California Vein Specialists

Do's and Don'ts for After Your Spider Vein Treatment

Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are patches of red or purple veins that appear just beneath the surface of the skin. Most commonly found on the face and legs, these web-like veins can lead to burning, itching, and discomfort in the affected area. Fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help resolve these venous abnormalities and restore a healthy appearance to the skin.

Sclerotherapy, when performed by an experienced phlebologist, can be a very effective treatment to reduce the appearance of spider veins and to alleviate any symptoms associated with them. To perform the procedure, the physician injects a special solution called a sclerosant into the affected vein, resulting in its closure and absorption by the body. Read on to learn how you can help ensure a safe and pleasant healing process after sclerotherapy.

• Do resume your daily activities
  Immediately after your treatment, you will be able to drive yourself home and resume your daily routine. Activity, including light exercises like walking, will help to encourage healing.
   
• Do wear compression stockings
  Your doctor may recommend that you wear compression stockings or hosiery to help promote healthy circulation. If you have compression stockings from a previous vein care treatment, your physician will help you to determine if they provide adequate compression for your most recent procedure.

• Don’t take hot baths
  Avoid hot baths, showers, compresses, and saunas for a couple of days after your sclerotherapy. Extended exposure to direct sunlight is also not recommended.

• Don’t ignore your vein care specialist’s advice
  Depending on your unique needs, your physician will provide you with specific instructions to promote a healthy and comfortable recovery. Listen to your doctor’s recommendations and be sure to ask any questions that you have after treatment.

Are you interested in improving the appearance and circulation of your legs? If so, consider scheduling a consultation with the vein care experts at California Vein Specialists. Our team is committed to providing the highest quality of personalized, advanced care to each of our patients. Call our Orange County practice today at (949) 200-8273 to learn more about our services.

Have a Vein Related Question? Ask Dr. Leary!

Question: Is Foam Sclerotherapy effective on the larger variscosities of the legs and should this type of procedure be guided by ultrasound? A vascular surgeon stated ultrasound guided Foam Sclerotherapy is safer than EVLT because of possible nerve damage.

Answer: Foam sclerotherapy is a good alternative to EVLT, but I find laser ablation more complete, the over ninety nine percent closure rate. I also find it to be less painful then foam procedures, especially when using the newer laser frequencies such as the 1470, and vnus closure fast. Nerve injury would be very rare complication of EVLT. The only nerve injury we have ever encountered is a temporary superficial numbness. This usually resolves in a few weeks, and again is very rare. I find the laser the best way to close the large saphenous vein, and the foam procedures best to close the connecting trunk veins. So a combination of the two procedures is ideal. This avoids all surgery. 

For more information about Foam Sclerotherapy or treatment, call California Vein Specialists today at (949) 200-8273 or visit us online today! 

Ask Dr. Leary

Question: If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?

Answer: Endovenous laser ablation is minimally invasive and very safe. The worst complication would be a blood clot in the leg. This is very rare complication compared to any surgical procedure. In answer to your second question, if the larger saphenous vein is refluxing, or non functioning, the blood has already by- passed that vein. So when you close it off, it will actually make your leg health improve and help preserve the normal veins. The long term venous health will improve if the vein is ablated, but if untreated, will only become worse.

If you would like Dr. Leary to answer your questions give California Vein Specialists a call at (949) 200-8273! 

Be Informed About Your Varicose Veins

In our latest blogs, we discussed the treatments available for visible veins in the hands and face as well as the link between pregnancy and varicose veins. You can discover additional information on these topics with the resources below. 

• This article from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health provides additional information on spider vein treatments.

• Find out more about sclerotherapy with this guide from the Mayo Clinic.

• VeinDirectory.org provides useful information on intense pulsed light therapy for spider veins.

• You can learn more about the prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy with this article from WebMD.

• For more information on the connections between pregnancy and varicose vein formation, take a look at this article from BabyCenter.com.

To learn more about the vein treatments that we offer, call California Vein Specialists today at (949) 200-8273.

How Are Veins On the Hands and Face Treated?

Spider and varicose veins often appear in the legs, developing as a result of gravity pulling blood against weakened valves within the veins. However, other factors, such as the loss of fatty tissue or increased circulation, can cause spider veins or more prominent veins to appear in the face and hands. Continue reading to learn how vein problems in the hands and face are treated:

• Sclerotherapy
  Over time, the connective and fatty tissues in the hands can begin to break down, causing the skin to sag and the veins within to appear more prominent. Fortunately, it is possible to treat veins in the hands with sclerotherapy to make them appear smaller, creating a more youthful appearance. During this treatment, a saline solution is injected directly into the veins through a fine needle. This causes the veins to scar, seal shut, and recede over time. Typically, two to three sclerotherapy sessions are required to treat veins in the hands.

• Vascular Laser Treatment
  The spider veins that appear beneath the skin on the face are not caused by gravity, unlike those found in the legs. These spider veins are often smaller than those in other areas of the body and require more targeted treatments. One vein treatment option is vascular laser treatment, in which a laser is used to send intense bursts of light through the skin, targeting the undesired veins and causing them to fade.

• Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
  Another option for treating unsightly veins in the face is intense pulsed light therapy, which utilizes broad spectrum light to treat spider veins through the skin. This stimulates the body to reabsorb the damaged spider vein tissue and reroute circulation through healthier veins.

If you are concerned about swollen or visible veins in your hands or face, Dr. Michael Leary of California Vein Specialists can provide the appropriate treatment for you. To learn more about eliminating problem veins in the hands and face, call our office in Newport Beach today at (949) 200-8273.