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Laser spider vein treatment Pittsburgh

Avoid.

 

Laser Spider Vein TreatmentLaser Spider Vein Treatment Pittsburgh

Intense Pulsed Light therapy,also known as IPL, is a Laser Spider Vein Treatment that uses a high-intensity (non-laser) source of light. IPL helps reduce and heal many skin complications and blemishes, such as spider veins. This therapy cares for Laser Spider Vein Treatment through a process of heat damage to the walls of your blood vessels. The application then causes the spider veins to weaken and, over time, vanish. IPL works best on veins that are smaller and closer to the skin’s surface.

Looking deeper into IPL Laser Spider Vein Treatment:

The way IPL therapy works on spider veins (Telangiectasias) is by heating the veins using high-intensity light. By doing so, the walls of the veins begin to disintegrate and form scar tissue. Over the course of several weeks, the veins  absorb back into the body and start to disappear.

IPL generally treats lower layers of skin, as opposed to top layers. This lets the light therapy attack skin deeper without it burning the upper layers of skin, like in laser spider vein treatment.

Similar to laser treatments, IPL is able to generate different kinds of pulsing light. Lasers, though, form a single wavelength, or color, and they are able to target and treat a larger amount of skin complications. On the other hand, multiple wavelengths of light source make up IPL. This causes the light to appear white. Each wavelength varies, allowing the same devices use for multiple kinds of skin and vein issues.

IPL devices release light pulses, so when a pulse strikes the skin, the energy from that light then turns into heat. The amount of heat created and depth it reaches is dependent on the wavelength of light in each pulse.

Laser Spider Vein Treatment with IPL:

image skin

IPL is able to use multiple kinds of wavelengths at once. Therefore, it is best on veins just under the skin’s surface. Because of this, we prefer this treatment on spider veins that affect the face, as well as a patient’s leg. A person’s natural skin pigmentation also affects the results. The color of skin affects the amount of light that it absorbs.

You can have this treatment process right in your doctor’s office. It takes anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. The amount of time it takes depends on the number of spider veins we treat and the size of the area. Not only this, but multiple sessions separated by four to six weeks, may be necessary to fully treat the spider veins. The veins that are treated will begin to face over the course of several weeks.

Throughout the procedure, it is possible you will experience a pinching sensation, or even hot snaps, from the treatment. Many patients, however, do not find these sensations painful. Though most don’t experience pain, some may find it more uncomfortable than other spider vein treatments such as microsclerotherapy, where needles are used instead of light therapy.

Recovery from IPL treatment:

While there may be some redness and bruising on the treated skin areas, a patient would be able to immediately resume normal activities after a session. This irritation should also only last a few days to a week.

After a treatment, if the skin feels warm, applying an ice pack a couple minutes at a time should take away the heat sensation. While you can resume normal activities, one should not take hot baths or showers, or use a sauna, for the rest of the day after an IPL session. Avoid direct sunlight for three or four weeks. Apply a sunscreen with high SPF daily.

Laser Spider Vein TreatmentLaser Spider Vein Treatment Cranberry

Spider Vein Causes

  •        The aging process.
  •        Genetics (family history).
  •        Pregnancy. Note that vein problems usually become worse with each successive pregnancy.
  •        Hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy and menopause
  •        Being overweight or obese.
  •        Inactivity (leading a sedentary lifestyle).

You’ll notice that some of these factors are beyond your control. Namely, genetics, aging, and some hormonal changes. Others are within your control. These include obesity and activity level.

Laser Spider Vein Treatment Pittsburgh

Laser Spider Vein Treatment
Laser without cover- why treatment is expensive… these are very complex machines.

Modern skin resurfacing lasers are also quite capable of removing spider veins. This type of treatment gives permanent results and is even less invasive than sclerotherapy.

Vein Treatment Insurance Coverage

Many patients with vein disease suffer from physical as well as cosmetic symptoms. These include: swelling, achiness, heaviness, cramping, itching, and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). If you experience any of these symptoms then there’s a good chance your medical insurance will cover the Closure® procedure.

Side effects to IPL treatment?

Because IPL therapy is non-invasive and a very mild procedure, any side effects are minimal. Possible side effects include either darkened or lightened skin, temporary redness, or blistering.

Can spider veins reappear after an IPL treatment?

Treated spider veins should not come back. However, new spider veins can develop. Spider veins are more likely, however, to reappear if there is an underlying condition.  Venous insufficiency or varicose veins cause new spider veins if untreated. If new spider veins appear after IPL, you will require more sessions to treat and clear them.

Does insurance cover IPL?

IPL is often seen as a cosmetic procedure. Private insurance plans typically cover this treatment when we can demonstrate a medical need. Speak to your doctor about medical needs and whether IPL is necessary for you. Check with your insurance company about your specific coverage plan.

Spider Veins: What are they and how do they form?

Spider Veins skin center

Spider veins are blue, red or purple veins that appear near the surface of the skin. They get their name from their spider leg-like appearance. Pooling of blood in the area result in small, swollen blood vessels. In most cases, spider veins cause no harm. They may be accompanied by irritation or discomfort. They can sometimes be a symptom of a more problematic venous disease occurring deeper within the legs and thighs. 

Not every case of spider veins is the result of the more widespread and painful venous disease, but some are. The vast majority of sufferers come into the Advanced Vein Center for cosmetic reasons. The majority of cosmetic spider veins cases we treat with sclerotherapy.

What are the treatment options for spider veins in the lower extremity?

The most common form of treatment in the legs is sclerotherapy.  The eyesores of spider veins has used sclerotherapy for decades. Our professionally trained staff injects a safe solution into the problem spot, causing the tiny trouble veins to close off from the main vein and die. Later ithe body reabsorbs the vein. By closing off the vein from the blood flow, this effective treatment removes 100% of the spider vein eliminating the unwelcome blue and purple from below the skin.

What are compression stockings?

spider veins ellwood cityThe use of prescription-level compression garments is required for a few days after sclerotherapy sessions. This eliminates the need for a protracted downtime. You can resume normal activities almost immediately after your treatment. There are a few activities that should to avoid after sclerotherapy. We will discuss all of these with you in detail at your next appointment.

The vast majority of sclerotherapies we perform by visual guidance alone. However, in special cases, ultrasound may guides the injection. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (USG sclerotherapy) can target spider veins that are deeper in the leg. Also treats some reticular veins if microphlebectomy is not a viable option.

Whatever the details of your case, our professional staff pride themselves in providing safe and effective treatments. We treat spider veins with the least amount of discomfort. Spider vein treatment is minimally invasive and highly safe. Patient comfort is a top priority throughout the whole process. 

I’ve never done anything like this and wasn’t sure what to expect. The staff at the Advanced Vein Center took my comfort and wellbeing into consideration every step of the way. Initially they ruled out any underlying conditions that would first require medical treatment. The tests and the injection were easy. I wasn’t a huge fan of wearing the compression stockings. it only lasted a few days and now my legs look wonderful. Look out pool party! I’m back without fretting about how my legs look.

-Alena (age 43)

If your veins are too bad for Laser Spider Vein Treatment, we also offer:

Several minimally invasive options are available if the above at-home treatments aren’t sufficient. These are safe and highly effective and include:

  • Sclerotherapy: an injection-based spider vein treatment. We inject a very small amount of an irritant medication into the treated veins. This causes the veins to collapse. The body then reabsorbs the vein.
  • Phlebectomy: surgical removal of large surface varicose veins. Specialized surgical instruments accomplished. You only need tiny access incisions and only local anesthesia is necessary.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: ablation means to close down, collapse, or otherwise destroy. More commonly called RF ablation, this technique uses a thin wire catheter with a heating element at the tip. We gently insert this into the vein and it generates short bursts of brief intense heat. The vein then collapses and the body reabsorbs it in a similar fashion to sclerotherapy. Only local anesthesia is necessary.
  • Laser-based Ablation: this is another popular catheter-based ablation technique. The only practical difference is that a medical grade laser generates the required heat. With RF ablation we only need local anesthesia.

Are you concerned that you are no longer able to hide the Vericose Veins & Spider Veins that have started to appear on your legs?

Are you afraid your leg veins will look like your parents varicose leg veins?

Would you like a simple, safe vein treatment, covered by insurance, to feel good about your legs again

At Beaver Valley Foot Clinic’s Advanced Vein Center – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Call 724-987-3220

 

Laser Spider Vein Treatment