Leg Veins
Spider veins on the legs have a red or bluish colour; they are a common problem which particularly effect women. Unfortunately these veins are often unsightly and attempting to conceal them with clothing or cosmetics are not always successful, in many cases people change their lifestyle to avoid exposing their legs. Larger leg veins may be raised above the skin surface and may be associated with some aching.
What causes blood vessels to become visible?
The cause is not known, except that in many cases they run in families. More women than men seem to develop this condition perhaps as a result of pregnancy or because of hormones. Trauma to the leg in the form of blows or falls may contribute and long periods of standing or sitting may also be causative factors.
How can they be prevented?
There is no known method of prevention. The use of support stockings, weight control, and regular exercise may be beneficial.
What treatments are available?
Laser can effectively treat the smaller (red to purple) veins, whilst sclerotherapy is useful for the larger (purple to blue) veins. Often a combination of the two is used.
What causes blood vessels to become visible?
The cause is not known, except that in many cases they run in families. More women than men seem to develop this condition perhaps as a result of pregnancy or because of hormones. Trauma to the leg in the form of blows or falls may contribute and long periods of standing or sitting may also be causative factors.
How can they be prevented?
There is no known method of prevention. The use of support stockings, weight control, and regular exercise may be beneficial.
What treatments are available?
Laser can effectively treat the smaller (red to purple) veins, whilst sclerotherapy is useful for the larger (purple to blue) veins. Often a combination of the two is used.
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How do Laser and IPL treatments work?
The Lyra Long Pulse Laser and the Ellipse Flex IPL work by targeting these vessels and causing them to shrink over a period of 6 to 8 weeks after treatment. The use of a special chilled tip on the handpiece minimises any discomfort and also helps to protect the skin. It is most effective when vessels are 1 to 1.5 mm in diameter. Multiple treatments will generally be required before end results are achieved. Treatment is quick and a large number of veins can be treated in a session of between 15 and 30 minutes. Immediately afterwards the area becomes red with some minor swelling. Occasionally some blistering may occur.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a fibrosing agent - aethoxysklerol or polydocanol, directly into the blood vessel. The solution displaces the blood within the vein and irritates the internal layer of the vessel. This irritation causes inflammation which results in the vessel gradually shrinking in size over a period of weeks to months.
Most leg veins require multiple treatments but it is important to understand that complete disappearance of all vessels is rare. A small percentage of patients fail to show any improvement at all despite repeated attempts.
What are the risks of laser and IPL?
These are as follows:
- Skin discolouration. This is where the skin may become lighter or darker in colour along the line of the treated veins. This is generally temporary.
- No improvement. A small number of patients find no improvement occurs.
- Scarring. This is not common.
- New vein formation. This is where tiny new veins form to replace the treated vessel and is uncommon.
What are the risks of sclerotherapy?
These are as follows:
- Bruises
- No improvement. A small number of patients find no improvement occurs
- Skin discolouration – brown discoloration which usually disappears over time, but in 5% can persist for years. Laser may improve this.
- Blisters due to small amounts of solution seeping into the tissues - heal quickly
- Lumps within the vessels - small clots, not dangerous. Will disappear spontaneously
- Swelling - especially in patients whose jobs require standing or sitting for long periods of time. More likely to occur when ankle or lower legs are injected. Helped with elevation and compression stockings
- Inflammation (phlebitis) may occur with larger vessels.
- Matting - the development of new fine vessels near sites of injection, especially on the thigh. Most will resolve, but in a few these may become permanent.
- Ulcers at injection sites
- Allergic reactions - very rare
- Thrombosis (DVT) in vulnerable individuals. Sclerotherapy should not be done in individuals who have a clotting disorder or who have had a DVT in the past, or in pregnancy.
Specialised Treatments & Procedures
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