Nirvana Laser Hair & Skin Clinic
Services

 

Vein Therapy

Spider veins are like overgrown red-purple vines that have grown very superficially in the skin and detract from the appearance of skin by the appearance of “red spots or red lines” on the face or legs. When these become excessive on the face, they will reveal their dysfunction by dilating more and more frequently by triggers that become eventually “off-limits”. The result of overgrowth of tiny facial veins is progressive redness of the face with problematic flushing. For example, a glass of wine might trigger a flush so red and intense that wine would be too embarrassing to risk in the future. Now one more of life’s pleasures would be avoided. Other typical triggers include: a hot drink, sun exposure, emotions, and exercise. Sometimes these vessels become so dense in the face that a flush will cause alarm in others. Others might ask about your blood pressure, or they will silently assume that you drink too much alcohol. Intense pulsed light to the full face is an excellent method for stabilizing the flushing activity, while also eliminating the spider veins that distract from the complexion and color. Nose veins are often an isolated cosmetic blight that are dealt with in minutes by one of the lasers.

Spider veins and small veins on the legs are unsightly and increasingly common with age. They are elongated twisting veins of varying color from red to purple, of varying size, and varying depth, that may occur singly or in mixed networks. They have no functional role. Sometimes the complexes are so large and dense that they appear as a bruise on the medial knee or lateral thigh. Individuals with complexes such as described are often approached by others with questions about the “bruise”. The overall effect of the scattered veins, or complexes of veins, is distracting enough that some will choose to furthermore avoid clothing that might expose their legs. This means no more shorts or swim suits in the summer! Another of life’s pleasures is out! Nirvana will tailor the treatment for any given individual’s vein pattern by choosing from two lasers or one intense pulsed light device, to maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.

With research and development of light based therapy, it has become evident to experts that spider veins and small superficial leg veins are highly amenable to laser and pulsed light therapy. Traditionally, injections into the veins, or surgery, were the treatments of choice, but now the latter therapies are reserved primarily for larger deeper vein problems such as true varicosities or incapacitated veins. Light is a much simpler less invasive mechanism to bring about resolution of the small tortuous veins.

The light is selectively absorbed into the red – blue blood vessel, heating it up, and causing it to collapse and self absorb. The technology is diverse, enabling selective treatment of vessels on the basis of size, depth, and color, passing by and through the skin without disruption. Side effects are usually limited to slight swelling and redness of the blood vessel under the skin, for a few days. Occasionally there may be some superficial blistering or scabbing or bruising that resolves completely in the next days, but this is uncommon.

The process is quick and easy. People will often “stop in after work for a treatment”. They are back to work the following day with “no downtime”. The only restriction is the recommendation that sun be avoided for a few weeks.

PREPARATION FOR VEIN THERAPY

  • It is best to avoid potent tanning for the 4 weeks prior to vein therapy.
  • Avoid tanning lotions for the week prior to vein therapy.
  • Topical anesthetic may be helpful as the pulses have a sting to them. One example is EMLA, and we have a write up about instructions for use of this topical. However, there are now others available that are equally suitable, and perhaps less costly. All may be purchased directly from the pharmacist.
  • Use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater plus hat or clothing to minimize tan if anticipating a treatment, and after a treatment for a couple of weeks
  • Do not use tanning agents during the week prior to treatment.
  • Although vein therapy is a “no downtime” procedure, it would best be done with a few days margin around a special event.

POST TREATMENT CARE - VEIN THERAPY

  • For most individuals there is some discomfort during but not after the treatment. If there is some aching, then Ibuprofen, 400 mg three times daily for a couple of days works well to relieve. Ask your pharmacist if in doubt about suitability of this drug for you, if in any doubt.
  • The treatment zone appears near normal for most individuals by the time they depart the premises. There may be some streaky redness, minimal swelling, or minimal tenderness for the next few hours, but most will report normal appearance of the skin the following day.
  • Side effects of vein therapy are uncommon and include: bruising, scabbing, or blistering. This may be managed quite simply by cleansing well, followed by application of antibiotic ointment. Resolution typically occurs within a week or 10 days.
  • Uncommonly there may be blue streaking of the vein that persists for days to weeks, representing a collection of blood in the vein. If this should occur, then a few pulses over the sites will “break it up” and resolve the streaking. If they have not resolved on their own within 4 weeks, then please call us and we will do that without additional charge to you.
  • Very uncommonly there may be some transient hypo or hyper pigmentation. This invariably resolves within 3 – 6 months.
  • After care involves twice daily washing with antibacterial cleanser. Pat dry, and apply the antibiotic / anti-inflammatory cream prescribed by the physician. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing excessively until redness has subsided.
  • Minimize tanning for the next 2 weeks by utilizing SPF 40+ and barrier clothing.
  • If you have any concerns about side effects, call the clinic at 931-8828.

 

Manufacturer: LUMENIS LTD.

Licence: #24033, Vasculight   Class: 3

Indications: Combination Intense Pulse Light Plus ND Yag Laser indicated for treatment of Vascular conditions Larger Deep Veins, Pigmented Conditions and Skin Rejuvenation.

Associated information is available at the following web sites.

 

Click here to view before and after photos

 


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