Before moving on to treating varicose veins, Dr. Foruhari says it is important to determine the factors behind the veins. Varicose veins can be linked to heredity, pregnancy, obesity, occupational hazards, and weak or damaged valves. People who have jobs that require them to stand for long periods of time have a significantly greater chance of developing varicose veins.

Dr. Foruhari explains that varicose veins appear when the valves in the veins to the heart become damaged. The human heart pumps blood through arteries. Veins function by carrying the blood back from the body to the heart. Healthy veins have one-way valves or flaps that prevent blood from moving backward. If those valves weaken, then blood can push backward through the body and collect in certain areas. This will eventually enlarge the veins, resulting in varicose veins.

Nobody knows exactly what causes the one-way valves or flaps in the veins to malfunction, however the hazards described above – including occupation hazards, heredity, obesity, and pregnancy – are all known to play a role. In Cincinnati, OH, the varicose vein treatment expert says females are already at high risk for developing varicose veins at some point in their lifetimes. Women are 20% more at risk for developing varicose veins than men.

“There are steps women can take to lower their chances of developing varicose veins,” says Dr. Foruhari. “Maintaining a healthy weight will help decrease a woman’s chances of developing this condition, as will staying away from occupations that require long periods of standing.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, roughly 50 to 55 percent women and 40 to 45 percent of men in the U.S. will suffer from varicose veins at some point in their lifetime. This condition affects 50 percent of people over age 50. Thankfully, there is more than one varicose vein treatment in Cincinnati, OH for people to choose. For information on which treatment is right for you, Dr. Foruhari recommends contacting his varicose vein treatment clinic in Cincinnati, OH.

The most common method spider veins are removed these days is with laser therapy. Dr. Foruhari says excellent candidates for spider vein treatment in Cincinnati, OH are typically those who have smaller spider veins.

A patient coming in for spider vein treatment in Cincinnati, OH should prepare themselves for multiple treatment sessions. Dr. Foruhari says most patients need between one to three treatments before seeing their desired results. Dr. Foruhari recommends that skeptical patients try one initial spider vein treatment in Cincinnati, OH. If small spider veins remain after the initial treatment, patients may return for continuing treatment sessions.

Patients with thicker or larger clusters of spider veins may not benefit from laser treatment. Dr. Foruhari recommends sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy can be performed as many times necessary to eliminate the more pronounced spider veins. In most cases, it takes three sessions to reach a patients’ desired result.

Once a patient has achieved the best results possible with sclerotherapy, Dr. Foruhari will go use laser treatment to clean up the smaller spider veins. Sclerotherapy is best for large veins, but laser therapy remains the recommended treatment for smaller veins. The small veins Dr. Foruhari refers to are generally so small that doctors cannot contact the veins with a needle. Therefore, high-tech laser therapy treatments are the best option.

The size of the vein being treated is usually how a doctor determines the course of treatment. “If a spider vein is thicker or juicer – usually at least two millimeters – then sclerotherapy is going to work best,” says Dr. Foruhari. “If the vein is smaller and it is not in a cluster, meaning there are just a few veins, here and there, then laser therapy is going to be the treatment that produces the greatest results.”

If you any questions regarding spider vein treatment in Cincinnati, OH, Dr. Foruhari recommends calling his office at Tristate Vein Centers.

Bell goes on to explain that laser resurfacing is a very simple procedure that takes only 20 minutes in the office. This is a laser-inspired procedure along the skin, which helps reduce wrinkles without resorting to the use of Botox or fillers. At Body Chic med spa in Somerset, NJ, laser resurfacing is a procedure that is done on faces that have been numbed with a topical gel. Although some patients may experience mild discomfort, there is absolutely no pain involved in a laser resurfacing procedure.

As far as downtime is concerned, Bell says that the downtime necessary after undergoing laser resurfacing can vary depending on the severity of the skin damage and how much time the patient spent under the laser. Bell and her staff at the Somerset, NJ med spa can adjust the power of the laser based on the amount of downtime that the patient has to recover before needing to go back to work. If a woman only has two free days before she must return to work, for example, then Bell will typically do an abbreviated version of the laser resurfacing procedure.

After the resurfacing procedure is finished, the medical team at the Somerset, NJ med spa simply asks that the patient apply a special moisturizing gel to her face for a few days. The patient’s face will peel, and Bell emphasizes that this peeling off of skin is completely normal. As the skin peels off, the sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles will slowly disappear. Although some patients may notice results immediately, the best results of laser resurfacing will be seen over time. Even at four months out, patients are still reporting improved tightening and collagen stimulation in the skin.

Along with their laser resurfacing, many patients at the Body Chic med spa in Somerset, NJ will also request vein removal treatments using Dr. Buch’s specialty laser. Laser vein treatments are growing in popularity, in large part because women are finally discovering that they do not have to live with unsightly varicose veins or spider veins. Dr. Buch can treat veins using multiple modalities, including injection sclerotherapy, local vein removal, and minimally invasive procedures involving lasers or radio-frequency VNUS closure.

For more information on any of the procedures described in this article, patients are encouraged to contact Body Chic for a consultation appointment.

Women who underwent traditional liposuction and had fatty tissue sucked out from various areas of their bodies found that they were oftentimes left with extra skin that was stretched out and flabby. Although physicians could get rid of the fat underneath the skin through liposuction, they were unable to tighten up the skin through this basic procedure. While the results of traditional liposuction procedures were not necessarily bad, patients were often left complaining that they wish there was a way to retract the skin that was left over after the fat underneath the skin had been sucked out. Thus, the need was born for a more innovative treatment.

At Body Chic in Somerset, NJ, SmartLipo is one of the most commonly requested procedures for women who want to shrink and tighten certain areas of the skin without undergoing extensive surgery. Women who undergo SmartLipo in Somerset, NJ do not have to go under general anesthesia the same way traditional liposuction patients have to.

Dr. Buch says that SmartLipo is popular for two main reasons. First and foremost, women appreciate being able to have liposuction done without having to go under general anesthesia. SmartLipo is done with a local anesthesia and the patient is not asleep, which eliminates a large part of the risk and the fear that women have when going into their cosmetic procedures.

The second reason why SmartLipo is so popular is because of the laser that is involved. Women who undergo SmartLipo in Somerset, NJ, get some skin tightening, as well as fat reduction. Not only do patients undergoing SmartLipo get fat sucked out and melted away, explains Dr. Buch, but they also get some skin tightening afterward. This significantly reduces the amount of loose skin that is left over after the procedure is over, which was one of the major downsides that people complained about with older liposuction methods.

On a related note, Dr. Buch says that many women who undergo SmartLipo will also seek out treatment for unsightly veins at the same time. At his office in Somerset, Dr. Buch and his team can use lasers and radiofrequencies to eliminate unsightly veins from the legs, arms, and face.

Dr. Buch says that most patients who get laser vein treatments or SmartLipo in Somerset, NJ, are back to work within 48 hours. Patients can decide for themselves how much downtime they need before returning to their normal daily activities. However, the staff at Body Chic usually recommends waiting to resume daily workout regimens until two to three weeks have passed.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins (or, more accurately, venous hypertension – high blood pressure in the veins) can be caused by a number of factors including heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, obesity or a sedentary lifestyle.

“In essence, varicose veins are caused by gravity,” explains Dr. Seiger. “Gravity pulls down. And with time, pregnancy or injury, our veins can start to get a little stretchy. And gravity pulls the blood in the wrong direction – down instead of back up toward the heart.”

Although they’re more common in women, varicose veins can also affect men. In fact, it’s estimated that they affect between 40 and 50 percent of the female population and 20 and 25 percent of the male population. Venous disease is a chronic condition and needs to be managed on an ongoing basis.

In addition to being unsightly, varicose veins can cause achiness, discoloration and rashes, discomfort and cramping in the legs. Eventually, they can even break down and cause ulcers in the legs.

How Are Vericose Veins Treated?

There are several options for treating varicose veins, Dr. Seiger explains. At Skin and Vein Center’s Sterling Heights office, varicose veins can be treated with sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a solution into the veins that closes them down. “When we close down the veins, the blood re-routes to a system that’s functional,” he says. “So the procedure actually improves circulation in the legs.”

Another option for treating varicose veins is called ambulatory phlebectomy. This procedure involves making tiny holes and removing the veins from the legs. The procedure can be performed in the office and involves minimal recovery time.

The latest advancement in varicose vein treatment involves the use of a laser to heat the vein so that it closes down. This procedure is done under local anesthesia, is relatively comfortable and involves only a few days of downtime.

Patients concerned about varicose veins in Sterling Heights will find that Skin and Vein Center offers safe, effective treatment in a friendly, professional environment. Offering free consultations, Skin and Vein Center makes it easy to learn more about varicose vein treatment and determine whether it’s right for you.

There’s no need to endure the embarrassment of unsightly varicose veins, says Dr. Seiger. With three conveniently located clinics, Skin and Vein Center Michigan treats varicose veins in Sterling Heights, Fenton and Garden City. Smooth, supple legs and the confidence that goes with them may just a phone call away.

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins, Fontenot explains, are red or blue veins that are visible through the skin. They often look like spider webs or tree branches. They can be caused, she says, by hormone changes, injury, exposure to the sun, or a backup of blood to a particular area of the body.

Spider veins affect up to half of the population (both men and women) and commonly appear during pregnancy. Although usually not harmful, spider veins are considered an undesirable sign of aging. Most people who have them wish that they could get rid of them. Luckily, sclerotherapy is an option for almost anyone who wishes to improve the appearance of spider veins.

Injectable Sclerotherapy

In injectable sclerotherapy, tiny microneedles are used to inject a solution into the vessels that causes them to collapse and fade over time. According to Fontenot, injectable sclerotherapy tends to be more effective than laser treatment. The reason, she says, is that injections allow you to treat not only those vessels you can see on the surface of the skin, but also those vessels that are directly connected to them.

“In my own practice,” she says, “I tend to inject first or use a combination approach to get the best results.”

In terms of comfort, injectable sclerotherapy tends to be less painful than laser therapy.

Laser Sclerotherapy

Laser sclerotherapy, Fontenot says, tends to be most helpful in vessels that are either too small to treat with a needle or in patients who are primarily looking for instant results. “With injectable sclerotherapy, the vessels tend to look a little worse before they eventually look better,” she explains. “When you use a laser, the vessels are red for a short period of time, but the vessels don’t darken before they fade like they do after injections.”

Not everyone is a good candidate for laser treatment, however. If you have very dark skin or a tendency to form keloid-type scars, injectable sclerotherapy is best.

Regardless of the method used in your vein treatment, says Fontenot, you’ll need to wear special compression garments for about two weeks after your session. It’s important to follow your clinician’s aftercare instructions for best results. “You should plan to wear the compression garments continuously for the first 72 hours, and then as often as possible within the two weeks following your procedure,” she says.

You will also need to return for a follow-up treatment two weeks after your first session. This, Fontenot explains, ensures that vessels are eradicated completely before they can recover and refill.

What Is It?
Sclerotherapy is a procedure designed to improve the appearance of spider veins on the legs, face or anywhere else they appear. Spider veins can be caused by a backup of blood, hormone changes, exposure to sun or injury.

Sclerotherapy involves the use of either an injectable solution or a laser to diminish the unwanted veins’ appearance. Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive and can be performed as an outpatient procedure in a medical spa setting.

How Does It Work?

ReNew Medical Spa, Fontenot says, offers two types of sclerotherapy. One is injectable, and the other involves the use of lasers. These two techniques work differently to remove unsightly veins, and be used separately or in combination, depending on the particular needs of the patient.

In traditional (injectable) sclerotherapy, tiny needles are used to inject a solution into the targeted veins that causes them to fade over time. In laser sclerotherapy, a laser is passed through the skin directly to the veins, causing them to shrink and eventually disappear.

“My approach to vein removal is to use injectable sclerotherapy first,” says Fontenot. The reason, she says, is that when you use injectable sclerotherapy, you’re treating not only those veins you can see, but also the distant vessels that are connected to it.” For this reason, injectable therapy can actually be more effective than laser therapy.

Is It Right for You?

Sclerotherapy, says Fontenot, is best for patients who have spider veins or visible blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface. These veins tend to be red in color. Sclerotherapy can also be used on reticular vessels, or slightly larger, blue vessels. Good candidates for sclerotherapy are in good physical health, do not smoke, and have reasonable expectations for the procedure.

“We can treat any vessel that is not varicose,” Fontenot explains.  “So long as the vessel doesn’t bulge out of the skin, it can be treated with either injectable or laser sclerotherapy.”

While injectable sclerotherapy can be used on most patients, laser treatment may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have very dark skin or have a tendency to form keloid-type scars, laser sclerotherapy may not be right for you.

Why Choose ReNew Medical Spa?

At ReNew Medical Spa, Fontenot says, sclerotherapy is just one of a wide range of treatments designed to make you look and feel your best.

“We’re committed to being part of your lifelong plan,” says Fontenot. “We want to help you stayed ‘ReNewed’ for life.”

Although having prominent varicose veins can cause humiliation and self shame, the millions of women currently facing it are hardly alone. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have shown that the condition may effect more than 12 million people in the United States, with 41% of women experiencing some form of abnormal veins by the time they reach age 50.

Thanks to a medical procedure known as sclerotherapy, however, women no longer have to worry about hiding their legs and arms. With the help of a trained medical spa professional, varicose vein sufferers can undergo a series of injections designed to erase obtrusive veins over time.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a proven treatment for varicose veins often administered by physicians or medical spa technicians. By injecting a solution made of sodium chloride into the protruding vein, physicians can cause irritation in the lining of the vessel that will in turn force the blood to clot and turn into scar tissue—allowing the vein itself to eventually fade over time, according to research from the Cleveland Clinic.

Hardly a new procedure, sclerotherapy has been around since the 1930s, when physicians first began understanding the mechanisms of what was causing varicose veins in aging women.

Before undergoing the procedure, patients can expect to be given a local anesthetic such as lidocaine to numb the injection site; however patients who suffer from severe allergies to certain anesthetics may also choose a different solution for the procedure, as long as they inform their medical spa technician or physician in advance.

The number of varicose veins that can be treated during one session depends largely on the professional giving the solution, as well as the pain tolerance of the patient. Most commonly, sclerotherapy sessions last 30 to 45 minutes, with an average of 50% to 80% of a person’s varicose veins being erased during each session.

Who are the best candidates?

Thanks to the variety of solutions that can be used in sclerotherapy treatments, nearly all women who suffer from varicose veins are generally considered good candidates for the procedure.

To be considered an optimal candidate, however, patients should be non-smokers who are both physically and mentally healthy. Anyone with a blood disease should check with their physician before going forward. In addition, women who are breastfeeding or who have recently given birth may not be eligible for the procedure, since the solution used in sclerotherapy can impact a woman’s breast milk.

For anyone who is not considered a good candidate for sclerotherapy, other options for the removal of varicose veins still exist, including laser removal or surgery.

What risks are involved?

Because it has been in use for so many years, the lasting effects of sclerotherapy treatment are well understood by physicians, and many of the potential risks and side effects have been minimized thanks to the use of new and better solutions. However, as with any medical procedure, some dangers do exist for those undergoing sclerotherapy.

It is advised that patients undergoing the procedure discontinue use of aspirin or ibuprofen medications at least 48 hours prior to their appointment, since these medications could negatively impact the outcome.

Although rare, patients undergoing sclerotherapy should be prepared to see lumpy or hard veins in the weeks following the procedure—which should dissipate within a matter of months. Noticeable brown lines may appear around the site of the injection. While these should go away within three to six months, they can last longer—or permanently—in some patients.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warns that further side effects may include temporary stinging, leg cramps, skin sores near the injection site, spots around the veins that were treated, and groups of red blood vessels that may appear enlarged.

Finally, there is the risk that sclerotherapy treatment will not work for some patients, since approximately 10% of patients report seeing no visual change in the look of their varicose veins several months after the procedure.

How much does sclerotherapy cost?

The cost of sclerotherapy can vary greatly based on the geographic area where a patient lives, the setting where it is being done—medical spas tend to be cheaper on average than doctor’s offices—and how severe a patient’s symptoms are. In general, patients can expect to pay $100 to $400 per 30-minute session in a medical spa setting.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, varicose veins and spider veins affect a huge number of people in the United States and beyond, and more women are affected then men. These veins can be a source of annoyance and embarrassment, especially since they most often appear in “problem areas” (like the thighs and legs) that women are already self-conscious about. Besides being unattractive, these veins — especially varicose veins — may be related to serious health problems.

Luckily, there are options for dealing with spider and varicose veins. One such option is vein removal, performed by a licensed plastic surgeon. Interested? Read on…

What It Is

As explained on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s website, Womenshealth.gov, varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and swollen- they often appear twisted and bugling. Varicose veins can be flesh-colored, blue, or purple. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but are smaller, with small, jagged lines that give the appearance of spider webs or tree branches.

Vein removal (also called vein ligation or vein stripping) is a minor surgery procedure in which the upper end of a problematic spider or varicose vein is tied off, followed by a removal of the entire vein.

During the procedure, the upper end of the vein is tied off. An incision is then made below the vein. A flexible specialty instrument is threaded up to the first incision, and the vein is grasped and removed.

Vein removal is typically an outpatient surgery performed under regional or general anesthesia. Most people go home on the same day after surgery. Generally, most people are able to return to work after vein removal surgery in a few days and return to all normal activities within several weeks.

Who Needs It?

Vein removal is an option for anyone suffering from problematic or unsightly varicose or spider veins. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, problematic veins affect approximately 40% to 45% of men and 50% to 55% of women in the United States.

Because it is only a minor surgery, vein removal is often performed only for cosmetic reasons. However, vein stripping is also performed when a problematic vein is causing serious health risks, such as when the vein is bleeding, or causing ulcers to develop. Problematic veins can also cause considerable discomfort after prolonged periods of standing or walking. Vein removal may be performed to alleviate one or all of these problems.

Who Should Avoid It

Older adults with other serious health issues, for whom surgery may be too big of a risk, should avoid this vein removal procedure. This includes those who suffer from lymphatic system problems, blood-clotting disorders, and skin infections.

Pregnant women, people who have poor circulation in the arteries of the legs, and those who have an abnormal passageway between the veins and arteries of the legs should also avoid vein removal surgery.

Benefits

While other procedures may be performed to alleviate the discomfort or minimize the appearance of problematic veins, vein removal is perhaps the most permanent and effective option. Vein removal surgery removes varicose veins and prevents them from coming back in approximately 9 out of 10 people.

Besides the cosmetic benefits of having ugly varicose veins removed, the removal of veins increases healthy circulation and blood flow. Vein removal also prevents future health problems that may occur as a result of unhealthy veins, including ulcers and bleeding.

Risks

Scarring and the return of problematic veins are two risks involved with vein removal surgery. If there is damage within the deep vein system, vein removal surgery should be avoided, as it may worsen blood circulation problems.

Risk is increased if the surgery involves the largest vein in the leg (called the GSV, or great saphenous vein). Surgery involving this vein may involve the risk of numbness post-surgery.

In addition, vein removal surgery involves all risks associated with general surgery, including bleeding, infection, and the risks associated with anesthesia.

The Bottom Line

If you are healthy and absolutely HATE your varicose or spider veins (or the discomfort they bring you), vein removal is an effective option that may prevent many health issues in the future. Just make sure to speak with your doctor about any possible complications.

Laser therapy is one way to get rid of spider veins, but it all depends on their size. If they are too big, they cannot be treated with a laser and will have to be injected with a solution that causes the vein to stick together and seal shut, or what is known as sclerotherapy.

But sclerotherapy can only occur if the vein is big, otherwise the needle is bigger than the vein so the end result will not be successful. People with smaller veins choose laser therapy, which is a lot less painful.

Laser therapy for smaller veins is effective, although you will often need more than one treatment for best effect. And it’s important to remember that eventually the veins will come back, if not those specific ones, than other veins in different areas.

Spider veins are usually there because of gravity and genetics, so there is no real getting rid of them permanently. They appear often due to a pooling of blood in the body, much like varicose veins. They can also appear for other reasons, such as age, genetics, hormonal factors and sun exposure.

Laser therapy sends strong bursts of light at a certain wavelength to penetrate into your skin at the depth of where the vessel is, and then causes it to explode. After it is destroyed, you will see some slight brownish bruising, then it gets absorbed into the body.

Laser therapy is often an option for people, both men and women, who want to get rid of small veins on their faces, legs, ankles and other parts of the body. Keep in mind, however, that while you may find spider veins cosmetically unattractive, they are harmless and are not any cause for medical concern.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

Tags: dermatology, get rid of spider veins, health, laser treatment for veins, med spa, medical spa, microsclerotherapy, spider vein

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