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Sclerotherapy Leg Vein Treatment
Located in Raleigh, North Carolinaand serving patients Nationwide
Sclerotherapy (Leg Vein Treatment) at Michael Law MD, PA / Blue Water Spa
Since moving from Beverly Hills to North Carolina in 2003, we have been interested in providing sclerotherapy of lower extremity spider veins for our clients and patients. The results of sclerotherapy can vary greatly depending upon the training, technique and experience of the individual who is performing the vein treatment, and we had the privilege of working with some extremely talented sclerotherapists in California.
For this reason we have waited to add this service until we were able to identify and bring on board a highly-skilled and experienced sclerotherapist. Kate Brill, RN has over seven years experience with sclerotherapy, and formerly worked with a busy vascular surgery / vein therapy practice in upstate New York. She recently relocated to Raleigh, and we have been fortunate enough to be able to make her part of our aesthetic team. We have yet to meet a more talented, affable and conscientious sclerotherapist.
Sclerotherapy: the basics
Literally millions of men and women are bothered by spider veins of the legs. They commonly occur on the thighs, the calves and around the ankles. Spider veins often first appear during pregnancy, but can occur independently of pregnancy as well. Other causative factors may include athletic stress and strain on the lower extremity vascular system, prolonged sitting and standing, hormonal factors and genetic factors.
Sclerotherapy is the elimination of spider veins of the legs by injection of a solution directly into the veins which causes them to collapse and close off permanently. While pulsed-dye laser treatment is the current state-of-the-art therapy for spider veins of the face, sclerotherapy remains the most effective means of eliminating spider veins of the legs. The anatomy and physiology of spider veins varies by location, and the nature of lower extremity spider veins is such that direct injection produces a much more dramatic and long-lasting clearance than any available laser treatment.
As an indication of our belief in the reliability and efficacy of sclerotherapy for the elimination of lower extremity spider veins, we actually own and operate the laser that is considered the most effective laser for spider veins of the legs - the YAG laser. We use the Candela GentleYAG Laser on daily basis for laser hair removal and for laser skin tightening treatments. However, in our practice sclerotherapy is without question the first line therapy for spider veins if the legs. In some patients, we have found the GentleYAG to be useful for 'cleaning up' any residual vascular coloration following a series of sclerotherapy treatments.
What is a sclerotherapy vein treatment like?
Sclerotherapy consists of multiple, precise injections using the finest-gauge (smallest) needles available. Anesthetics and pain medication are not required. There may be some mild discomfort associated with the procedure, and when large spider veins are injected there may be a cramping sensation for a few minutes. We use bright illumination and magnifying eyewear to ensure precision of each injection. A sclerotherapy vein treatment generally takes about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the extent of the veins being treated.
Once a treatment is completed, the legs are wrapped in a compressive material and support hose are worn for the first few weeks. We use only the finest medical-grade support stockings (Venosan, Asheboro, NC), which are provided as part of the cost of your treatment. Bruising, and sometimes a brownish discoloration, occurs in the surrounding skin occurs following sclerotherapy treatments, and generally takes several weeks to fade. Successive treatments are scheduled at intervals of one month or more.
How many vein treatments will I need?
In general, between 50 and 80% of the injected spider veins are eliminated with each treatment. A series of two to four treatments is therefore quite common in order to achieve clearance of the majority of existing veins. A few patients (generally less than 10%) do not have much response to sclerotherapy, and other treatments may be required. Some patients with lower extremity spider veins require treatment of larger varicose veins, and these patients we refer to a board-certified vascular surgeon.
The results of a series of sclerotherapy treatments can be quite dramatic. In addition to the elimination of unsightly veins, the skin of the treated areas often looks more youthful and healthy. Many patients who have been hiding their legs under long pants suddenly find themselves excited about wearing skirts or shorts for the first time in years.
It is important to know that spider veins can recur over time, although this phenomenon is not predictable. Many patients wishing to maintain the rejuvenated appearance of their legs return on occasion for 'touch-up' treatments in the years following a successful series of sclerotherapy treatments.
For more information about sclerotherapy vein treatment or if you would like to schedule a vein treatment consultation, please contact the Raleigh, North Carolina office of Dr. Michael Law Today!
The content of this page was most
recently modified on April 10, 2008
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