Leg Thread Vein Treatment in Canterbury

LEG VEIN TREATMENT

We recommend occasional top up treatments to maintain trouble free legs; it will avoid the need for major treatments at a later date. Using foam instead of liquid, this new technique is able to treat large varicose veins, and is a good alternative to surgery. If the diameter of the veins is small, i.e. less than 0.8 mm, then laser treatment may be considered. Please see information below.

The Sclerosing agent is used in tiny amounts and causes minimal discomfort, like a tiny pin prick. It is generally less painful than other injections or blood tests.

For 3 days after treatment, the injection sites will be covered with dental rolls held in place with micro pore or other tape, all secured with a tubigrip or similar bandage. When the wrappings are removed after 3 days, small bruises will be visible at the injections sites but will fade within a week or two. For one or two weeks, some veins will probably appear more prominent than before treatment but will then usually begin to fade and continue to do so for up to eight weeks or longer. Remaining veins can be re-injected to reduce them further after 4 to 6 weeks.

Itching, usually mild and restricted to the length of the vessel treated for 1 to 2 days; bruising, brown discolouration of the skin, which is due to the deposition of an iron-containing pigment (haemosiderin); and new vessel formation. Other complications of sclerotherapy are rare . The area around the ankle is more likely to have complications than other areas. Pregnant or breast feeding mums will be asked to postpone treatment; and patients taking certain medications (e.g. anticoagulants) may be advised against sclerotherapy.

Normal daily activities are fine and exercise is encouraged, with the exception of swimming which should be avoided until the skin is completely healed. Wearing of support tights will improve the outcome and is recommended for up to 6 weeks; for more complex clients, longer periods of wearing such tights may be advised. We advise a 20-30 minute walk immediately after sclerotherapy before travelling home. No hot baths or saunas for at least 2 weeks; no strenuous activities for 1 week.

THREAD VEINS ON THE LEGS

There are currently two main methods available to treat the smaller leg thread veins, these are Laser treatment and sclerotherapy (the injection of a sclerosing agent into the vessels). Canterbury Skin & Laser Clinic can offer either treatment, or a combination of both to achieve the best possible results. By combining laser and sclerotherapy treatments, we are able to maximise our ability to clear most thread veins.

Laser therapy and sclerotherapy are not suitable for all people; selection is usually dictated by the size, site and extent of the veins to be treated. The initial assessment allows the doctor to inspect the treatment site(s) and advise on the appropriate treatment. However as a general guide, small thread veins with a diameter of 0.8mm or less may be treated with the laser. Larger thread veins will be more effectively treated by sclerotherapy.

Lasers to treat spider veins in the legs work by producing powerful light. If the wavelength of the system is matched to a target colour (such as the red cells in blood), the energy of the laser is absorbed specifically by that target and minimally by the surrounding tissues. The laser delivers a series of focused energy pulses generating heat for very short periods of time; this closes down the thread veins, without perforating them. The collapsed veins are gradually dissolved and removed by the body’s immune system over several weeks following the treatment. The laser is fired in short bursts, which feels like a hot pin-prick. Before, during and/or following treatment the skin is cooled which reduces this sensation and a cooling gel applied.

After the laser treatment, the treated veins may be immediately less visible than before the treatment. There may be some redness and swelling or light crusting. This usually subsides within a few days. However, the coagulated blood within the veins may make the veins appear darker and make them appear worse for 3 months or more. The number of treatments needed, will depend on the site and the extent of the affected area. Small veins normally disperse just after 1-2 treatments at 6-8 week intervals. Larger areas of veins may need several sessions at 8 -10 weeks intervals. Often 2-3 sessions are performed and a wait period of 3 months is advised before the results are reviewed.

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