Vein TreatmentsMilwaukee

Vein Treatments

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 reduced post-operative 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.

Back to Top

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 be limited for one to two weeks.

Back to Top

Varicose vein disease is a chronic condition that requires on-going maintenance and surveillance after the initial course of treatment.

Varithena™ Varicose Vein Treatment

Varithena is the newest FDA-cleared treatment for venous insufficiency of the great saphenous vein and its tributaries and branches. It is a device that dispenses sterile, injectable dense foam of 1% polidocanol combined with compressed O2/CO2. We have used polidocanol for many years, as it has been FDA approved as a drug since 2010. It is a very safe drug, with no known drug interactions, and very low risk of allergic reaction. By using the Varithena foamed version, we are able to inject an incompetent vein and establish striking spasm of the vein, with more consistent injury to the lining of the vein, so that it cannot reopen and carry blood.

On September 25, 2014, Wisconsin Vein Center & MediSpa became the first practice in Wisconsin to perform the Varithena procedure on their patients to treat venous disease.

We are very excited about this new offering, and we have seen great results on our early group of patients! We were selected as the first practice in Wisconsin to provide this treatment, and all members of our clinical staff had to train and become certified. The treatment is accomplished through 1 or 2 needle punctures only. There is no need to inject large amounts of local anesthesia, only at the puncture site. The entire process is completed in a few minutes, and the patient can walk out and resume normal activities immediately. As with all injection treatments to eliminate venous insufficiency and varicose veins, there is a small chance of deep venous thrombosis, DVT.

We view Varithena as a great addition to our clinic’s treatment choices. Dr. Manjoney would be able to determine if you are a good candidate for Varithena following a diagnostic ultrasound evaluation. Varithena is being authorized by many insurance companies, including Medicare, with proper documentation and demonstration of medical need.

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 needle to 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vein Treatments

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

After the Procedure

Patients are usually advised to resume normal activity immediately, although strenuous 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.

Back to Top

Compression Hose

As with any medical condition, venous insufficiency should initially be treated as conservatively as possible to alleviate pain, discomfort, itching, swelling, restless legs, and other undesirable symptoms. During your consultation, Dr. Manjoney will discuss all your options for conservative therapy. Some examples of conservative therapy include: wearing compression stockings, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, properly elevating your legs, exercising, taking anti-inflammatory pain medication, and losing weight when needed.

Compression hose can be invaluable in preventing varicose veins from getting worse. Medical grade stockings are tightest at the ankle and work by squeezing the legs to assist in normal blood flow, preventing the blood from pooling in your veins. These compression stockings are available at our office and some nearby pharmacies. Most commonly, patients benefit from compression providing 20-30 mmHg of pressure.

Back to Top

• VIDEO: Can People Of All Skin Types Get Vein Treatments?
• VIDEO: Vein Treatments At Wisconsin Vein Center & MediSpa
• VIDEO: Does Laser Therapy For Veins Work?