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Vein Treatment by a Dermatologist

Many patients visit dermatologists to seek treatment for varicose or spider veins. Due to modern technologies, the treatment of vein disorders has been greatly improved. Today, there are many forms of treatment that can be performed on spider or varicose veins by a dermatologist. Twenty-five percent of American women and 15% of American men experience spider and varicose veins. Spider veins and varicose veins are often attached to the same sentence, as they are very similar; the difference is that spider veins are smaller and narrower while varicose veins are much larger.

  1. Sclerotherapy

    • Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for spider/varicose veins. In this procedure, sclersosing solution is injected into the affected veins; the solution turns the veins into scar tissue. The body eventually clears away the scar tissue, reducing or completely eliminating the varicose/spider veins. Depending on the severity of the veins, repeating the treatment may be necessary. Treatment with slerotherapy is known to be slightly painful as it involves needles. Ask your dermatologist for a topical numbing cream before undergoing the procedure. Occasionally, bruises can form around injection sights, clearing in a few days. Redness and slight discomfort near injection sights is common for the first few days after the procedure.

    Electrodessication

    • Electrodessication is another in-office procedure performed by dermatologists. The procedure entails inserting a thin needle into the vein. A small electric current passes through the needle into the vein. The current seals off the vein; eventually, the body eliminates the dead vein. This procedure is most commonly used to treat spider/varicose veins in the face; however, it can be used on any part of the body. The procedure, like sclerotherapy, can be uncomfortable. Ask your doctor to use a topical numbing cream. Side effects of this procedure include crusting around injection sights, redness near treated veins, bruising near injection sites and possible brown spots around the treated veins; however, all side effects clear within a few days. Often the vein completely disappears; however, there are cases where treatment will need repeating.

    EVLT (Endovenous Laser Ablation)

    • EVLT is a special procedure that harnesses the power of lasers to seal off veins, allowing the body to eradicate them. The treatment is outpatient; patients are administered with a local anesthetic, and the EVLT is completed after 45 minutes. Patients do not experience the bruising or redness associated with sclerotherapy or electrodessication; however, in extremely rare cases, permanent numbness can occur. More seriously, deep vein thrombosis has been reported in less then 1% percent of patients. EVLT has a 98% percent first-time success rate, therefore minimizing the possibility of return treatment.

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