Reveal your legs!
Spider veins can be all different shapes, sizes and colors. They can be on your face or most commonly on your legs. They affect both men and women, with women having a higher prevalence. With the latest advances in cosmetic and laser surgery world, there is no need to be embarrassed and suffer from these veins and simply reach out to Dr. Avaliani for help.
What is the difference between spider veins and reticular veins?
Spider veins are typically more superficial and smaller vessels with a purple/blue color. Reticular veins are located slightly deeper and usually are larger in size, therefore they occasionally may give bulging appearance, have tenderness to touch and appear blue/green in color.
What is superficial varicosity?
Superficial varicosity can be referred to both spider veins or reticular veins. They can occur together but the treatment is not always the same.
How to remove spider veins?
There are many treatment modalities and they include a combination with laser and sclerosing agent. It is important to understand that not one treatment fits all and individuals personal desire, budget as well as severity of the problem will dictate the most appropriate treatment modality.
What is a sclerosing agent?
Dr. Avaliani uses an FDA approved sclerosing agent Asclera (pilodocanol). It is a medication which is directly injected into the spider veins and causes them to shrink in front of your eyes.
What vein sizes does Asclera treat?
Small spider veins or reticular veins between 1mm to 3mm in diameter size have been safely studied and proven to be effective.
How do lasers treat spider veins?
The special light in the lasers target superficial and slightly deepr small veins, causing them to heat up and inflame, which closes the vessel and leads to it’s destruction as the blood flow is redirected to deeper veins as they should.
How do I know which treatment will I need for my veins?
Dr. Avaliani will carefully examine you and determine which treatment will work best for you.
Does sclerotherapy treatment hurt?
There is very slight stinging or burning sensation as the product is injected, but it is very quick and transient. Some people might not even feel anything at all.
How many treatments will I need?
The answer depends on the severity and the size of the treatment area. Given that there is a limit of how much medication can be used at one treatment session, usually 2-3 sessions are required to achieve optimal results. This will be greatly discussed at the time of your consultation.
What are some of the contraindications to having sclerotherapy (spider vein removal)?
Active skin infection at the site where the veins are is definitely a contraindication. History of blood clots in your legs as well as history of an allergic reaction to pilodocanol are absolute contraindications to receiving the treatment.
What are some of the adverse effects of spider vein removal?
Soreness, swelling, redness, and bruising are the most common adverse effects whether it was an injection or laser. Occasionally, PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) may develop as the vessel is losing it’s blood supply and may last weeks to months. Detailed discussion about all the possible risks and complications will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Avaliani
*Results and duration of effect may vary, no guarantee of specific results can be given.
