ARTICLES

Leg Vein Treatments

Spider and telangiectatic leg veins are very common in men and women but women seem to have them more often, perhaps due to hormonal factors. Even though these veins carry blood they are not essential to our circulation and can be safely removed.

At Kay Aesthetic Dermatology you will find some of the world's experts in treating small and large veins. Dr. Kay became a Fellow of the American Society of Phlebology (leg vein treatment) in the early 1990's and has continued to perfect his treatments of leg veins. There is no need to have these unsightly and/or uncomfortable veins any longer.

The most effective and safest method to eradicate these veins is sclerotherapy. For small to large veins this method works better than most laser methods and is much less expensive. Recently, a foam technique was developed that has allowed us to treat all sizes of veins with sclerotherapy. Various FDA approved solutions can be used to inject the veins (almost painlessly) followed by compression stockings. It has been proven over and over again that adding the compression stockings vastly improves the result. Many less treatments are therefore needed. We also use the vein lasers but these are only used when small vessels are left over after a sclerotherapy treatment, which is relatively unusual.

For larger veins, Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a good option. This is a small stab-type surgical procedure done under local anesthesia. Results are spectacular, healing is very quick and scars are very tiny, if seen at all. With large veins related to venous valve deficiency, a referral to a vein center that specializes in endovenous laser ablation will be made.

People need to be aware that there are many medical professionals from nurses to family practitioners who advertise they are specialists in treating veins. Do not be fooled! It takes many years of training and experience to do this successfully and safely. Your legs deserve the best and safest treatments.

Q: What types of sclerosing solutions are used?

A: Each country has its favorite vein sclerosing solutions. They are all effective, but in the U.S. we can only use FDA approved solutions. For most leg veins we use various strengths of sodium tetradecyl sulfate or STS. It is not painful to use, does not cause ulcers and scarring and can be used in different concentrations with the foam technique. Polidocanol was very popular in the U.S. for many years but the FDA has yet to agree to letting physicians use it and saline, although FDA approved, is more painful and can cause small scars. We therefore only use STS in our office.

Q: What do I have to do before and after my treatment?

A: You do not need to do anything special before your procedure except to avoid shaving your legs or putting on lotion the day of treatment. Bring a comfortable pair of shorts to wear during the sclerotherapy and a pair of compression stockings with you. Our nurse will have told you what kind to get before the procedure. After your procedure, we recommend walking but not intense exercise for 24- 48 hours. Hot tubs and the use of any anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen are not allowed for a few days after the treatment. These could cause the treated veins to open up again. In case you have the kind of skin that tans well, it is recommended to use sun protection during the healing phase to avoid any pigmentation in the areas of treatment.

Q: Why are there so many advertisements for laser vein treatments?

A: When lasers were invented for skin problems it was hoped we could have one for leg and face veins. Even though we have a few very good lasers to remove facial veins, they are not as reliable, as safe or as effective when treating leg veins. Many patients have gotten permanent scars on their legs from using .these lasers. In our office, we use lasers only for very superficial leg and face veins.

Q: Can I drive myself home after the treatment?

A: Of course! These treatments should not interfere with your work or play. In fact, we want you to resume your regular activities as soon as possible.

Q: How long will it take to see my veins disappear?

A: Sclerotherapy treatments take a few weeks to show results. This is how long it takes for your body's natural healing mechanism to remove the damaged veins. Some small veins will be gone after one session and larger ones will require a few sessions.

Q: Will my veins come back?

A: The veins treated should not recur but people who are prone to developing veins will probably grow new ones eventually. If we catch these new veins when they develop years later, we can treat them before they become a problem

Q: How much do the treatments cost?

A: At Kay Aesthetic Dermatology we treat all the veins on each leg each session. This can take from 30-60 minutes. This way you will pay much less than clinics that treat small areas at a time or use lasers. We charge from $280-350 per leg, per session. Remember though that these are permanent treatments.

Click here for more information on sclerotherapy (removal of spider and varicose veins)

Return to Articles