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206-248-5020 e-mail:info@dermatologyseattle.com |
This treatment is designed for those sometimes painful and obvious varicose veins on your legs. With a series of simple injections, this problem can be eliminated or greatly reduced.
Each of these treatments requires a consultation with either a doctor or one of our trained laser specialists. Please ask at our front desk about the next available consultation time for you!
What is the difference between spider and varicose veins?
Spider veins are tiny red or blue veins that form a pattern on the legs or face resembling a spider's web. These unattractive veins are about the size of a fine thread. Varicose veins are larger and usually found on the legs. These bulging, swollen veins have lost their ability to return blood from the legs to the heart and lungs against the force of gravity. The result is a pooling of blood in the vessel. Varicose veins may cause aching, tired legs at the end of the day, night cramping, and a burning, itching feeling. If left untreated, these diseased veins may lead to the formation of blood clots, phlebitis and bleeding ulcers in the legs.
What causes these veins?
Many women (and some men) suffer with the embarrassment of spider and varicose veins. Although these veins are primarily inherited, they can worsen after having children, from occupations requiring prolonged standing, from being overweight, doing high impact aerobics, or for no particular reason at all. Spider and varicose veins also can occur due to the hormone fluctuations of puberty, pregnancy and menopause, and from oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. Leg veins can also appear after an injury to the leg or a broken bone. Facial spider veins are found in both men and women and tend to be inherited. However, they also may occur as a result of prolonged sun exposure, alcohol consumption and from the skin disorder, rosacea.
How can spider and varicose veins be prevented?
While the tendency to develop problem veins may be inherited, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce your risk. Use good sun protection to prevent spider veins from forming on the face and neck. To keep leg veins healthy, improve your vascular circulation by exercising regularly with a low-impact aerobic activity such as walking. Maintain a good weight for your body to reduce the pressure on leg veins. Be sure to wear low-heeled shoes and appropriate athletic shoes to prevent injury to calf muscles. Therapeutic support stockings can be prescribed for people who are at risk for varicose veins. Support stockings help push the blood out of the legs and back toward the heart. They are especially important to wear during pregnancy and when your job requires you to stand for long periods of time.
What are the current treatments being offered?
At your initial consultation, Dr. Levy will examine problem veins, discuss any medical concerns and develop a custom treatment approach that best meets your needs. There are several treatment options. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a special medication into the problem vein. PhotoDermTM VL/PL uses a non-invasive pulsed light source, while VascuLightÅ uses a laser source. Phlebectomy is a micro-surgical procedure (no scars or stitches) and Ligation is a short, in-office outpatient procedure. Dr. Levy has helped many patients by eliminating their spider and varicose veins with these state-of-the-art outpatient procedures. They are safe, effective and the results are...simply wonderful!