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Spider VeinsMillions of women and men are bothered by unsightly spider veins on their faces and legs. Spider veins or telangiectasias are those small red, blue and purple blood vessels that appear most frequently on the face and thighs. Varicose veins are usually larger in diameter and may appear raised with a bluish color. They may also be related to more serious vein disorders and require a careful evaluation by Dr. Roche prior to therapy. The newest medical lasers provide safe and effective non-surgical treatment options for the removal of spider veins and some varicose veins. The advanced laser treatment VersaPulse® C allows the delivery of a precise dosage of energy to each blood vessel. During treatment, light energy is delivered through a small laser handpiece to a targeted vein, in a series of brief pulses. The light energy is absorbed by the lining of the blood vessels and the blood within the blood vessels, but not the surrounding tissue. The heat absorption causes a coagulation of the blood vessel, which is subsequently absorbed by your body. Prior to laser treatment of blood vessels, your medical history will be reviewed to determine how long you've had a problem with your veins and the severity of the problem. The determination of your skin type will be necessary and knowledge of any prior surgery or treatment on your veins. A test may be performed to determine if there is any underlying venous problem. If detected, further testing may be advised prior to laser vein therapy. The blood vessels that are best treated with the laser are one to three millimeters in diameter. No anesthetic is required for this treatment.
The Surgery The laser has a specialized chilled hand piece which acts to cool the surface of the skin while the energy or light from the laser penetrates to the depth of the blood vessel. Pulses of light energy are then delivered along the length of the blood vessel, with the larger veins being lasered first. The light energy causes the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the vessels. Most patients describe some moderate discomfort. It is usually described as a mild burning sensation when the light energy is applied to the blood vessels. The majority of the treated blood vessels will be gone within two to three treatments. The treatments can be spaced four to six weeks apart. If new veins appear, additional treatments are required for optimum results. The treatments may be scheduled in three to four week intervals.
After Surgery Following treatment, depending upon the severity of the blood vessels, patients may be required to wear support hose to keep pressure on the veins. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few weeks when larger vessels are involved. While each vein may require several pulses from the laser, most will disappear within two to six weeks. Patients are encouraged to resume most normal activities immediately. Final results may not be apparent for several months. Most patients enjoy the comfort and the look of the legs without unsightly red, blue and purple veins in a short period of time.
Click here for more information on Spider Vein Removal
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