VARICOSE & SPIDER VEIN TREATMENT
About This Project
PHLEBOLOGY
Treatment of Varicose & Spider Veins
VARICOSE VEINS
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. They are most common in the legs and ankles. They usually aren’t serious, but they can sometimes lead to other problems.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by weakened valves and veins in your legs. One-way valves in your veins keep blood flowing from your legs up towards your heart. When these valves do not work as they should, blood collects in your legs, and pressure builds up. The veins become weak, large, and twisted causing a varicose vein.
- Overweight
- Family History
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Standing for long periods of time
What are the symptoms?
Varicose veins look dark blue, swollen, and twisted under the skin. Some people do not have any symptoms others may include mild symptoms such as:
- Swelling in your feet and ankles
- Itching over the vein
- Heaviness, burning, aching, tiredness, or pain in your legs. Symptoms may be worse after you stand or sit for long periods of time
More serious symptoms include:
- Leg swelling
- Colour changes in the skin
- Dry, thinned skin
- Inflammation
- Scaling
- Open sores, or bleeding after a minor injury
- Swelling and calf pain after you sit or stand for long periods of time
Varicose veins are common and usually aren’t a sign of a serious problem. But in some cases, varicose veins can be a sign of a blockage in deeper veins called deep vein thrombosis.
SPIDER VEINS
Spider veins are closer to the surface of the skin and appear red or blue. They look like spider webs or tree branches with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for both spider veins and varicose veins. Dr Mia uses a needle to inject a liquid chemical into the vein. The chemical causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood, and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein should fade. It is a fairly quick painless procedure to achieve blemish free skin. You can return to normal activity right after treatment.
The same vein may need to be treated more than once. Treatments are usually done every 4 to 6 weeks. You may be asked to wear gradient compression stockings after sclerotherapy to help with healing and decrease swelling. This treatment is very effective when done correctly.
Possible side effects include:
- Stinging, red and raised patches of skin, or bruising where the injection was made.
- Spots, brown lines, or groups of fine red blood vessels around the treated vein.
- Lumps of blood can get confined in the vein and cause inflammation. This is not hazardous. Swelling can be relieved by applying heat and taking an anti-inflammatory. Dr Mia can drain the trapped blood with a small pinprick at a follow-up visit.
- Sclerosant, injected outside of the vein can damage the surrounding skin. We take all necessary precautions to prevent this.
Electro Dessication
An electric current is passed through a special insulated needle to treat individual vessels. The needle decreases the healing time and tissue damage associated with non-insulated needles.
WHAT IS THE COST?
The total cost of sclerotherapy depends on the number of vials needed to achieve the desired results. Prior to your first session, you will have a consult with Dr Mia and receive a treatment plan that outlines the anticipated cost.
Orlight Pulse Light laser can be used for fine vessels and flushing.