Today's varicose vein treatment options are simple, safe, and virtually pain-free. Best of all, there's no down-time and many varicose vein treatment procedures are covered by medical insurance plans. At Wisconsin Vein Center & MediSpa, we offer the most technologically advanced treatment options in a relaxing spa-like environment.
Endovenous Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
The Procedure
Endovenous laser therapy is a quick, minimally invasive laser procedure that leaves no scar, has a short post-operative recovery period with only mild discomfort and is performed under local anesthesia. The treatment itself will take less than an hour. The ultrasound is used to demonstrate the position of the vein. The area of the leg to be treated is anesthetized locally and a thin laser fiber is inserted into the abnormal vein, delivering the laser energy in short pulses. The laser energy heats the vein causing it to shrink and collapse, preventing blood from pooling.
The Benefits of ELT
- A simple procedure carried out with
constant ultrasound visualization
- Performed under local anesthetic
Minimally invasive, so minimal risk of scaring and postoperative infection- Less than one hour examination and treatment time
- Rapid recovery with reducedpostoperative pain. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.
- Excellent clinical and aesthetic results
- Lower risk than conventional, old fashioned vein 'stripping'
After the Procedure
Your leg will be padded and compression stocking and elastic bandage will be applied.Then you will be required to wear medical grade compression hose for at least ten days.Walking immediately following the procedure is encouraged and normal daily activity can be resumed immediately. However, strenuous physical activity such as aerobics, should be avoided for one to two weeks. Patients may experience bruising or soreness which may not begin until three to five days after the treatment. Pain is usually improved by walking or oral pain relief medications.
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Ambulatory Phlebectomy for Varicose Veins
The Procedure
Ambulatory phlebectomy micro-extraction is a procedure, which allows for the removal of large surface varicosities through very small incisions that frequently need no stitches. Skin incisions or needle punctures as small as 1mm are used to extract veins in segments with a phlebectomy hook.With this procedure an ace bandage needs to be worn for 24 hours. Then a medical grade compression stocking should be worn for one week.Bruising is expected, but pain should be limited to mild aching.
The Benefits of Ambulatory Phlebectomy
- Walk in—walk out
- Office procedure
- Minimally invasive punctures
- Local anesthesia
- Stitches rarely required
- No down-time
- Excellent cosmetic results
After the Procedure
Most patients are not at all uncomfortable and need no pain medication. Patients may stand and walk and return to work on the day following surgery. Strenuous activity should belimited for one to two weeks.
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Varicose vein disease is a chronic condition that requires on-going maintenance and surveillance after the initial course of treatment.
Spider Vein Treatment
(Combined Laser & Sclerotherapy Treatment)
Our medical team treats spider veins on the legs, body and face with two techniques in our spa-like office:
Laser therapy - Using our 940 laser system, a pinpoint laser light passes through the skin and selectively targets the underlying vein. The vein will disappear over time, leaving the skin intact.- Sclerotherapy - We use a very fine needleto inject a sclerosing solution directly into the veins. The solution causes the lining of the vein to swell, eventually sealing off the blood vessel and preventing blood flow from re-entering the vein.
We most often combine these two procedures during a treatment, causing a “double injury” technique which results in more complete destruction of these veins and more rapid results.
A series of treatments are necessary to achieve the best cosmetic results.Spider vein treatment is a process, with gradual improvement apparent over a period of weeks. Patients usually see a visible improvement after one to three treatments.
Watch a quick video about Laser Therapy & Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
The Procedure
Sclerotherapy is a technique which involves the use of a very fine needle to inject a solution directly into the veins. The solution causes the lining of the vein to swell, eventually sealing off the blood vessel and preventing blood flow. Prior to treatment a medical history is taken. The physician/nurse determines whether a Doppler ultrasound will be needed to evaluate the saphenous venous
system.
Larger veins are usually treated first. After the skin is thoroughly cleansed with alcohol, the physician/nurse uses a syringe with a tiny ;needle to inject a small amount of sclerosing (hardening) agent into the vein. The solution displaces the blood within the vein, causing it to blanch or turn white.; The solution then causes the vessel to become irritated and swell shut, prohibiting the blood from reentering the vein. When the needle is withdrawn, pressure is immediately applied to the area. The skin may be massaged to help disperse the solution and reduce bruising. Each vein may require two to five treatment sessions and most fade in two weeks to several months.
The Benefits of Sclerotherapy
Reduces unsightly veins- Does not interfere with normal activities
- Safe, virtually pain-free procedure
- In-office treatment
- Relief of symptoms
- Rapid results
On selected patients, a new technique, ohmic thermolysis, with the "Vein Gogh" may be an "adjunct" to our other therapies.
VeinGogh is a newer system that effectively targets smaller 'thread veins' (telangiectasia) spider veins and small angiomas. It can be used on most any skin type. During VeinGogh treatment, a fine hair-thin probe delivers a 'microburst' of energy that selectively heats the vein, coagulates blood within it, and collapses the vessel to facilitate body reabsorption. VeinGogh treatment is an excellent alternative for small veins on the nose, face, cheeks or anywhere else on the body.
After the procedure
Patients are usually advised to resume normal activity immediately, although vigorous activity is discouraged for three to five days. You will be required to wear compression hose overnight and then for three to five days.
Some patients experience a slight to moderate burning sensation immediately after the injection but this disappears within a few seconds. Bruising around the treated area, which eventually disappears, can result if the veins are unusually weak. Clot or “trapped blood” sometimes develops at the site of the injection and may cause a tender hard lump. Although not a major cause for concern, it may be necessary to drain these clots within two weeks in order to allow the healing process to progress normally.
Most patients experience no adverse effects; however, some minor side effects have been reported. These might include slight blistering, which occurs when small amounts of the solution seep into the surrounding area. Some patients experience staining, which is a discoloration of the skin where the veins were injected. This may resolve in time or respond to bleaching agents or treatment with Intense Pulsed Light treatments. Occasionally there are allergic reactions to the solution which are treated immediately with antihistamines and other medications.
In some cases, spider veins recur and new spider veins present themselves. When large veins are treated, wearing support hose is recommended to prevent their recurrence.
Still have questions? Check out our; Frequently Asked Questions page or give us a call at (262)746-9088.
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