.

Laser Treatment for Spider and Varicose Veins

It is rare that sclerotherapy does not completely erase the targeted leg veins, in which case Cosmetic Laser Dermatology offers CoolTouch CTEV laser vein removal treatment to complete the process.

This minimally invasive treatment, which was partly developed by our very own Dr. Mitchel Goldman, is effective at eliminating stubborn varicose veins in the calves, thighs, and knees without surgery. CTEV is distinctive from other types of laser treatments because it targets water instead of hemoglobin in the walls of the vein, which can bring effective, long-lasting relief with minimal risk of infection, less skin irritation, and very little downtime.

Side effects of CoolTouch CTEV are temporary and can include numbness or tingling around the treated area, bruising, and inflammation.

Phlebectomy

Although sclerotherapy is the recommended treatment for pesky leg veins, our board-certified dermatologists also offer a vein treatment called phlebectomy, which can be especially effective for larger varicose veins.

Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure for the removal of varicose veins. Patients with larger veins (those wider than a finger), experience circulatory problems that result in itching, soreness, and pain. The troublesome veins are physically removed using tiny incisions under local anesthesia. There is no downtime to phlebectomy, allowing patients to stroll right out of the office and resume their normal day!

At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, phlebectomy is often combined with sclerotherapy or the CoolTouch CTEV laser treatment to bring about effective results.

During a micro phlebectomy, the targeted vein is removed through a very small opening, which allows for quicker healing and recovery, a noticeable improvement to leg veins, and very little downtime. Wearing compression stockings is recommended for more effective healing. Learn more about the procedure at WebMD.com.

Side effects are rare, usually in the form of discoloration around the treated areas, but they typically fade away in a few days.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If unsightly varicose or spider veins and their associated itching and burning sensations are adversely affecting your life, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, the pre-eminent authorities on the treatment of unwanted leg veins in San Diego, can help!

Regain the confidence to wear skirts, shorts, or swimsuits so you can show off your youthful, vein-free legs. Contact our board-certified dermatologists today to schedule a personalized consultation with our vein experts.

Next, read Everyday Habits That Can Cause Varicose Veins

The post The Right Treatments for Stubborn Leg Veins appeared first on Sclerotherapy San Diego.

Everyday Habits That Can Cause Varicose Veins

They can seem to appear out of nowhere or slowly grow over time. One day, your skin appears clear, but over time, rogue veins crop up, leaving a visible lumpy blue line on your body. With the sudden appearance of varicose or spider veins, it’s normal to wonder if there might be some everyday behavior you do that caused them to suddenly show up in the first place.

Let’s be clear, there are some uncontrollable factors, such as your genetics, your age, bodily changes (for example, pregnancy) that can raise your risk of developing spider or varicose veins. However, there are some lifestyle behaviors that can also heighten your risk. With proper planning, you can avoid and lessen your chances of developing unsightly vein issues.

The two most common types of vein issues are spider veins and varicose veins. Think of spider veins as varicose vein’s little sister. These are small blue or red veins which appear close to the surface of the skin and are frequently seen on the legs. Varicose veins are larger and are often twisted and stick out on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins commonly occur on the legs.

At San Diego’s Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists are leading authorities on the causes of leg veins and the latest cutting-edge treatments that can help you say goodbye to varicose veins for good.

Top 5 Habits That Can Cause Varicose Veins (“It’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back”)

1. Excessive Standing: Jobs or activities that demand you stand for long periods at a time can increase the development of varicose veins. It may not be easy to always avoid this habit, especially if it’s part of your job. However, wearing lightweight graduated support stockings, low-heeled shoes and standing on rubber mats can mitigate risks.
2. Excessive Sitting: Conversely, sitting for extended amounts of time is a big “no-no” too! Our leg muscles are meant to pump venous blood up to the heart so it can be recirculated. Sit for too long and gravity slows down circulation, causing the blood to pool in the legs, leading to possible trouble in the form of varicose veins. Small breaks throughout the day help to keep the blood pumping as it should. Also, keep in mind there is some evidence that crossing your legs can lead to spider veins, because of the added pressure this position puts on your legs and hips. So, pay attention to how you sit!
3. Wearing high heeled shoes: Even though high heeled shoes gives your calves a shapely look and a gorgeous walk, they are very bad for your circulation. Walking in heels greater than an inch or so stops the use of your calf muscles from working and instead uses your buttock muscles to walk (which gives you that sexy appearance). What happens is that blood pools in your calves and back-up into your superficial veins causing them to bulge and grow.
4. Birth control pills and hormone replacement: Additional estrogens to replace low levels and/or prevent pregnancy causes your veins to dilate by weakening their walls. This will cause veins to develop in certain individuals who are predisposed to developing unsightly leg veins.
5. Constipation: Eating a low fiber diet and straining during bowel movements puts pressure in your abdomen, which causes a back-flow of blood into leg veins.

 
While doing what you can to prevent varicose veins is a good idea, vein issues can still crop up. The good news is there are many effective vein treatments including sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, and CoolTouch CTEV laser vein removal, which are all offered at our vein treatment center in San Diego.

Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins

For some patients, vein issues are mostly a cosmetic concern. However, both spider and varicose veins can be accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms and lead to problematic health concerns. Signs and symptoms of vein issues can include:

• Visible and/or enlarged, twisted veins that may bulge out from the skin
• Aching, cramping or throbbing pain
• Itchy skin around the affected veins
• Pain after sitting or standing for extended periods
• Leg swelling, fatigue, heaviness, or restlessness
• Thickening, hardening or discoloration of the skin
• Skin ulcers, usually around the ankle

Contrary to popular belief, both women and men are at risk for developing varicose veins. In addition to the factors we’ve already discussed.

Read more about varicose veins at WebMD.com.

Contact the Vein Treatment Specialists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego Today!

To learn more about the latest vein treatments for your varicose veins, please contact us to schedule a consultation. We’re in San Diego’s UTC area, minutes from La Jolla, Del Mar, and Downtown.

Next, read 2 Ways Varicose Veins are Affecting More Than Just Your Appearance

The post Everyday Habits That Can Cause Varicose Veins appeared first on Sclerotherapy San Diego.

2 Ways Varicose Veins are Affecting More Than Just Your Appearance

Did you know that varicose veins are often more than just a cosmetic concern? Normally, varicose veins pose no major threat to your health, but if serious or left untreated, they can lead to unwanted health issues; in many cases, they can actually be a sign of a serious health concern. Fortuantely, an experienced San Diego dermatologist can provide a number of solutions.

Varicose veins can increase your risk of developing blood clots and ulcers – or even worse. If you’re one of the millions who endure these swollen veins, you may have them on your chest, arms, hands, and (most commonly) legs. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, our board-certified dermatologists are among the nation’s leading authorities on the reduction or outright elimination of unwanted veins before they become a health hazard.

How Varicose Veins Develop and the Potential Hazards

Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels that form due to the weakening of the valves found within your veins. The valves open in one direction only, allowing your blood to course through your body toward your heart. When weakened, however, the valves don’t open or close normally. The result is a backward flow of blood and pooling of the blood in your veins, causing painful swelling, also known as “edema.”

Near the surface of your skin, the back-up of blood and the resulting edema cause unnatural twists and turns in your veins, giving your skin that unsightly look. Although aesthetically unpleasing, that’s not what should concern you. It’s the other, deeper, unseen effects of varicose veins that can be worrisome.

Let’s take a look at two ways that these diseased veins are affecting more than just your appearance.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Although you might focus on the unsightliness of varicose veins, they can signal a more serious problem called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition caused by the weakening of the valves in your veins. This weakening allows blood to flow backward under high pressure causing smaller veins near the surface of the skin to enlarge and lose fluid into the surrounding tissue causing edema. Red blood cells within the enlarged veins can escape into the surrounding skin causing light brown pigmentation. With time, the lack of oxygen, edema, and inflammation causes a breakdown in the skin and an ulcer forms.

Symptoms include throbbing, pain, cramping, itching, or leg heaviness, which is often exacerbated when you’re static for too long (i.e., sitting or standing in one place without periodically moving). This disease can disrupt your life by preventing you from being as active as you’d like.

Phlebitis

Another serious problem that can arise due to varicose veins is clotting. When blood pools in the veins, it often results in superficial blood clots. This is phlebitis, and it can be painful (though not life threatening). However, if left untreated, these blood clots can move into one of your body’s deeper veins, known as deep vein thrombosis, which can be dangerous. If one of these blood clots breaks free, it starts a journey through your body via your bloodstream until it reaches your lungs. This is bad news, as now you’re under threat of a pulmonary embolism, a dangerous and potentially fatal blockage of blood flow in the lungs and/or heart.

Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose vein treatment is strongly suggested so that any blood clots or ulcers you have can be addressed and get you out of harm’s way.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for small, superficial varicose veins in which a sclerosing agent is injected into the targeted blood vessel, hardening it to the point of collapse. Gradually and naturally, your body will eliminate the remains of the destroyed vessel.

Although up to 80% of your varicose veins can be treated with a single session, multiple sessions could be necessary if your condition is more serious or if there are other factors, such as your general overall health or the number of veins that need to be treated.

Usually, sclerotherapy causes very little downtime or very few side effects, which are typically mild and temporary. Bruising, itching, and redness at the treated site are common but usually recede within a week.

Check out our Photo Gallery to see the amazing results we’ve provided our patients with sclerotherapy.

Phlebectomy

A minimally invasive treatment, a phlebectomy is particularly effective for large varicose veins that sclerotherapy cannot effectively treat. It is a varicose vein removal procedure in which the problematic veins are removed through tiny incisions. Incision sites are so small that they do not need to be stitched and heal without leaving a permanent scar. Learn more about the phlebectomy procedure at WebMD.com.

CTEV Laser Vein Treatments

The CoolTouch CTEV is a minimally invasive laser that Dr. Mitchel Goldman helped develop that can safely and effectively eliminate unsightly varicose leg veins. The laser treatment essentially targets the water within the walls of the blood vessels and destroys the vein, allowing the body to naturally absorb and eliminate the unwanted veins.

Compared to other vein removal procedures, CTEV laser treatment offers a shorter recovery time and less risk of irritation. This procedure replaces the old -fashioned ligation and stripping procedure. It is performed entirely under local anesthesia and patients are walking immediately after the procedure. It is often combined with phlebectomy.As acclaimed experts in laser dermatology, our patients can be assured they are in the best hands possible for laser vein treatment in San Diego.

Get Your Killer Legs Back! Contact the San Diego Vein Specialists Today

Don’t endure varicose veins. If they have developed in your legs (or elsewhere), contact the vein experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology before they lead to something serious. Contact us today to speak with a varicose vein specialist in San Diego!

Next, read What are the Differences Between Sclerotherapy and Phlebectomy?

The post 2 Ways Varicose Veins are Affecting More Than Just Your Appearance appeared first on Sclerotherapy San Diego.

What are the Differences Between Sclerotherapy and Phlebectomy?

For most people with varicose veins or spider veins in San Diego, the arrival of summer and “shorts weather” isn’t met with the same enthusiasm as other people. The negative effect of these unsightly veins branching up and down the legs can be huge. People may stop wearing their favorite outfits, like shorts or dresses, or even avoid favorite activities in order to hide their visible veins. In addition, up to 50% of those with even spider telangiectasia have symptoms such as heaviness and painful legs.

If you are suffering because you have varicose veins or spider veins, don’t despair. Fortunately, there are a number of vein treatments that will get you back in your summer shorts in no time. The two most popular vein treatments for the legs are sclerotherapy and phlebectomy. Each vein treatment has distinct advantages and circumstances in which they are the most effective for improving unsightly veins.

While the procedures themselves are very different in nature – sclerotherapy is an injectable vein treatment while a phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure – both are very effective for treating unsightly, unwanted veins; however, phlebectomy is reserved for larger varicose veins (about the size of a pencil or larger). Both procedures can be performed quickly and with little to no discomfort or downtime.

At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists specialize in the most advanced vein therapy treatments available. Not only that, our founder and director Dr. Mitchel Goldman is a highly sought-after leader in the field of vein therapy and has authored numerous medical textbooks on sclerotherapy and phlebectomy vein treatments. He also volunteers as a clinical professor of Dermatology at the University of California, San Diego, training the next generation of dermatologists and skin care specialists in state-of-the-art vein procedures.

To receive expert care and treatment for your varicose veins or spider veins, schedule a consultation at our San Diego practice today.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive form of vein treatment intended for large unwanted veins known as varicose veins. During a sclerotherapy vein treatment, a tiny needle is inserted into the vein to deliver a sclerosing agent that destroys the walls of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse, allowing the body to absorb the unwanted vein. Sclerotherapy is often used to treat varicose and spider veins found on the legs, and can also be used to treat veins in the hands and on the chest and breasts.

Sclerotherapy is a popular vein treatment for several reasons:

• The treatment is fast, with most sessions lasting only about 15 minutes.
• The injections are virtually pain-free.
• As a non-invasive treatment, patients can resume all daily activities right away.
• The results are typically progressive, with patients seeing full results within 2 to 4 months after treatment.
• While the number of treatments can vary, most patients only need 1-3 treatments to get great results.

Aftercare for sclerotherapy treatment is minimal. Patients must simply wear compression stockings at all times for the first week for faster healing and optimal results. Depending on the size and extent of the veins, doctors may recommend that a patient continues to wear the compression garment at least during the day for an additional 1-2 weeks.

What is a Phlebectomy?

Phlebectomy is typically used to treat large, bulging varicose veins, particularly the veins that are wider than a pencil. A phlebectomy treatment is a minimally invasive procedure in which the large veins are surgically removed. The procedure involves numbing the unwanted vein with tumescent anesthesia and then removing the vein through a tiny incision in the skin that does not even require a stitch to close. When healed in a month or two it is difficult to even find the incision site!

When undergoing a phlebectomy vein treatment, our dermatologists may also utilize a combination of sclerotherapy and/or the CoolTouch CTEV laser, a treatment that Dr. Goldman patented and developed.

A phlebectomy offers the following great advantages:

• Phlebectomy treatments can be completed fairly quickly, depending on the size and extent of the veins.
• The procedure is minimally invasive and most patients are able to return to their daily routine within the same day.

As with sclerotherapy, phlebectomy patients must wear compression stockings for a week or more to ensure optimal results.

Many patients see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of their legs right after treatment because the varicose veins have been removed, however, the full results will not be apparent for a few weeks.

Only one treatment is generally needed.

Choosing the Right Dermatologist

Vein removal procedures, such as sclerotherapy and phlebectomy, should be performed by board-certified dermatologists who are highly trained and have extensive experience performing each. As internationally recognized leaders in injectable and surgical vein removal treatments, the team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology can provide the safest and most efficient solution for unwanted veins.

Learn more about vein treatments at WebMD.com.

Contact the San Diego Vein Specialists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology

If unwanted veins are causing you embarrassment or discomfort, consider a vein treatment like sclerotherapy or phlebectomy, to regain your confidence. To learn which vein treatment is right for you, contact the experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology today. Contact us online or call (858) 365-3622 to schedule an appointment. We’re in San Diego’s UTC area, just minutes from La Jolla, Del Mar, and Downtown.

Next, read Don’t Make These 5 Mistakes After Sclerotherapy Treatment

The post What are the Differences Between Sclerotherapy and Phlebectomy? appeared first on Sclerotherapy San Diego.