Spider Vein Treatment
Spider Vein Treatment, a.k.a. telangiectasias
Spider veins are similar to and often associated with underlying varicose veins, but there are some major differences. Spider veins are smaller in size, beginning as tiny red capillaries that lie close to the surface of the skin and are easily visible. Spider veins are most commonly found on the thighs, calves, ankles or face, where they often become a cosmetic concern. They can also cause physical symptoms ranging from aching, heaviness and itchiness to night cramps. Spider veins that recur frequently after treatment either implies failed treatment or underlying venous insuffciency. Not all spider veins require treatment, particularly if they are not causing pain or other physical symptoms. However, some people decide to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Here at Bellagio Vein Clinic, we use ALL known, APPROVED modalities to target and cure your spider veins.
Hand-held Laser treatment
Lasers and intense pulsed light devices selectively damage or permanently destroy abnormal veins with intense heat energy and are used to treat small spider veins where a needle cannot be used. At Bellagio Clinic, our laser expert nurses and doctors will formulate the optimal laser energy and duration settings to achieve the ideal result.
What to expect after spider vein removal / reduction
There are few but most people do not experience it. Just the same, you should know what could happen. The first side effect is hyper pigmentation which occasionally develops when the vein is injected. Fortunately, it does not last that long and normally fades. A very rare side effect is hypo pigmentation in skin phototypes II and III, they also disappear spontaneously (but can take up to 6 months). Your skin may not turn dark but can turn reddish and have inflammation. This happens when multiple veins develop around the injection site. This will disappear in one week. Blisters may appear during 2-4 days, but will dry and fall off (10-14 days) without leaving marks. The last spider vein treatment side effect is superficial phlebitis. This is very rare and when it does happen, the patient will feel pain and the veins will be red, swollen and engorged.
Results
Plain or spider facial telangiectasias disappear in 80% of the cases alter a single session. The immediate extinction is observed while the laser is applied, by vessel coagulation. No purpura effect. In 15% of patients two treatments will be necessary. About 5% of patients will need three sessions.
Before/After Care Recommendations
It’s advisable to use topical glucocorticosteroids. For example: Clobetasol dipropionate cream Immediately after treatment, if there is an intense histamine reaction to the laser treatment. In general, using Aquaphore or antibiotic ointments suffice in optimizing healing time. It’s recommended that you use sun screen for at least 4-6 weeks afterwards in order to avoid color changes of the treated area. If you experience any of these side effects, it is best to call the office immediately and schedule an office visit to examine this further. You should avoid certain activities and taking certain things a week before surgery to prevent any problems. This includes not taking any medication to include antibiotics and not applying any lotion especially in the areas where the doctor will work on. Avoid any extreme heat or cold after surgery. Avoid any type of strenuous physical activity and exercising until advised by your surgeon to do so. If necessary treatment can be repeated, after 4-6 weeks, not before.
