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Leg Vein Treatment

Thousand Oaks leg vein treatment model with brown hair
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Leg vein treatments are the procedures that treat spider veins (aka, superficial leg veins) through techniques ranging from minimal to non-invasive.

These veins commonly appear on the thighs, calves, or ankles. It’s a common condition among women and men. These unsightly veins are associated with genetics, pregnancy, and occupations that involve prolonged standing. There’s a possibility for complications with spider veins, but they primarily make people feel very self-conscious and can cause plenty of aesthetic and emotional difficulties. Regardless of the cause, leg vein treatments at our Thousand Oaks practice may be the solution that helps you love the look of your legs. If you are wondering which vein treatment is right for you, request a consultation with Dr. Azar to discuss the possibilities. Or you can call our office at (805) 373-7073 and one of our knowledgeable, friendly staff members will schedule your appointment.

Additional Reading

Spider veins are a condition by which tiny blood vessels widen, causing ropy red and purple lines or patterns on the skin. These patterns happen gradually and in groups. It’s known scientifically as telangiectasia, but they are commonly referred to as spider veins due to their weblike appearance. They can happen to anyone and anywhere on the body, but they are usually found on the legs.

Dr. Kouros Azar

Azar Plastic Surgery and Med Spa

A board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Azar develops innovative surgical techniques and is dedicated to providing exceptional outcomes.

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What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins are caused by unhealthy valves in the feeder veins, causing the blood to flow backward rather than upwards towards the heart. This backed-up blood causes the veins to become non-functional, also known by the term venous reflux. Spider veins appear underneath the skin because of body weight pressure, gravity, and carrying blood from the bottom to the top. Other contributing factors to consider are:

  • Obesity
  • Inactivity
  • Sun/UV exposure
  • Hormone changes

Benefits of Leg Vein Treatments

Increased Self-Esteem

Leg vein treatments give patients legs that they’re proud to flaunt. Not having to worry about your legs’ appearance can leave you feeling happier, more secure, and hopefully, with a more adventurous wardrobe.

Avoid Overheating

Patients with spider veins and varicose veins tend to cover them in layers of clothing, even during the summer. Leg vein treatments give patients the confidence to wear their shorts and swimsuits.

Increased Fitness

By feeling more secure in their appearance, patients start showing more interest in going to the gym, sports, and other outdoor physical activities following their leg vein treatments.

Decreased Skin Irritation

Spider veins and varicose veins cause congested blood flow to the skin, which can result in thick, itchy, brownish skin and rashes. Treatments take care of that.

Personal Consultation

Schedule a consultation with Thousand Oaks leg vein treatment, Dr. Azar; then, you can discuss treatment options and the best path forward. For optimal results, be sure to follow any instructions given to you before and after your procedure.

Westlake village leg vein treatment model wearing black pants

Types of Leg Vein Treatments

For smaller spider veins ranging in size from 1 mm to 5 mm, laser leg vein treatment is highly effective and safer than injections. The laser used is the Cutera Excel V, an Nd:YAG laser that safely targets the hemoglobin in the veins while protecting the skin. The Excel V delivers pulses of light energy, causing the blood in the vein to coagulate, destroying the vessel, which is later reabsorbed into the body. Penetration depth is high, whereas absorption by melanin is low, making the Nd:YAG laser suitable for treating larger and deeply located veins and treating patients with dark skin types.[1]

It may require more than one treatment to address all of the unwanted veins. Treatments range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how extensive the veins are. Laser vein treatment is usually not considered painful but feels like a light rubber band snapping against the skin. Treatments are performed six weeks apart.

Preparation

Laser Vein Treatment

Leading up to your procedure, you may be asked to:

  • Temporarily stop smoking.
  • Avoid taking aspirin, herbal supplements, or anti-inflammatory drugs that may increase bleeding.
  • Take certain medications or adjust current medications.

You’ll also want to stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

Sclerotherapy

  • Smoking.
  • Taking aspirin, herbal supplements, or anti-inflammatory drugs that may increase bleeding.
  • Shaving or applying lotion to the legs.

As with laser vein treatments, it’s recommended that you stay hydrated and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

EVLT

In the week leading up to your EVLT treatment, you will want to avoid:

  • Tanning.
  • Taking blood-thinning medications.
  • Taking NSAIDs like Advil or Motrin.

It’s advised patients wait for any skin infections to heal before treatment. Stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting clothing.

Leg Vein Treatment Procedure

Laser Vein Treatment

The procedure involves directing an intense beam of light at the spider vein, destroying it through the skin. Treatments can last 30 minutes to an hour. Multiple sessions may be required. Laser vein treatments may also be combined with sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy

During treatment, a sclerosing solution is injected into the spider vein. The injection irritates the vein’s insides, causing it to collapse on itself. Multiple spider veins require multiple injections.

EVLT

As you lie down comfortably, an ultrasound will be used to guide the procedure. Your leg will then be injected with a numbing agent. Next, a needle makes a tiny puncture in the vein, then the catheter containing the laser is inserted. Once in place, the catheter is slowly drawn back. As the laser emits heat, the vein gets closed off. Once finished, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the treated area. Afterward, a compression stocking or bandage will be put on.

Recovery

Laser Vein Treatment

Immediately after treatment, your spider veins will be redder and more visible, but they will fade after two to six weeks. Initial redness and swelling should die down within a few days.

Sclerotherapy

After injections are complete, the legs may be dressed in either compressive tape, stocking, or an elastic ACE bandage. The treated area will have some bruising that will fade over time.

EVLT

Recovery time is minimal and pain-free. Walking is encouraged, but strenuous physical activity should be avoided for two to three weeks following your procedure. Any bruising or discomfort should fade after two to four weeks.

Results

Leg vein treatments from Azar Plastic Surgery & Med Spa leave your legs feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the outside world. Patients enter the world feeling more confident and secure in their appearance. Like what you’ve read so far? Click through our blog to find out more about procedures, events, articles, advice, and more.

Westlake village leg vein treatment model with blonde hair

Leg Vein Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Leg vein treatments are treatment options ranging from minimal to non-invasive that eliminate the presence of spider veins. Options include:

  • Laser Vein Treatments
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

Spider veins result from tiny blood cells widening. This causes ropy, reddish bunches of veins that look like a spider’s web to appear underneath the skin.

Spider veins are relatively common and affect up to 50% of the adult population. Women tend to develop them more than men, most likely due to hormones.

Varicose veins are darker and more dilated and can become dangerous if left untreated.
Spider veins are smaller and thinner bluish or reddish veins on the skin. They are virtually painless and can show up in many places like on legs, behind the knees in young athletes, and on the face.
What they both have in common is their underlying cause: circulation issues. The main offender is increased pressure on the veins and blood vessels, which now have to work harder to circulate blood through the body.

There is usually mild to minimal discomfort during leg vein treatments. For laser vein treatment, it feels like a light rubber band snapping on the skin. For sclerotherapy, chemical injections are required, so it’s not entirely painless. For EVLT, there is little to no pain. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area.

References

  1. Meesters, A.A., Pitassi, L.H.U., Campos, V. et al. Transcutaneous laser treatment of leg veins. Lasers Med Sci 29, 481–492 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-013-1483-2
  2. Watson, J. J., MD, RPVI, & Mansour, M. A., MD, RPVI, FACS. (2017). Cosmetic sclerotherapy. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 5(3), 437-445. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.02.002

Schedule your Thousand Oaks plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Azar today

Dr. Kouros Azar, founder and medical director of Azar Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, is an attentive listener, a devoted surgeon and doctor, and a highly-skilled biomedical engineer. He matches his patients with the best possible treatments by drawing on his extensive expertise, compassion, and research skills. Make an appointment with Dr. Azar now to discuss your rejuvenation options.

425 Haaland Dr #200, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

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