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.
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