Dr Sanjay Gheyi MBBS, MS, FRCS, FP Cert
home : about us : appointments : location : contact us : testimonials : virtual consultation
Treatments for leg veins, thread and spider veins
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Treatment video
Unsightly leg veins can be a problem for millions of men and women, the world over. This problem affects a wide range of age groups, skin types and lifestyles. It is estimated that in many areas over 60 percent of the adult population suffers from varicose veins, thread veins or spider veins. Varicose veins are enlarged vessels that have widened as a result of weakness in the vein wall, which stretches and bulges. Thread and spider veins are the small superficial purple or red veins stretching like a web under the skin. Leg veins -treatment without surgeryWe offer a variety of vein treatments. Sclerotherapy and lasers complement each other and sometimes a combination works best. Sclerotherapy and microsclerotherapy is performed using a very fine needle to inject a sclerosant solution into the veins which then destroys the vein lining. The needle is of such a small calibre that the discomfort is none or minimal. Unsightly leg veins are treated with a combination of lasers and IPL. Nd-Yag laser is used for blue deeper veins and IPL for small, red and superficial veins. Treatment approach will be discussed at your consultation. Dr Gheyi will examine your legs and may use an ultrasound to assess the venous system. Details about IPL Details about laser treatment Client testimonials Treatment pictures |
||||
 |
 |
|||
| Varicose veins on legs | 6 weeks after 1 laser treatment | |||
 |
 |
|||
| Spider veins on leg | 6 months after 2 treatments | |||
 |
 |
|||
| Spider veins before treatment | 6 months after 3 treatments | |||
What types of leg veins can be treated?
Varicose veins, usually deeper blue veins, need different treatment from discoloured clusters (known as spider veins) that are near the skin surface. For this reason, we use different technologies. We cannot treat you if your veins are more than 1 cm in diameter or if you have gross varicose veins extending above knees. We would recommend surgical treatment or radiofrequency/ endovenous laser for such cases. Veins up to 1 cm in diameter can be treated succesfully with sclerotherapy and laser.
What technology is used for deeper blue veins?
We use sclerotherapy or Nd-Yag laser for larger, deeper veins. These veins respond to sclerotherapy or the precise energy levels and wavelength of laser light. A small spot of laser light travels through the skin and is absorbed by the blood within the veins, on the basis of its colour. The resulting heat coagulates or clots the blood and destroys the function of the vein. This process does not affect any of the surrounding tissue. Over time, the veins will be absorbed by the body and will disappear from sight. You may be asked to wear a bandage, tubigrip or stockings after the procedures.
Are surface veins and spider veins treated the same way?
No, we use a very fine needle and inject a chemical into these veins. As these veins are very small and needle used is very fine, magnification is required to visualise and accurately inject these veins. This procedure is called microsclerotherapy.
We may use Nd-Yag laser or IPL for veins which are too small to inject using microsclerotherapy.
How many treatments are needed?
It is very variable. Many of our patients have had excellent results just after one session. Extensive leg veins need multiple treatments, often over a few months before the effect is complete. Even small vessels often required time to resolve. Sometimes a bit of matting or staining surrounds the treated vessels. By using a combination approach we can treat the vein and these minor temporary discolouration and offer excellent outcome.
What is a treatment like? Is a painful?
A pulse of laser or intense pulsed light energy may feel like a pinch similar to a snapped rubber band. Chilled gel on the skin and other techniques prevent discomfort. Sclero and microsclerotherapy are also very well tolerated with majority of patients experiencing no discomfort at all. Some patients prefer needle over laser!
What preparations must I make?
You do not have to make changes to your normal activities, before or after treatment. Prior to and following any type of laser and IPL treatment, you must limit your exposure to the sun. Treatment should not be performed on tanned skin.
Call 0800 0430737 or fill out our appointment form to arrange your consultation