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- Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the injection of the unwanted veins with a specialized foam liquid. The injected liquid causes the vein walls to become irritated and to collapse. Spider veins (small red veins), reticular veins ( blue veins), and small varicose veins (bulging veins), can all be treated with sclerotherapy.
- Laser Treatment of Spider Veins
The Dornier 940 laser system produces the highly unique 940 nm wavelength and the Isolaz™ laser which safely passes through the skin and is selectively absorbed by the targeted blood vessel. The vein will gradually disappear, leaving the skin intact.
Men, women, and even children, including light- and dark-pigmented individuals can be successfully treated. Your skin is cooled with ice or a cold compress to minimize the mild heat sensation. The length and number of procedures vary, depending on your particular circumstance, but usually last between 15 and 30 minutes each and are normally done in one, two, or three appointments.
- Laser Ablation of Greater Saphenous Vein
The Greater and Lesser Saphenous Veins are the large veins which bring blood back to the heart. When the valves of these veins do not work, blood is not pumped in the right direction. When this occurs, it is called reflux. Blood is then allowed to pool in the superficial veins in the legs and these veins then start to bulge. In the past, the refluxing greater and lesser saphenous veins were removed by vein stripping. Technology has advanced to the point where heat can be delivered into the veins via a special fiber optic laser. Once heated, the walls of the vessels collapse. The delivery of this heat is accomplished by using the Dornier 940 nm laser.
Dr. Thomae and his staff will determine if treatment using the D940 laser system is right for you, recommend a detailed plan, answer any of your questions and discuss involved costs and possible insurance reimbursement.
- Phlebectomy
The procedure is used in larger varicose veins greater than 4mm or so in size. There is minimal scarring. Most micro-scarring can not be seen without magnification.
- Ultrasound Sclerotherapy
Ultrasound has allowed us to build visual images of structures below the skin surface. In some instances the bulging varicose vein, which is felt on the skin surface, is only “the tip of the iceberg.” If treatments are performed only on what is felt or seen, untreated “hidden” veins may be responsible for recurrences. Ultrasound is used to guide our needle below the skin surface to treat those “hidden” and perforating veins.
- Ultrasound
Ultrasound is the diagnostic tool used to diagnose the cause of varicose veins and to direct the correct treatment. It is a painless examination.
- Other Vein Treatment methods
- Support Hose – Compression stockings are a simple, inexpensive way to treat varicose veins. These specially fitted hose are designed to reduce the pooling that occurs in spider and varicose veins. Although wearing hose won’t eliminate varicose veins, they can help alleviate symptoms caused by the veins, such as aching, heaviness, and swelling as well as help prevent worsening of the veins. Wearing compression stockings can also reduce the risk of developing blood clots from long plane or car rides.
- Medication – while there are no medications to eliminate varicose or spider veins, there are medications for other circulatory disorders such as leg swelling and edema. However, drug therapy is not a standard treatment for such disorders, and there is not consensus in the medical community as to which drugs ought to be used to treat such disorders. It is best to discuss this with a knowledgeable physician.
- Other Treatments – Conservative treatment includes simple physical measures designed to improve vein blood flow and reduce pooling in the veins. These measures can help reduce symptoms due to the veins. Aerobic activities such as walking, biking and swimming are encouraged. It is good to avoid prolonged standing or sitting as well as heat on your legs (hot baths, hot tubs, etc.) Moreover, elevating your legs will reduce pooling and improve symptoms.
Should a vein ever rupture and begin to bleed, you should immediately elevate your leg, apply pressure to the bleeding vein and seek emergency medical care.
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