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All medical. surgical and diagnostic procedures, as well as patient examinations, are performed by physicians with extensive training and experience treating many types of vascular problems.
What are 'Spider Veins'?...
'Spider' veins are very thin bluish or reddish veins that may appear on thighs and legs and also on other areas of the body, such as arms and face. Over the years, many different medical treatments have been applied in order to eliminate them, or at least to reduce their number and appearance.
At this time, the most effective medical treatments use 'Sclerotherapy', which is the injection into these small vessels of medications that would literally erase them. Lasers are frequently used to treat spider veins, but they are not as effective as sclerotherapy, are more expensive and may require multiple applications.
How many treatments are necessary to remove 'Spider Veins'?...
The number of treatments is different for each patient: usually, three treatment sessions [each one provided one week apart] would take care of most dilated veins. Occasionally, some patients will require more treatments due to numerous enlarged veins.
What is 'Sclerotherapy'?...
Sclerotherapy is a special treatment created to eliminate dilated veins. "Sclero" means "scar"; in other words, this type of treatment will create a very small, thin scar that will replace the enlarged vein, by the injection of medications into them using very fine, hair-thin needles.
The medications used have the effect of irritating the inside of the veins, with the subsequent formation of a scar under the skin, that will be totally reabsorbed over time, usually in a matter of days for very small veins and a few weeks for large, varicose veins.
Normally, several sclerotherapy treatments are required to obtain good results, because not all dilated veins can be treated during one session. Some patients will require only three treatment sessions for a few, isolated veins; However, the majority of patients will benefit from four to seven treatments due to multiple dilated veins in the front and back of their thighs and legs, etc. Dilated veins on and around the ankles usually require extra treatments.
Does Sclerotherapy hurt?...
Pain during sclerotherapy treatments has been a concern over the years, depending largely on the type, amount and concentration of the solutions used.
We are pleased to tell our patients that because our doctors use specially formulated, non-allergenic proprietary solutions for Sclerotherapy treatments, pain and discomfort during and after Sclerotherapy treatments have been eliminated several years ago, allowing them to return to their normal activities right away.
Are there any complications with Sclerotherapy treatments?...
The frequency of undesired effects and complications are greatly diminished when medications are carefully chosen and applied by physicians with a great deal of experience. Our doctors have treated many patients for over fifteen years without any undesired results, due to their excellent skills and their use of state-of-the-art medical devices and supplies, including magnification during delicate treatments.
We often see patients who consult for bruising, vein "matting" and skin scarring after undergoing Sclerotherapy treatments at other medical facilities, due to a poor choice of medications or techniques, applied by insufficiently trained professionals.
What are 'Varicose' veins?...
'Varicose' veins, or 'Varices' are abnormally dilated or enlarged veins, particularly on the lower extremities. They are caused by several factors, mainly family predisposition and changes in the normal blood flow patterns due to increased venous pressure caused by pregnancy, vigorous work-outs, etc.
These dilated veins may appear over time below the knees and also from the inside of the upper thighs, extending down to the ankle, on one or both legs. They may cause a number of symptoms, such as itching, soreness, "tired" or "heavy" legs, etc., which are caused by the abnormal blood flow.
For many years, varices have been treated surgically: patients are admitted to the hospital and the enlarged veins are removed under anesthesia. This type of treatment requires one, two or more days of hospital stay, plus between seven to ten days of postoperative rest at home. New treatment methods use lasers and other specialized devices to cauterize the veins —these modalities also require hospitalization but they may be used in an office setting.
What is 'Segmental Phlebectomy'?...
Also known as "Ambulatory" or "Micro Phlebectomy", it is a procedure based on microsurgical techniques applied under local anesthesia. In other words, most large veins, or 'Varices' can be treated at the office under local anesthesia, in one to three sessions. Patients can go home after each treatment and usually resume their normal activities in a day or two.
Does 'Segmental Phlebectomy' hurt? Pain and discomfort during and after these specialized treatments are minimal; they are done at our office under local anesthesia, which allows for a quick recovery. Patients may return to their normal activities the following day.
Are there any complications with 'Segmental Phlebectomy'? There may be some minor bruising on the treated areas, but as with any other bruises, they fade away in a few days. Once the veins are removed, a compressive bandage helps with the healing and a some soreness that may occur for a few hours.
Our doctors have a great deal of experience and they have treated many patients for over fifteen years without any undesired results, due to their excellent skills and their use of state-of-the-art medical devices and supplies, including magnification during delicate treatments.
Click here to download our brochure with information on our procedures and services.
Copyright © 2009 McLean Vein Center® McLean Medical Institute®
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