Spider and Varicose Veins

Spider Veins And Varicose Veins Can Be Eliminated…For Good
Find Out Which Procedure Is Right For You

Did you ever think you could free yourself from trying to cover unsightly spider and varicose veins safely, painlessly, and without surgery? Imagine, not having to worry about wearing clothing to hide your legs or using heavy make-ups to cover facial veins.

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What Are Spider Veins Vs. Varicose Veins-And What Causes Them?
Spider veins, which appear on the face as well as the legs, are threadlike capillaries dilated with excess blood, causing them to become noticeable. They are red, blue and purple in color. Not only are these veins cosmetically undesirable; they can cause pain, burning and itching.

Varicose veins are larger veins, usually a ¼ inch in diameter, or more, which have stopped functioning properly. They may appear raised and bluish in color. Their job is to return blood upward to the heart from the legs. As we age, these veins weaken, causing the blood to pool and become swollen. Along with being extremely unattractive, varicose veins often cause fatigue, discomfort and swelling.

There are many different causes for the development of both spider and varicose veins, which affect about one quarter of the U.S. population. Some factors may include pregnancy, hormonal changes or injury to the leg.

Two Proven Vein Therapy Treatments
Two common methods of treating veins are sclerotherapy for spider veins and laser vein therapy for both types of veins. Prior to treatment, Dr. Wood will review your medical history to determine how long you have had a problem with your veins and the severity of the problem, and advise which method is best for you.

Sclerotherapy Injection Therapy
This treatment involves injecting a sclerosing solution into the veins with a micro-needle. The tiny needles feel like a small skin prick and cause very little pain. The sclerosing solution causes the blood in the vein to turn white. These "dead" veins will turn a brown color and take 2 to 3 weeks to fade away. A typical treatment may take about 1 hour and consist of multiple injections. In order to get the desired results, several treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart are often needed. We recommend you wait 2 to 3 days before returning to vigorous exercise to give the treated veins a chance to close off completely and to wear compression stockings to help reinforce results. Within one to three months, depending on the number of veins treated, your skin will return to a more natural and youthful appearance. We also recommend several ways to prevent the appearance of new spider veins in the future.

Laser Vein Therapy
Our advanced CoolGlide Excel® Laser allows us to provide a safe and effective treatment for the removal of spider veins on all skin types and colors.

Who can be treated?
CoolGlide Excel's unique design and long wavelength allow it to treat patients of all skin tones. It is even FDA approved for tanned skin, however we still advise that you minimize sun exposure during the treatment phase.

What areas can be treated?
CoolGlide Excel can remove unsightly veins from all parts of the body. It can even treat sensitive areas like the face and behind the knees.

Do the treatments hurt?
Most laser therapy patients report little discomfort. Some experience a mild burning sensation when the laser pulses. The use of cooling devices provide a comfortable experience.

What happens after the treatment?
Following your treatment, we encourage you to resume normal activities immediately but ask you to refrain from taking hot baths or vigorous activities for the first 48 hours. We recommend you wear compression stockings for the first 3 days after treatments to help keep pressure on the veins.

What are the possible side effects?
Although side effects are few, most notice slight reddening and swelling of the skin locally. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for 4 to 8 weeks when larger veins are involved. In rare instances, blistering may occur. Dark staining and coagulum may develop in the treated areas. Most of the time this reabsorbs completely, but if not, Dr. Wood can help remove this quite easily. It is advised to wait some time to allow full natural reabsorption by your body. This coagulum does not pose any health risk to you, but can be unsightly for awhile. It is suggested that important events where your legs will be showing not be undertaken during the treatment phase, and quite honestly, the legs will look worse before they look better. However, the end results are indeed worth it. Many patients prefer these treatments during the winter time to make the wearing of hose and covering of the legs a better experience for them than in the heat of the summer.

How long do the results last?
Most find significant improvement within 2 to 6 weeks after treatment. Further treatments are assessed after 8 weeks. Many require more than one treatment, especially if the veins are extensive. However, by waiting, this allows full regression of the vessels as full effects may not be apparent until this time. After resolution of the original vessels and over time, new vessels may appear which can also be treated with the CoolGlide Excel. In the meantime, though, you may enjoy the comfort and the look of beautiful legs without unsightly red, blue, and purple veins.

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