Laser Vein Removal

Sclerotherapy Virginia

Laser vein removal is a procedure that reduces the visibility and the number of superficial “spider veins” that are present in the legs or face. The medical term for this condition is telangiectasia. These veins have been noted in pregnancy, vitamin B deficiency, estrogen excess, and varicosity. Spider veins in the face can be caused by sun damage, age, and heredity. The standard treatment for these problems has been sclerotherapy and electrocautery. Sclerotherapy is the injection of certain scar producing substances into the lumen of the vessels in order to obliterate them. Electrocautery uses heat to do the same thing. Both of these procedures have their advantages and disadvantages. Sclerotherapy remains the standard for treatment of prominent veins in the leg. However, with laser vein ablation, the laser selectively heats and coagulates the vessels. This is a much more specific treatment of veins, and thus has a very low incidence of adverse effects.

Many individuals interested in laser vein removal have already had other procedures to eliminate these unsightly veins. However, they soon find out that no matter what technique is chosen for removal of these veins, the effects are not permanent. New veins continue to form in the legs and replace the ones that were ablated. None of the techniques for vein removal are able to permanently eliminate the appearance of new veins. Even the veins that have been treated may sometimes return with the same severity. The lasers that are used for vein ablation reduce the size and number of these veins; however, they cannot prevent your body from forming new ones. Clusters of veins become sparser or less visible, but complete elimination is unlikely.

We usually perform this procedure in our office. The skin of the area to be treated with the laser is cleaned and shaved. The laser light causes coagulation of the blood inside the vessels. This, in turn, causes scarring and closes down these channels of blood. Several generations of lasers have been introduced in the past several years. Most lasers induce injury through selective ablation of tissue. Different target cells are affected by different wavelengths.

After this procedure, there will be a small amount of swelling and redness in the area that was treated. Your skin may appear to have “cat scratches,” but this will quickly resolve in a few days. You do not need any down- time with this procedure. Patients can be treated and return to work the next hour.

What is Laser Vein Removal?

Laser vein removal is a procedure that reduces the number of small diameter superficial veins by using laser light.

What does Laser Vein Removal accomplish?

The purpose of the laser vein removal procedure is to reduce the visibility and the number of superficial “spider veins” that are present in the legs or face. The medical term for this condition is telangiectasia.  These veins usually occur in the face or the legs. They have been noted in pregnancy, vitamin B deficiency, estrogen excess, and varicosity. Spider veins in the face can be caused by sun damage, age, and heredity. The standard treatment for these problems has been sclerotherapy and electrocautery. Sclerotherapy is the injection of certain scar producing substances into the lumen of the vessels in order to obliterate them. Electrocautery uses heat to do the same thing. In laser vein ablation, the laser selectively heats and coagulates the vessels. This is a much more specific treatment of veins, and thus has a very low incidence of adverse affects.

Who is a candidate for Laser Vein Removal?

Individuals who would like to have a reduction in the number and visibility of spider veins in the face or legs.

What happens during the first Laser Vein Removal consultation in Virginia?

In the first consultation, you will have a chance to discuss your concerns with our patient care coordinators and Dr. Marefat. We will explain what you need to know about your procedure and help to determine what is best for you. You will receive information booklets, review before and after photographs, and receive pricing on the procedure.

How is Laser Vein Removal done?

We usually perform this procedure in our Virginia offices. The skin of the area to be treated with the laser is cleaned and shaved. The laser light causes coagulation of the blood inside the vessels. This, in turn, causes scarring and closes down these channels of blood. Several generations of lasers have been introduced in the past several years. Most lasers induce injury through selective ablation of tissue. Different target cells are affected by different wavelengths. The range of wavelengths extends from 500 nm lasers, which primarily affect vascular structures, to the 1064nm wavelengths, which affect water and melanin.

Is Laser Vein Removal permanent?

No. Many individuals interested in laser vein removal have already had other procedures to eliminate these unsightly veins. However, they soon find out that no matter what technique is chosen for removal of these veins, the effects are not permanent. New veins continue to form in the legs and replace the ones that were ablated. None of the techniques for vein removal are able to permanently eliminate the appearance of new veins. Even the veins that have been treated may sometimes return with the same severity. The lasers that are used for vein ablation reduce the size and number of these veins; however, they cannot prevent your body from forming new ones. Clusters of veins become sparser or less visible, but complete elimination is unlikely.

How many times do I have to receive Laser Vein Removal treatments?

This depends on the severity of the problem and the color of the veins. Some colors are more susceptible to the laser light and are easier to treat. It is almost certain that you will need several treatments. The best way to deal with these annoying veins is to periodically treat your leg or face with laser in order to keep them from becoming bigger or more numerous.

What can I expect after Laser Vein Removal?

There will be a minimal amount of swelling and redness in the area that was treated. Your skin may appear to have “cat scratches,” but this will quickly resolve in a few days. You do not need any down- time with this procedure. Patients can be treated and return to work the next hour.

How many visits do I have after Laser Vein Removal treatments in Virginia?

Laser vein removal treatments are generally spaced every 2-3 months apart. There is no rule with regard to when you should have your next treatment. This depends mainly on what level of perfection you want to achieve. You may have as many visits as you want. In most cases, when there is sufficient reduction in the number of spider veins, further treatments may not be necessary.

When can I cover my Laser Vein Removal bruises with make-up?

You should not have any bruising with this procedure.

Am I a good candidate for Laser Vein Removal?

The ideal candidate for laser vein removal is a person who has small diameter (0.1-1mm) vessels of the face or legs. You should have realistic expectations about the results that you will achieve with this procedure.

How do I pay for Laser Vein Removal in Virginia?

You can pay for this procedure by certified check, credit card, or cash. Payment for cosmetic surgery is expected prior to any procedure. If you are scheduled for surgery several weeks in advance, you may pay by personal check.

Are there Laser Vein Removal scars?

No. There are no scars with this procedure

Does Laser Vein Removal hurt?

Patients experience a stinging pain during the procedure. If you have resistant veins that require high-energy pulses of light, you may feel some discomfort. Generally, the pain is not significant, and pain medications are not necessary prior to the procedure.

Will I be awake during Laser Vein Removal?

Yes. You do not need any sedation or local numbing medicine with this procedure.

Where is Laser Vein Removal performed in Virginia?

The procedure is performed in our Virginia offices.

Are medical photographs taken of Laser Vein Removal?

Yes. In all cosmetic and reconstructive cases medical photos are taken. Photographs are mandatory. This is the only way for us to compare your status before the procedure to your results. Photographs in plastic surgery serve much the same role that x-rays serve for orthopedic surgery.

How do I get started with Laser Vein Removal in Virginia?

Dr. Marefat and the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery would be happy to help you set up a private consultation to discuss laser vein removal in Virginia. Schedule an appointment online or call one of our locations, our Arlington, Virginia office at 703-516-7600 or our Woodbridge, Virginia office at 703-560-9583.

Are there financing options for Laser Vein Removal in Virginia?

Dr. Marefat offers a number of financial assistance programs and payment programs to cover the cost of laser vein removal in Virginia. Please visit the Patient Financing section of our website for more details or ask the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery about these options so you can get started with laser vein removal in Virginia today.