Leg Vein Treatments
Here at MBNS we treat most thread and spider veins with sclerotherapy, and slightly larger leg veins <4mm with a Nd:Yag laser. This is considered the most effective laser for vein treatment. Our Specialist Nurses have a qualification in the use of lasers and will first conduct a thorough evaluation with history and clinical examination prior to any treatment.
Thread veins (often referred to as "spider veins") on the legs, although not a health problem can cause discomfort and embarrassment, leading to a loss of self-esteem, particularly as clothing choices become restricted. Millions of people are bothered by spider veins which are small and unsightly and appear as clusters of red blue or purple veins most commonly on the thighs, calves and ankles. In fact it is estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic problem.
Leg veins are caused by many different factors such as – hormonal changes (pregnancy and menopause), occupations that involve standing for long periods of time, repeated knocking and bruising of skin, fine skin and weight gain. They affect women more than men.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy been used as the ‘gold standard’ treatment for forty years, and despite different technologies being developed, is still the most reliable and effective treatment for thread veins today. Treating these small veins, not only has cosmetic benefits but it may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with spider veins that include – aching, burning, swelling and night cramps. The larger of the spider veins are treated first followed by the smaller surface veins by injecting a sclerosant. This is a solution that irritates the vein and causes the immune system to respond by clearing away the damaged vein. There is usually minimal or no discomfort during sclerotherapy injections due to the size of the needle and the superficial injection technique. Following the treatment, tubigrip is applied which should be worn for a minimum of 24 hours, to help assist the shrinkage of the thread veins, the area kept dry and no exercise.
The whole treatment should usually take no longer than half an hour or so depending on how many veins require treatment. You can normally go about your usual daily activities following this treatment. After your treatment, the veins may appear more prominent. The injection sites look like insect bites and may occasionally itch. The veins gradually begin to fade and continue to improve for 4 to 6 weeks after which time a repeat session can be scheduled. Usually 2-3 treatments are required for best results. We aim to reduce the number of veins by 60-70%.
At MBNS we also use Intense Pulsed Light™ to treat very small veins that are too small to be treated by a fine needle. It is a light treatment that is also used to treat thread veins on faces, as well as pigmentation. You will be advised if you need one, or a combination of these two treatments upon consultation.
Laser
Larger veins, usually the deeper blue veins, need a different treatment from thread veins. At consultation an assessment is made of your leg veins, with further assessment and referral occasionally required by a vascular doctor.
If they are <4mm in diameter we can treat them with our Nd:Yag laser. Laser light is absorbed by the blood within the vein and heats and coagulates it, destroying the function of the vein, without affecting the surrounding tissue. Over time the vein is cleared away by the body. A series of treatments is required depending on vein depth and size with a spacing of 8-12 weeks between depending.
During the treatment you are required to wear laser glasses to protect your eyes. Our nurse specialists use a powerful light source to illuminate deeper veins for precise placement of the laser. A cool gel is applied to the skin and there is minimal discomfort during the treatment. You can return to normal activities straight away with only a slight ache a sign that you had treatment.
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