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Varicose and Spider Vein TreatmentThere is no more need to suffer with unsightly and painful varicose and spider veins.
Varicose veins afflict an estimated 10%-20% of the adult population the majority of who are women.Our legs are made up of a network of veins. Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close to assist the return of blood back to the heart, they are also a source of a common problem - varicose veins and spider veins. Unsightly and uncomfortable, varicose leg veins can promote swelling in the ankles and feet and itching of the skin. Varicose veins occur in almost any part of the leg but are most often seen in the back of the calf or on the inside of the leg between the groin and the ankle. Untreated, patient symptoms are likely to worsen and can lead to venous ulceration. What are the signs of varicose veins?Some common symptoms of varicose veins include:
You should always seek out the advice of a doctor if any of these symptoms are present. What causes varicose and spider veins?The exact causes of spider and varicose veins are unknown, but there are factors that cause you to be more likely to develop them. Heredity - is the greatest factor, hormones - changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, taking estrogen, progesterone or birth control pills can cause a woman to develop varicose veins or spider veins. Other factors include aging, obesity, leg injury and/or prolonged standing. What can I do to prevent varicose veins and spider veins?Although they can’t always be prevented, you can reduce your chances of getting varicose and spider veins and ease the discomfort from the ones you already have:
What can I do to treat Varicose and Spider veins?First let’s start with the different types of veins;Vein Treatments:Sclerotherapy– Sclerotherapy is a relatively painless in-office procedure using a small needle to inject medication (sclerosants) into spider veins and larger varicose veins. The solution irritates and destroys the inner lining of the blood vessel so it ceases to carry blood. The body then replaces this damaged vessel with scar tissue. This does not harm the circulation; rather, it improves it by eliminating the abnormal vessel. Several injections may be needed. Sclerotherapy is mostly used to treat spider veins, it can be effective for varicose veins, but the Saphenous veins that feed it are generally diseased, and the veins recur too often if the varicose vein is treated alone.
Laser- Laser therapy is a proven treatment for unsightly broken, dilated smaller reddish/blue “spider veins” (up to 3 mm). The laser uses intense focus light, targeting the color of the vein, causing the unwanted vein to break up and dissolve, resolution of the unwanted vein will take place over the course of several weeks.(Play video to see laser being performed.)
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy- With the technological advances in ultrasound imaging a new treatment emerged combining the safety of sclerotherapy and the permanent results of traditional invasive surgery or (vein stripping). Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is a procedure where the entire vein anatomy is mapped out with an ultrasound. Using the ultrasound as a guide, a tiny needle is guided into the problem areas, and the veins are "shut down" with a medication, treating the root of the problem as well as the visible varicose vein. By treating the problem with Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy return of the veins are very unlikely, the long term success is very high, and the risk is very low. There is no surgery, no downtime, no dressings, and very little discomfort.Patients benefit from improvement of appearance, as well as elimination of the cause of painful veins. There are no surgical scars, no inherent risks of surgery; results are as permanent and effective as traditional surgery (vein stripping). You can resume activities immediately, no time off of work is required and no pain medications are needed. Traditional surgery completely removes the varicose vein through a small incision which has to be repeated as the veins re-grow. If the veins are significant, the surgeon removes the greater saphenous vein as well. This procedure is effective and relatively safe, but complications do occur, and can be serious. Since frequent surgeries are required the patient is left with scars. Endovenous Laser Ablation- refers to the use of an advanced laser to treat larger varicose veins and trunk veins. The laser is placed inside the vein through a catheter (like an IV) and fed to the root of the vein. A local anesthetic is put around the vein so you can’t feel the laser energy. As the laser is fired it heats up the wall of the vein and causes it to contract or close the vein, blood is naturally re-routed to other healthy veins. The endovenous laser procedure in our office is nearly painless. There is no downtime, and you can resume your normal activities immediately. Endovenous Laser Ablation is used in combination with Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy. The method chosen is based on the caliber and pattern of the vein to optimize outcome.The Closure® procedureThe Closure procedure is a minimally invasive treatment alternative for patients with a condition known as superficial venous reflux, which often results in varicose veins and other painful symptoms. The VNUS® Closure procedure, an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery, brings state-of-the-art technology to an age-old disease. The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, Dr. Mok will position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein, through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter delivers radio frequency (RF) energy to the vein wall. As the RF energy is delivered and the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated, causing the collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins. Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Your doctor may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time. Highlights of the Closure® procedure
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Dr. Mok, Medical Director at Allure Medical Spa, has helped thousands of patients with vein problems. In fact, Allure Medical Spa non-surgically treats more cases of varicose veins than anyone else in Michigan. Not only do we treat more cases, we are also a leader in using the safest and most advanced technology available for varicose and spider vein procedures. |
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