Medical Treatment Options
Once vein problems are present, the only way to eliminate them is through medical treatment. The choice of medical treatment is dependent on the type and size of the varicosity, its location and depth from the skin surface, and whether or not reflux is present. Treatment options include nonsurgical procedures such as compression sclerotherapy, duplex-guided foam sclerotherapy and Veinwave treatment of spider veins; and minimally invasive procedures such as EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) and Mini-Phlebectomy. All these treatment methods are available at the Centre for Vein Care.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy, or ‘injection therapy’, is the most common method of treatment for varicose and spider veins on the legs. During treatment, a mild sclerosing solution is injected into the varicosity, dilated vein or network of spider veins. The sclerosing agent irritates the walls of the vein, causing it to go to spasm and shrink in size. The vein walls stick together and the vein eventually disappears. A transilluminating device is utilized to better visualize the full extent of the varicosities as well as to locate its deeper origins.
A single sclerotherapy treatment session involves multiple injections. The number of treatment sessions needed will vary, depending on the number and size of veins treated, the necessary healing time, and the level of cosmetic expectation desired.
Following each treatment session, the leg is wrapped with an elastic bandage for several hours to 1 day followed by the use of compression stockings for another 2-3 days, depending on the size of the veins treated. Resumption of normal daily activities is encouraged immediately after treatment except for vigorous leg exercises.
Sclerotherapy is a very safe and effective procedure, requires no down time and produces excellent results in the elimination of varicose veins.
Veins in the hands, chest and breast areas as well as in the face may also be treated effectively with sclerotherapy.
Duplex-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
This is a new form of a specially prepared sclerosing agent and is used primarily for moderate to large sized varicosities and those varicosities located deeper from the skin surface. This technique is extremely effective because the solution is visible via ultrasound and is easily guided and delivered to the precise source of the problem.
Foam is a specially prepared form of sclerosing agent which is basically a mixture of liquid sclerosant and air and is mixed until microbubbles are formed inside the syringe prior to its delivery. Foam sclerotherapy is very safe and effective and is very well tolerated.
Thermocoagualtion for Facial Veins
Thermocoagulation is the most recent and most advanced revolutionary technique to permanently eliminate troublesome red veins in the face also known as telangiectasias. After many laser and light-based systems have failed in the removal of spider veins, this treatment has been the choice by physicians and patients alike. It offers unprecedented advantages through a relatively painless walk-in, walk-out procedure with no risk of bruising, scarring or pigmentation.
