Vein treatment is a non-surgical procedure designed for reducing or eliminating spider and varicose veins. These visible veins, which often appear on the legs or face, are caused by weakened or damaged veins that can result in cosmetic concerns and sometimes discomfort. At Art of Skin Dermatology, Tania Cohen, DMSC, PA-C, offers effective treatments to improve the appearance of visible veins, restore smooth skin, and alleviate any associated symptoms.
Spider veins are typically small, thin red or blue lines near the skin’s surface, while varicose veins are more prominent, swollen, and may bulge above the skin’s surface. Vein treatment options focus on minimizing the visibility of these veins while improving circulation and overall skin health.
Before beginning any treatment, a personalized consultation is conducted to assess your veins and determine the best treatment method based on your condition and your aesthetic goals.
HOW DOES VEIN TREATMENT WORK?
Vein treatment works by targeting the damaged veins and either closing or removing them, allowing blood to be rerouted through healthier veins. Several effective treatments are available, each tailored to meet the patient’s specific needs. The most common vein treatment options include:
- Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy involves injecting a particular solution directly into the affected veins. By irritating the vein walls, the solution causes them to collapse and gradually be absorbed by the body. This procedure is especially effective for treating spider and smaller varicose veins, resulting in smoother skin and improved appearance.
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatments use targeted light energy that heats and damages the vein, causing it to close and eventually fade away. This method is typically used for smaller and spider veins, especially on the face. Laser therapy offers a non-invasive option with minimal discomfort and downtime.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This minimally invasive treatment uses radiofrequency energy to heat the walls of more prominent varicose veins, causing them to collapse and seal shut. Natural reabsorption of the treated vein occurs over time, reducing its visibility. RFA is an excellent option for treating more prominent varicose veins in the legs and can help alleviate symptoms like pain or swelling.
Each of these treatments eliminates the appearance of the damaged vein, improving both cosmetic appearance and overall vein health. The treatment you receive will be determined by your provider based on your condition and goals.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING A VEIN TREATMENT SESSION?
A typical vein treatment session begins with a thorough consultation to discuss your concerns and assess the extent of the affected veins. Your provider will examine the area and recommend the best course of treatment based on the type and size of the veins.
A fine needle injects the sclerosing solution into the targeted veins during sclerotherapy. The treatment is relatively quick, lasting between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of veins being treated. Patients experience minimal discomfort, and the procedure requires little to no recovery time.
Laser therapy involves passing a laser device over the affected veins. It usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, and most patients feel a mild tingling or warmth during the session. For larger veins, radiofrequency ablation is performed under local anesthesia. A small incision is made to insert a catheter that delivers the radiofrequency energy. This treatment typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
Since these treatments are non-surgical, patients can usually return to regular activities shortly after the session.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER VEIN TREATMENT?
After vein treatment, some redness, swelling, or mild bruising may occur at the treatment sites, but these side effects are temporary and should resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the treatment used. Your provider will give you aftercare instructions, such as wearing compression stockings for a few days to help heal and improve circulation.
Sclerotherapy and laser therapy results usually appear within a few weeks as the treated veins fade, while radiofrequency ablation may take a few months for full results. Multiple sessions may be needed before more prominent varicose veins achieve the desired outcome.
Your provider will schedule follow-up visits in order to assess your progress and determine if further treatment is required to eliminate the veins. Once treated, the veins do not reappear, though new veins may form over time. Your provider will also offer advice on how to keep veins healthy and prevent future varicose or spider veins.
