Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both varicose and spider veins. A tiny needle is used to inject the veins with an FDA-approved medication that irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the veins collapse and are reabsorbed. The surface veins are no longer visible. Sclerotherapy relieves symptoms due to varicose and spider veins in most patients.
You may need anywhere from one to several Sclerotherapy sessions for any vein region, and depending on the type and number of veins being treated, you may have one or more injections per session. Generally, normal activities can be resumed after Sclerotherapy. We may ask that you wear compression stockings for a period of time to assist in resolution of the veins. The procedure, performed in our office, usually causes only mild discomfort. Bruising and hyper-pigmentation can occur after Sclerotherapy and could last for a month or more. Scarring and other complication are rare.
Photolaser treatments are available in our office to treat spider veins on the legs and/or face. A light beam is pulsed onto the veins in order to seal them off and cause them to dissolve. Treatments may be combined with Sclerotherapy and multiple treatments are usually required. It is necessary to stay out of the sun and refrain from using sunless skin care products for 2 weeks before and 6 weeks after Photolaser treatments. The procedure is done in the office and requires no recovery time.
Microphlebectomy is a method of surgical removal of larger symptomatic varicose veins. This is usually done in the office using local anesthesia. The veins are marked while the patient is standing and a tiny incision is made in the skin at the mark. The vein is removed and one small suture is placed to close the incision. The stitches are removed one week after the procedure. These typically leave nearly imperceptible puncture mark scars. After the procedure the leg is wrapped with a bandage for 1-2 days and then compression stockings are worn for two weeks day and night. Patients should expect to be off work the day of the procedure and possibly one more day, although some individuals do return to work the very next day. If any pain is experienced, over the counter pain medications are suggested.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is a treatment alternative to surgical stripping of the greater saphenous vein. The procedure is done in our office under local anesthesia. With ultra sound guidance a small laser fiber is inserted through a needle stick in the skin into the damaged vein. After injections of local anesthesia, pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. This eliminates the pressure in the vein causing the varicose veins. Following the procedure a bandage is placed on the treated leg for 2 days, and then compression stockings are worn for 2 weeks day and night. You can expect to be off work for 3-5 days after the treatment depending on your job duties. EVLT is FDA-approved for the treatment of greater saphenous vein insufficiency. In 40% of patients who undergo EVLT the large varicose veins collapse and no other treatment is needed. If veins remain we offer Microphlebectomy and Sclerotherapy for continuing treatment.
This procedure is done for patients with existing perforator veins that are enlarged due to incompetency, or a backflow of blood, that causes increased pressure in the vein and surrounding tissue. This backflow can cause skin changes such as discoloration and possibly ulcers in the ankle area. The SEPS procedure eliminates these perforator veins and helps relieve the pressure in the venous system. This helps prevent skin ulcers or heal existing ones. The procedure is done in a hospital or surgery center and requires general anesthesia. It is also suggested that patients wear compression hose for a period of time during therapy.
High ligation of the Greater Saphenous Vein is done when it has been determined by ultrasound that the vein cannot be treated with EVLT. The procedure entails a small incision made at the site of the vein found with ultrasound guidance. The vein is tied off or ligated to render it nonfunctional. This is done in a hospital or surgery center under monitored anesthesia.
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