The precise origin of varicose veins is unknown, but reports have shown that heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, weight gain or leg injury may influence the occurrence of leg spider veins. Also occupations that require standing are more at risk. Patients with leg varicosities complain of the unsightly appearance of the veins, and often report heaviness and swelling of the legs and feet. Lasers provide a way to treat these vessels, safely, easily and effectively by selectively targeting the red blood cells which in turn heat and damage the vessels, leading to their disappearance. Traditional treatments using for example the electric needle can lead to scarring.

 

Sclerotherapy is the injection of a solution into dilated veins, that will create local irritation inside the veins and its progressive closure and disappearance over the following weeks.

The majority of sclerotherapy treatments performed result in significant improvement. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the treatment will be effective in every case. A small percentage of patients who undergo sclerotherapy may have poor to fair results.

 

The result can be immediate, however, it usually takes several weeks to see the first result. Patients,  usually require one to three treatments. The veins disappear over a period of 2 weeks to 3 months. This treatment does not prevent new veins from developing.

 

 

Laser treatment of leg veins
Laser is ideal for vessels that are too small to be injected, that have failed sclerotherapy, or in patients that have allergic reactions to the sclerosants.
Lasers are very effective in treating small veins, but are usually not recommended for the larger blue veins, or in the presence of dark skin. We use the Nd:YAG which causes immediate results, with over 60% of varicosities disappearing after the first session.

 

In some cases, a minor surgical procedure to remove the veins under local anesthesia can be done, and is indicated for some of the larger veins that can be felt with the finger.

What to expect after treatment?

Compression will need to be worn for the first 24 hours, then during waking hours for 5 days. Compression is not necessary when treatment is done with laser.
After sclerotherapy there might be some redness or swelling for 1-2 days. Tenderness is common and resolves after a few hours. Cramping may occasionally occur.
Occasionally there is bruising for a few days or weeks, but this resolves always.
After laser, the skin turns purple and red for 1-10 days. Some temporary pigmentation changes may follow but they always resolve with time. It is recommended to protect the skin from sun exposure before and after laser sessions.

Varicose veins before and after sclerotherapy	Before After Sclerotherapy

 

What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?

It is recommended to stop aspirin, aspirin-like products and vitamin E one week prior to your treatment, unless prescribed by your physician. After treatment, move your legs regularly and walk as much as possible.  If your legs become painful, walk. Avoid vigorous exercise like aerobics for at least 5-7 days after treatment.