Treatments for Leg Veins
Primary options for small and superficial veins on the legs include both laser and sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive injection treatment for smaller varicose veins called reticular veins and spider veins. (Large varicose veins are generally treated with endovenous laser, a surgical procedure that is performed by vein specialists.)
A special medicine is injected into the vein that causes it to shrink. The inner lining of the vein is injured by the medication action. This messages the body to trigger a natural resorption of the vein. This process can take weeks or months depending on the number and size of the veins present.
At Total Dermatology Dr. Pilest uses the agent Asclera, known for its fast action, effectiveness and preference by patients.
Needle phobic? We totally understand. Skip down to laser treatment to see your options.
How Does Asclera® Work?
Asclera® is a sclerosing agent that is injected into the vein. It works by damaging the endothelium, the cells lining the inside of blood vessels. This causes blood platelets to attach to the lining of the vessels; eventually, cellular debris and platelets cause the blood vessel to clot. Over time, the clotted vein will be replaced with tissue.
How many treatments will I need?
Patients will most likely require several treatment sessions to get the best clearance. Veins can recur which will necessitate future treatments. If you already have weak veins, then it stands to reason that new ones could appear over time.
There is a potential for post treatment pigmentation following Sclerotherapy [link scleropathy.php] injections. This pigmentation is treated with bleaching cream.
On average, 86% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their Asclera® treatment
Patients were significantly more satisfied with Asclera® than with either sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) or placebo (p<0.0001) Safety information for Asclera
Laser Treatment for Leg Veins
Different lasers do different jobs when it comes to veins. For spider veins, the Vbeam Perfecta uses the most advanced pulsed dyed laser technology for superficial broken capillaries. The laser fires in “micro pulses” to significantly reduce both bruising and heat buildup.
For larger veins (the ones that appear blue with definition) Dr. Pilest will use the Gentle Yag which is capable of treating even large blue veins. The GentleYag is a component of the newest GentleMax Pro.
How does a vein laser work?
Light energy causes the blood within the vein to coagulate. The now nonfunctional vein is seen by the body as unnecessary and it is absorbed by the body. Blood flow is redirected to deeper veins.
Successful varicose vein treatment may require both Laser and sclerotherapy to provide the most complete resolution.
Vein laser process
Prior to treatment, your skin is cleansed and you will be given protective googles to wear. When the laser fires , you will feel a warming or tingling. Many people describe the sensation as the sharp snap of a rubber band. The procedure takes anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated. A cold compress applied afterward helps calm the skin.
After the treatment your skin will feel warm for several hours. There may be some redness and minimal swelling that can last up to 48 hours. In some cases you may experience a bruise, but this is often a result of taking common blood thinning supplements such as aspirin, Vitamin E, Omega 3 or anti inflammatories like ibuprofen – or when aggressive treatment levels are used.
What are the possible side effects?
It is normal to see redness and some swelling. In some cases, when more aggressive settings are used, you may notice “welts” or “stripes” which develop within the first 24 to 48 hours. This possible side effect can be minimized by frequently applying cold compresses the day of treatment.
If a bruise occurs, this usually disappears in under a week. Vascular laser treatments create few complications when performed by properly trained medical providers.
Veins can recur and most often multiple sessions are required to get the best clearance. Post treatment pigmentation can sometimes occur despite the most careful treatment. Should this happen, the area is treated with bleaching creams.
How quickly will vein laser treatments work?
The process is gradual and you should expect an average of 2-3 sessions to get the best possible clearance.
FAQ on Veins
What causes spider and reticular veins?
Spider and reticular veins can be caused by many factors.
- Heredity. Having a family member with prominent veins may increase the risk of you developing them. Approximately half of the people who get varicose veins have a family history of them.
- Age. The normal wear and tear of aging may cause valves in the veins to weaken and not work as well.
- Gender. Women are two to three times more likely to develop varicose veins than men. Up to half of American women have varicose veins. Changes in hormones due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills may increase a woman’s risk of developing varicose veins.
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the growth of the fetus increases the pressure on the veins in the legs. Varicose veins that occur during pregnancy usually improve within 3 to 12 months following delivery.
- Overweight and obesity. Having extra weight on the body can put additional pressure on the veins.
- Prolonged standing or sitting. This is particularly true with legs bent or crossed. When standing or sitting with legs bent or crossed, the veins have to work harder to pump the blood up to the heart.
- Other possible causes for varicose veins are race, posture, occupation, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, primary valve incompetence, and incompetent perforating veins.