Varicose and Spider Vein Treatments
As we enter the 21st century, we have many more ways to treat unwanted varicose and spider veins. Larger veins and damaged valves should always be treated before smaller cosmetic veins. Small spider veins can now be successfully treated with a laser.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is used for slightly larger spider veins and small varicose veins. Through tiny injections, a painless solution baths the inside of the damaged vein causing it to collapse. Sclerotherapy is performed by the doctor in 30 minute sessions. Fifty to seventy veins can be treated in one session, and compression stockings must be worn for at least 1 week after treatment. After allowing 3-6 weeks for the treated veins to heal, additional treatment on select areas may be needed. For larger varicose veins, endovenous laser (EVLT), ultrasound guided injections or vein microsurgery is necessary. The ultrasound allows the doctor to see larger veins beneath the skin, and place the sclerosing solution in the precise location for maximum effectiveness.
Vein Microsurgery
Vein microsugery is performed in the office under local anesthesia. A varicose vein that is too large for sclerotherapy can be teased out through small (2mm) holes made in the skin every 3 to 5 inches. The patient walks immediately after microsurgery and returns to regular activity the next day.
Laser Treatment
Small veins on the face usually occur around the nose, cheeks or chin. Some of the causes of these veins are age, heredity, smoking, excess alcohol and sun damage. These small veins respond well to laser treatment. The KTP Aura Laser is able to pass through the top layer of skin without damaging it. The laser then heats the vein causing it to seal shut. One to three laser treatments are usually required.
Ultrasound Guided Injections
EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is the newest and most exciting procedure for large varicose veins. Before EVLT, surgical stripping was used to tie off the vein in the groin and remove varicose veins on the inside of the leg.
This resulted in one 3 inch scar in the groin, and multiple 1 inch scars below. With EVLT, one 3mm incision is made on the inside of the knee and a tine laser fiber is placed inside the vein up to the groin. The heat from the laser seals the vein as the fiber is removed. EVLT is performed in the office with only local anesthesia. 
The clients walk immediately after treatment and wear a bandage and stocking for 1 week. For more information, go to www.evlt.com.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a modernized form of vein stripping that is performed in the office with local anesthesia. Large varicose veins can be removed through tiny 3mm incisions and no stitches are required. Clients return to regular activity immediately and wear a bandage and stocking for 1 week.