Anyone who is bothered by either blue, red or spider veins on the face, thighs, calves and ankles; as well as people with aching, burning and/or cramping in the legs caused by broken veins.
Both vascular laser treatments and traditional sclerotherapy are available. Lasers have an advantage in that they're better at targeting tiny veins that are often difficult to inject. Lasers can't reach deep enough for some leg veins, however, and may be used in tandem with traditional sclerotherapy to achieve the desired result.
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sclerosing solution directly into the vein.
Laser: The Altus YAG Laser is used in this treatment. As the laser is passed over a site, its energy is absorbed into the targeted vessel, obliterating it. The body then reabsorbs the vein, causing it to disappear.
Sclerotherapy: Spider veins are caused by abnormal blood flow and unstable vessel walls in the affected veins. The sclerosing solution further weakens the walls to the point that they collapse into one another. The vein is then reabsorbed and disappears.
Depending on the extent of the treatment, you may have to wear elastic stockings and/or some kind of compression wrap for several days to several weeks. You may notice slight bruising when you remove the wraps.
Please note: This treatment will not deter the development of new veins. It also is not designed for varicose veins that most often must be surgically removed.
Depending on the severity of the problem, a series of sessions will be required and can be scheduled at 2-4 week intervals. The skin will noticeably improve with each treatment. Maintenance treatments may be needed annually.
