Dermatology and Cosmetic Laser Center of Huntington

Spider Veins
Spider veins appear as red or purple thread-like structures on the skin surface, and can occur on the face, neck, chest and legs. They are superficial blood vessels that are found on almost everybody. In the legs, they can be found alone or in combination with varicose veins. Alone, they are not a health risk, but often are a cosmetic concern.

Spider veins are generally an inherited condition occurring when small capillaries dilate on the surface of the skin. There are larger veins called reticular or "feeder" veins that are the source for spider veins. Spider veins can worsen for a variety of reasons.

To treat them, we use state-of-the-art technology and a unique combination therapy. Our approach involves the use of sclerotherapy with hypertonic saline followed by a vascular laser. Sclerotherapy involves injection of a sclerosing agent into the blood vessels causing the walls to become swollen and inflamed. Right afterwards, a laser can then used to heat the vessels. By causing "double damage" -- the sclerosing agent and direct heat to the vessel walls -- they collapse and disappear. During your consultation, you will be given recommendations tailored to your specific condition, which may include one or both of these treatments.

Our distinctive treatment approach will improve your appearance and, like with many patients, your self confidence. The veins will begin to appear lighter after each session. Two to three sessions are usually required to achieve the maximum outcome. The appearance of the vessels will continue to improve for up to one or two months after treatment. Pain associated with treatment is minimal. Sclerotherapy will involve a slight needle prick and mild burning while the laser will produce a little cold stinging sensation.

Facial Vein Treatment
What does treatment involve?
Light safely passes through the outermost layers of skin in search of the targeted vascular or pigmented lesions. Without damaging the surrounding skin, the laser’s intense light is absorbed by the targeted lesion. The light energy is then converted to heat and this initiates the process of eliminating the lesion. The treated lesion will gradually fade or diminish. In many cases, smaller vessels or pigmentation spots are eliminated in 1 to 2 treatments. Medium or larger vessels may take additional treatments.

Laser treatment can be utilized for small facial areas or for the entire face. Recently, full–face treatments have become increasingly popular. Many people suffer from larger broken capillaries on their nose and cheeks and will have medium and smaller vessels on other facial areas. A full-face treatment will improve the overall facial appearance by creating a more uniform skin color, and by smoothing the texture of the skin.

The hand piece quickly advances across the skin delivering pulses to the treatment site. A full-face treatment typically lasts anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. Smaller areas, such as the nose, can be treated in 15 minutes. In some cases a topical anesthetic cream is first applied to numb the treatment area. For a short period of time following treatment, a cold compress may be applied to soothe the possible appearance of slight swelling or redness of the skin. Treatments on the face, chest, neck, hands, legs, and abdomen are all done safely and quickly with laser technology.

How many treatments are required?
During your consultation, your skin’s condition will be evaluated and a customized treatment program will be suggested. In some cases only 1 or 2 treatments are required. However, in many cases 3 to 5 or more treatments will be required to achieve premium results. The number of treatment sessions will depend on the type of lesion to be treated, the location of the lesion and its size and color. In many cases, it is recommended that treatments applied to the face be repeated at 3 to 4 week intervals. The time intervals of your treatments will be determined during the consultation, where many of these issues and concerns may be addressed.

Men and women of all ages are currently seeking better alternatives to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Medical laser and intense pulsed light technology has evolved to provide non-invasive, "no down time" treatments for certain benign skin conditions. If you suffer from broken or raised capillaries/rosy cheeks, spider veins, birthmarks, portwine stains, rosacea, or pigmented lesions such as age spots, sun spots and uneven pigmentation, laser skin treatments can provide the safe and effective alternative you have been looking for. Enjoy a more youthful appearance with skin rejuvenation.

Are there any side effects?
Side effects are rare. Immediately following treatment, the skin may appear flushed, brown-pigmented spots may appear darker, and capillaries may be more visible. You will learn more about side effects during your consultation.

Sclerotherapy
Pregnancy, prolonged standing, and heredity are the primary causes of unsightly and often painful varicose and spider veins. As we age, more visible leg veins frequently emerge and our existing veins become increasingly noticeable. Spider veins most commonly show up on the legs but can also appear on the face. There is a simple solution to this problem: a sclerosing solution and a cosmetic procedure called sclerotherapy!

What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy was developed over 75 years ago and at present is one of the most prevalent treatments for spider and varicose veins. During the treatment, a sclerosing agent is injected into the vein through a tiny needle. Treatment can last from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the number of veins treated in a particular session. Upon injection, the solution replaces the blood in the vein, generating irritation and corrosion to the walls of the vessel. The body then initiates the natural healing process and the vein begins to decompose, shrink, and eventually disappear.

What results will I see?
Gradual improvement will be noticed. Many patients experience 60% to 80% of the treated vessels resolved. During your consultation, you will be advised as to the number of treatments necessary to achieve desired results.

What are the side effects?
In most cases, you will be able to resume regular activities immediately. However, excessive standing or vigorous activities are not advised for 24 to 48 hours. Following treatment, the affected veins may darken and the area may appear bruised. Support hose or a snug wrapping to the treated area is recommended. This application of pressure will help reduce side effects and aid in more effective healing and treatment. After the treatment of larger vessels, the affected area may appear pigmented, but this is temporary and will fade over time.

Who is a candidate?
Our dermatologists will determine if you are a candidate. During your consultation, a review of your medical history will ascertain the cause and severity of your condition. Depending on the types of veins, a combination of different treatment modalities may be suggested.

How many treatments will it take?
The number of sessions required varies from individual to individual and should be discussed with our dermatologists. In some cases, as few as two or three treatments will fulfill the desired outcome. In other situations, several treatments may be required to achieve the optimum result.

What is treatment like?
The vessels in question will be examined and reviewed with you by our dermatologist. A treatment strategy will then be decided upon to eradicate these veins. You may be asked to stand while the problem veins are marked and photographed. The sclerosing agent will then be injected into the targeted veins. Discomfort is minimal and no anesthesia is required. You will be asked to wear support hose or a supportive wrap for a short period of time following treatment. This precautionary post-treatment measure will apply compression to the treated vessels to prevent recurrence.

Medical treatment photos courtesy of Candela® Corporation, Sanofi Aventis, and Allergan®.