Belmont Aesthetics is a surgical specialty practice that offers minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and spider veins, as well as treatment of lymphedema and venous-based wounds. Treatment recommendations are based upon clinical examination and ultrasound evaluation of the legs. We offer a wide spectrum of treatments at our surgical center.
- Comprehensive Vein Function Testing
- Sclerotherapy of Spider and Varicose Veins
- Endovenous Vein Ablation (EVLT)
- Ultrasound – Guided Sclerotherapy
- Laser Treatment of Fine Vessels and Port Wine Stains
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are commonly referred to as ‘bulging veins.’ Varicose veins are enlarged, deformed, superficial veins in which blood flow is slowed, sometimes even reversed, as compared to the normal venous circulation. Normal veins have two important normal functions for the body which are to return blood to the heart and to buffer the volume of blood in the vascular system. When veins become diseased or deformed, the veins no longer function as efficiently as they normally would.
Varicose veins can cause pain, heaviness, swelling, aching, burning, tingling and itching. They often produce leg discomfort or restlessness at night. When severe, they can lead to rashes, ankle discoloration, phlebitis, bleeding, and leg ulcers. Left untreated they may also increase the risk for blood clots in the leg. Varicose veins can also create a general feeling of fatigue. Their appearance may be cosmetically unappealing and result in lifestyle restrictions, such as avoidance of shorts or bathing suits.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. They tend to be closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They may appear as “spiderwebs” with short, jagged lines, and are typically found on the legs and face. They may cover either a very small or very large area of skin.
Treatment Options
1. Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a highly effective procedure producing excellent results for patients in eliminating smaller varicose veins and spider veins.
Spider veins typically respond to sclerotherapy in three to six weeks, larger veins may take a little longer. New veins can appear in the same vicinity requiring additional injections.
The Sclerotherapy Procedure:
- Sclerotherapy is a very popular method of eliminating spider veins. A solution called a sclerosing agent is injected into the veins. This solution causes an irritation to the inner lining of the vein resulting in closure of the vein. The majority of persons who have Sclerotherapy performed have satisfying results.
- The number of treatments needed differs from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the problem. An average of three to four treatments is required in most cases to achieve a 70%-80% clearing; 100% is not a realistic goal. The treatment sessions are done at four to six week intervals to achieve optimal results.
- After the initial series of recommended treatments are completed successfully treated veins are gone, but patients with a history of spider veins tend to develop new ones. For this reason a yearly touch up may be recommended.
See Before and After Photos: Coming Soon
2. Endovenous Laser (EVLT)
EVLT uses a minimally invasive endovenous laser for significant varicose veins offering immediate relief with minimal-to-no scarring. It is clinically indicated for treatment of the superficial Great and Small saphenous veins.
EVLT is an outpatient procedure that involves ultrasound waves to identify the source of major varicose veins. It requires no general anesthesia and offers minimal risk and shorter recovery time. The procedure can take between 45 to 90 minutes to perform and patients have been known to return to work the same day.
EVLT works by laser energy damaging the vein walls, shrinking and thus closing the damaged vein so blood may no longer flow through it.
The resultant improvement in limb circulation will in effect cause improvement of the symptoms of fatigue and heaviness in the leg.
EVLT has been shown to have a lower risk of complication; shorter recovery period, lower costs and less scarring associated with the procedure in comparison with surgery.
Once the laser is used to correct the underlying cause of the varicose or spider veins, additional treatments may be required to complete the treatment. These include ultrasound-guided Sclerotherapy or surface Sclerotherapy. They are excellent for cosmetic treatment of any visible veins remaining after EVLT treatment.
Side effects of EVLT procedure include mild bruising and tenderness that usually disappear within a few weeks, and a feeling of tightness or pulling sensation along the course of the vein treated. This “pulling” sensation confirms that the veins were destroyed. Discomfort is usually managed with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
See Before and After Photos: Coming Soon
When used to treat medical symptoms such as swelling, ulcers and poor circulation, EVLT treatment is usually reimbursed by health insurance. After your initial consultation, Belmont Aesthetic, as a courtesy, will contact your insurance company to determine coverage.