Vein Removal, or Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy: A special caustic or sclerosing solution is injected into the vein using a tiny needle. The tiny needle generally causes very little pain. The solution causes the vein to either become less obvious or disappear The veins that are treated are not necessary to the circulatory system, so they can be removed or treated without posing a health problem. Spider veins and varicose veins differ. Spider veins appear as sunbursts or a web pattern. Varicose veins are larger, sometimes raised and are often blue.
Sclerotherapy can help delete or minimize spider veins and superficial varicose veins. The sclerosing solution causes the vein to blanch (turn white), then gradually disappear. A typical treatment may last for 15 to 20 minutes and consist of multiple injections. 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 appear and additional treatments are generally required for optimum results. These treatments may be carried three-week intervals.
Larger varicose veins -- the size of a pencil or more can be removed through a new procedure called ambulatory phlebotomy using fine cm incisions to introduce a special hook under local anesthesia and mild sedation to remove them. Better and more effective is the use of an endovenous (inside the vein) laser by a trained vascular surgeon like the one available at cosmesurge. It is important, however, to remember that improvement, not perfection, is the goal. The best candidates are healthy individuals with realistic expectations. Recurrence is possible especially with new pregnancies.
Complications of vein removal
Vein removal procedures are usually safe procedures with infrequent complications. When performed by a qualified physician, these popular procedures can help you achieve a more harmonious look.
To help ensure a successful outcome, the patient should be a good candidate, the physician should be well trained in vein surgery techniques, the surgical facility should be properly equipped and the patient should follow the doctor's instructions and advice.
While complications are unusual, you should discuss the risks and possible side effects with your doctor Complications may include reddish blotches, most of which will disappear in six to twelve months, and discoloration. New spider veins may eventually appear over time. For more advanced cases, or with larger veins, intra-vascular Diode laser ablation may need to be performed. Your physician will also discuss the technique he or she intends to use. In a few cases, a second, minor corrective surgery may need to be performed to achieve the optimal look.
You should have realistic expectations and realize that while most of the change will be apparent within a few weeks; several treatments may need to be done over a period of several weeks to months to achieve the desired results.
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