What are spider and varicose veins?
If you’re considering vein removal treatments in NYC, you may be dealing with spider and varicose veins. Spider veins or telangiectasias are those tiny purple and red blood vessels found most commonly on the thighs or lower legs of women. They are hereditary and can form anywhere on the leg and occasionally spider veins appear on the face. Varicose veins are larger. They can appear raised above the skin level with a bluish color and can become quite painful. Even though spider veins and varicose veins carry blood, they are not part of your deep venous valve system. Spider veins can be eliminated or improved through a simple office procedure called Sclerotherapy.
What is Sclerotherapy?
During the procedure a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein through a micro-needle. The tiny needles generally cause very little discomfort. The sclerosing solution causes the vein to blanch (turn white), then gradually disappear. A typical treatment may last for 15 to 20 minutes. Injection Sclerotherapy may eliminate the need for a more invasive surgical procedure.
Sclerotherapy can also improve the symptoms related to varicose veins. It can reduce swelling, aching, cramping, and burning sensations.
Am I a good candidate for vein removal treatments?
The ideal candidates for vein removal treatments are 30-60 years old, have realistic expectations regarding results, and have not been pregnant or lactating for at least three months. They also understand that new veins may still form after treatment.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you are currently bedridden, it is best to postpone vein removal treatment until this is no longer the case and three months have passed. The procedure is not recommended for people who might need veins for a potential bypass or for people with a history of clotting or deep leg vein inflammation.
You are not eligible for vein removal treatments if you have an active DVT. The procedure will not be performed on a vein that might be used for future surgical bypass surgeries, unless it has been rendered unusable.
Will Sclerotherapy work on my veins?
Prior to your treatment, Dr. Moreano will review your medical history and do an exam to determine how long you have had a problem with your veins and the severity of your specific problem. We need to know if you have had previous vein treatment or previous surgery in the area of concern. Dr. Moreano will test your leg to determine if the deep venous system is affected. If it is, surgery may be advised before Sclerotherapy is attempted. If the area to be treated can be improved, Sclerotherapy will be recommended.
Before the vein removal treatment session, you might be advised to stop taking certain medications. These include antibiotics, aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs, and Prednisone. You may also be asked to avoid applying lotion on your legs before and after the procedure and to use compression hosiery for additional support.
What are the treatments like?
First, we thoroughly clean the area to be treated with alcohol. Then we mark the veins to be treated. Most Sclerotherapy patients report little if any discomfort. A few may experience a mild burning sensation when we inject the solution, but it stops in a few seconds. The larger veins are usually treated first.
Using a small syringe, fitted with a tiny micro-needle, Dr. Moreano will inject a small amount of sclerosing medication into the vein. When the injection reaches the vein, the patient may feel a mild burning sensation and discomfort. If the targeted veins are larger, the patient may feel cramping while the injections are administered.
Sclerosing solution displaces the blood within the vein. It then causes irritation to the lining of the vein, causing it to close. The needle is withdrawn and pressure to the area is applied immediately. The number of veins treated per session is determined by the veins’ locations and sizes and the patient’s overall health status. While each vein may require several injections, most disappear in two weeks to two months.
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Written on October 1, 2014
Great doctor, really compassionate and caring. He and his staff were really just nice, kind people.
How many treatments will I need?
Different patients respond to the same treatment differently. Complete correction of the treated area is not expected on the first treatment. In most cases, about 50-70% of the treated vessels will be gone for good. However, new veins may occur and additional treatments are generally required for optimum results. These treatments may be in three weeks intervals.
What is recovery like?
You will need to wear special heavy-duty stockings to help keep pressure on the veins. This will reduce bruising and help keep the treated veins closed. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for six to eight weeks when larger veins are treated.
Patients are generally encouraged to resume normal activities immediately. We do ask that you refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24 hours. Walking is encouraged because it increases blood flow through the other veins.
You should also avoid exposing the treated veins to the sun during recovery. The injections cause inflammation, creating dark spots on the treated skin when exposed to the sun.
A few more things to avoid must be noted. Do not take ibuprofen, aspirin, or other anti-inflammatory drugs after the treatment. Avoid saunas and jacuzzis, and use cooler water than usual. It helps to clean the injection areas with lukewarm water and soap. The injection sites should not be exposed to heat or sunlight.
How much do vein removal treatments cost?
You can discuss the price of your vein removal treatments with Dr. Moreano during the initial consultation. The number and location of veins being treated may affect cost.
Contact us to learn more
If you are ready to say goodbye to your spider veins, come in for vein removal treatments in NYC at Moreano Plastic Surgery. We offer a safe and minimally invasive procedure to restore vein-free skin. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment, or call us at (718) 478-2852
