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(352) 733-0111

Vein therapy

Undesirable veins are a very common complaint. Unsightly and unwanted vessels present in many sizes, colors, and locations. There are spider veins, matting of veins, isolated or discrete vessels, and varicose veins. The best therapy is dictated by the characteristics of the vascular lesion to be treated.

Some types of veins respond best to sclerotherapy (injections that scar down a vessel). Other vessels respond better to laser therapy or IPL (intense pulsed light), both of which heat the vessel wall causing the vessel to collapse and disappear. Most facial veins are best treated with laser or intense pulsed light devices. The gold standard for leg vein therapy is sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves delicately injecting a sclerosing agent which causes the vessels to scar down and disappear. One injection point can clear multiple tiny vessels so just a few injections, with a very small needle, can clear all the vessels. This treatment modality is essentially pain free. Some types of leg veins respond better to laser treatment. Both sclerotherapy and laser leg vein therapy achieve approximately 70% clearance following one treatment session. Typically, two sessions will result in complete clearance of the unwanted veins.

A thorough understanding of laser physics and skin anatomy is imperative to safely and effectively treat leg veins with a laser. Some of our dermatologic staff pioneered the development of laser leg vein therapy and developed the protocols used by experienced laser surgeons today. It is important to seek a trained and experienced dermatologist.

What to expect with vein therapy

Sclerotherapy sessions typically last 15-20 minutes and are relatively painless. The vessels will become more noticeable and red with a hive-like reaction after the procedure lasting for the remainder of the day. Exercise is to be limited for the subsequent several days. Support stockings can help enhance the efficacy.

Laser leg vein therapy can be used to trace out and eliminate individual vessels very effectively. Most leg veins sit deeper in the skin and require special laser parameters to most effectively treat. The treatment feels like multiple hot pricks passing over the vessel. The procedure is tolerated well with most vessels cleared at the end of the procedure. Some vessels can rupture leaving a bruise, while others may develop a transient darker purple appearance.

Sclerotherapy and laser leg vein therapy can be used individually or together to maximize leg vein resolution. Treatment sessions are best spaced 4-6 weeks apart.