Pittsburgh’s Laser Vein Treatment
Laser treatments for surface leg veins
Almost from the moment that skin resurfacing lasers first became available they’ve been used to treat unwanted leg veins. They’re one of the most popular methods for the permanent treatment of spider veins in use today. They’ve also proven themselves effective for the permanent removal of very small varicose veins. Not only are modern laser devices effective, they’re also completely non-invasive.
Vein laser treatment (Endovenous Laser Vein Therapy) is straightforward. A highly focused beam of laser energy is projected onto the vein being treated. This instantly destroys the vein, which is then absorbed back into the body. The process is permanent. While it’s always possible to develop new problem veins, the treated veins are gone for good.
The advantages of laser-based vein treatments
All laser treatments are noninvasive. Laser Vein Therapy closes (ablates) the diseased vein valve, blood is then routed to healthy veins and a better vascular flow. This stops the unhealthy pooling of blood under the skin, which are what varicose veins are.
An alternative to laser vein treatment is sclerotherapy, which is the traditional method of dealing with spider veins and small varicose veins, a.k.a. reticular veins. This involves the injection of small amounts of an irritant medication directly into the veins being treated. This causes intense, localized inflammation which causes the vein to sclerose (harden), hence “sclerotherapy.”
Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive, yet still involves the injection of potent medications into the skin’s upper layers. This makes it a poor choice for pregnant women. Sclerotherapy is contraindicated in patients who are sensitive or allergic to the irritant solutions used. Barring other considerations, in both of the above cases, laser therapy is most likely the preferred treatment.
Laser therapy for larger varicose veins
Another major drawback of sclerotherapy is related to vein size. As mentioned, it’s a great treatment for spider veins, reticular veins, and the smallest of varicose veins. Veins with a diameter of over 5 mm, which is slightly less than the width of a pencil, aren’t good candidates. They’re simply too large to treat, even using advanced foaming sclerotherapy medications which maximize contact with the vein walls
At the Advanced Vein Center our providers are experts in the use of lasers to treat vein conditions. We also treat all stages of chronic venous insufficiency, according to chronic venous insufficiency treatment guidelines.
How to get better laser vein treatment results?
To achieve the best results, there are some things you can do to prepare for your treatment and care for your skin afterward.
- Choose the right provider: It’s important to choose a qualified and experienced provider who uses the latest technology and techniques. Look for a provider who is board-certified in dermatology or plastic surgery and has a good reputation for laser vein treatment.
- Prepare your skin: Before your treatment, it’s important to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks. You should also avoid using any topical products that contain retinoids, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid for at least a week before your treatment.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water before and after your treatment can help improve the appearance of your skin and reduce the risk of side effects.
- Follow post-treatment instructions: After your laser vein treatment, your provider will give you specific instructions on how to care for your skin. This may include avoiding sun exposure, using moisturizer, and avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days.
By following these tips, you can improve the effectiveness of your laser vein treatment and achieve smoother, more even-looking skin.
Can you go home after laser vein treatment?
Yes, you can go home after laser vein treatment. Laser vein treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require any downtime. You may experience some redness or swelling in the treated area, but this should subside within a few hours to a few days. Your provider may recommend avoiding strenuous exercise or sun exposure for a few days after your treatment to help minimize any side effects. However, you should be able to resume your normal activities immediately after your treatment. It’s important to follow any post-treatment instructions provided by your provider to ensure the best results and minimize any potential risks or complications.
Additional Venous Insufficiency Procedure Options
There are additional treatments that can be performed at Advanced Vein Center . These treatments include the use of injections, lasers, and surgery.
- Varicose Vein Screening – Looking for varicose vein treatment? The vein specialists at Advanced Vein Center can perform a free vein screening to investigate any underlying problems.
- Laser procedures – Laser treatments can be performed to eliminate superficial spider veins using lasers such as the Diode Laser, ND Yag and Intense Pulsed Light.
- Sclerotherapy – Using a very small needle, Sclerotherapy is performed by injecting medication directly into the vein. Dependent on one’s medical condition, the number of veins that are treated in a session can vary. The vein location, face, chest, or leg, also is considered in the treatment protocol. Sclerotherapy is performed in the physician’s office by a specialty trained vein physician, registered nurse, or physician’s assistant.
- Dermal Fillers – Such as Sculptra Aesthetic, Juvéderm, and Radiesse are available. A collagen stimulator Sculptra may be the best option, or the immediate results of Radiesse, may be preferable. These fillers can be injected into areas such as the hand to remove unsightly veins.
Vein Laser Treatment FAQs
Yes, the results can be very long lasting. In long term research studies, 96% of veins are permanently closed with laser vein ablation and a similar number with radio frequency vein ablation.
Many venous insufficiency procedures are considered permanent as a treatment for varicose and spider veins. The veins that are treated with RF Closure, EVLT (Endovenous Laser Vein Therapy), and vein glue are considered permanent; however vein disease is slowly progressive as we age. Humans have ten miles of veins in their body. Reflux and venous insufficiency must be addressed to slow the appearance of unsightly spider veins that can occur in new places.
Yes, small 1-2 mm spider veins on noses, legs and the entire body can be treated easily and with very little discomfort.
Lasers, IPL (intense pulse light) treatment, foam sclerotherapy, injectable sclerotherapy, Asclera, and saline injections are some other ways used to treat spider veins.
Spider veins are unusually considered to be unsightly and a nuisance. Being a cosmetic concern, there is not a medical reason to treat spider veins; however, untreated spider veins can worsen.
Nursing mothers have huge amounts of hormones running through their veins! This changes treatment outcomes. This is why most physicians recommend waiting until nursing has been completed for a few months before starting vein treatment.
Spider veins are deeper than most creams can penetrate, thus making them of little value.
By far, the best vein doctors to treat spider veins are found at the Advanced Vein Center. Dr Giraldo is an MD, and is Board certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr Kavic has 40 years of general surgery experience and is the best doctor for varicose veins. He specializes solely in the treatment of varicose and spider veins. Highly trained Physician assistants and skilled nurse extenders with advanced injectable training, perform spider vein treatments daily, with many many very satisfied patients.
Most insurance companies consider Laser Vein Therapy for spider veins a cosmetic procedure. Patients are advised to have a doppler exam initially to determine if their spider veins are a medical issue or cosmetic condition.
Our Varicose and Spider Vein clinics offer laser treatments for spider veins at reasonable prices.