Spider Veins

SPIDER VEINS IN LOS ALTOS, CA

Spider veins may look like thin, separated lines or branches sprouting from an individual tree. It is not uncommon to see these veins in a star-like pattern, where smaller veins radiate from a center point. Spider veins mostly appear on the calves, thighs, and buttocks. However, the purple, blue or red lines can appear on other parts of the body. It is believed that spider veins are the result of increased pressure on the veins. Laser therapy is the most effective treatment for this condition. Residents of San Jose, Palo Alto and the surrounding communities of California turn to board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Harry Mittelman, MD, at Mittelman Plastic Surgery in Los Altos for spider vein treatment.

WHAT IS LASER THERAPY FOR SPIDER VEINS?

For more than 30 years, physicians have used laser therapy to treat spider veins. This treatment is viewed as an effective and fast way to eliminate superficial veins. The lasers used in vein therapy use a targeted beam of light. During the treatment, the laser’s light targets the pigmentation in the blood. The laser produces heat that destroys the vein. Because the light is focused, the surrounding tissue is unaffected. The vein disappears when it is reabsorbed by the body. It takes around four to six weeks to truly see the results of the laser therapy.

WHAT TYPE OF LASER IS USED TO TREAT SPIDER VEINS?

The Nd-YAG Laser System is the most common laser used in the treatment of spider veins. It is a hand-held tool with a cooling tip. The cooling tip helps to provide comfort during the procedure.

HOW DOES LASER THERAPY WORK?

The Nd-YAG laser penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream. The laser produces heat that causes the blood to coagulate, collapsing and sealing the blood vessel. In the weeks following the procedure, the vein will disappear, and the body’s cells will remove the blood. The laser treatment is able to provide the precise amount of energy to the blood vessel without harming the surrounding tissue.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR LASER VEIN TREATMENT?

All patients are evaluated before beginning laser treatment. For most people, spider veins are cosmetic flaws and do not have any symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms, we will examine you to determine if you have varicose veins. Laser therapy is not effective in the treatment of varicose veins.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY TREATMENTS?

You do not need to do a lot to prepare for your treatment. For at least one week before your treatment session, you should refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking and taking aspirin. It is also important that you do not spend any time in direct sunlight. It is strongly advised that you do not use moisturizers, lotions or creams on the area of your body that is going to be treated. You should also wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCEDURE?

The outpatient procedure is performed at your doctor’s office or clinic. The treatment session takes around 10 to 20 minutes. Most patients do not require an anesthetic because the laser treats superficial veins. However, for patients that believe they will experience pain, the doctor will apply a topical anesthetic 20 minutes before the treatment. Most lasers have a cooling system that prevents the laser’s tip from becoming hot.

IS LASER THERAPY PAINFUL?

You may feel a tingling sensation. To prevent any discomfort, the doctor will apply a topical anesthetic 20 minutes before your laser treatment.

HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER THE LASER TREATMENT?

You may feel a small bump on your skin after the procedure. The bump disappears in two to four hours. You may also notice that the treatment location may also look slightly red or appear bruised.

WHAT ARE THE AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS?

Following your procedure, it is important for you to avoid direct sunlight. Wearing support hose can assist with the healing process. Dr. Mittelman will suggest taking over-the-counter pain medication if you begin to experience any discomfort. You can return to work and resume your regular activities immediately after the procedure.

HOW OFTEN CAN I SCHEDULE A LASER VEIN THERAPY TREATMENT SESSION?

It is highly recommended that you wait four to six weeks to schedule another therapy session. You may need to schedule more sessions to achieve optimal results. If you notice new veins, you will need to schedule another treatment.

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK AFTER MY LASER VEIN TREATMENT?

Because the treatment does not require any downtime, you can resume regular activities immediately after the procedure. The final results will become noticeable a few months after the treatment. Most patients are pleased with the results.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ME TO SEE RESULTS?

You will not see results immediately. It may take several months to see the best results. After the treatment, the veins will change in color from dark blue to light red. They will eventually disappear within two to six weeks.

Most patients are relieved that they no longer have to see unsightly spider veins. Patients are also happy to no longer have to worry about hiding their veins. The treatment area will look clearer and improve with subsequent treatments.

HOW MANY TREATMENT SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

The number of veins and their size help to determine the number of treatment sessions you will need. Most patients undergo two to six sessions. Patients with vascular problems will more than likely need to schedule additional sessions.

DO SPIDER VEINS CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEMS?

Spider veins are superficial and not as large as varicose veins. Spider veins are the result of blood vessel walls weakening and the abnormal flow of blood. While these veins are not bad for your health, people do not like seeing them. Spider veins are harmless, mainly a cosmetic issue, and do not have any symptoms. It is important to note that there is no cure for spider veins. Wearing support hose and keeping your weight within the normal range can help to prevent their occurrence.

WHAT CAUSES SPIDER VEINS?

Certain activities or conditions,such as weight gain or standing for prolonged periods of time, can cause the veins to undergo pressure and facilitate the development of spider veins.

Aging also increases your risk of developing spider veins. It is common to find this condition in the elderly. Genetics is another factor that can determine whether you will develop spider veins. It is common for relatives to experience spider veins. The veins can also appear during pregnancy. The increase in estrogen weakens the walls of the veins. Spider veins tend to appear during the second trimester.

DO SPIDER VEINS GO AWAY ON THEIR OWN?

No. Spider veins tend to get worse over time.They will not disappear on their own. Living a sedentary lifestyle, not exercising and weight gain are some of the factors that contribute to the progression of spider veins.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LASER THERAPY OVER SCLEROTHERAPY?

• It does not require any downtime
• Laser therapy has fewer side effects
• Laser therapy is safe to use on the face
• Unlike sclerotherapy, laser treatment does not damage surrounding tissue
• The laser treatment procedure requires less time
• Patients will experience more pain with sclerotherapy
• Recovery after the procedure is immediate

WHAT ARE WAYS TO PREVENT SPIDER VEINS?

• Exercise regularly to improve circulation
• If you are overweight, consider losing weight
• Avoid standing or sitting for an extended period of time
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that restricts the legs, waist, and groin
• Do not cross your legs while sitting

DOES LASER TREATMENT CURE SPIDER VEINS?

No, there is no cure for spider veins. Laser treatments will not prevent new spider veins from developing. However, removing spider veins will provide even color to the skin, restore a more youthful and healthy appearance and improve how the affected area looks. Because spider veins are a recurring problem, you will need to schedule future treatments.

HOW MUCH DOES SPIDER VEIN TREATMENT COST IN SAN JOSE, CA?

The cost of spider vein treatment varies based upon the extent of your laser therapy procedure and your current condition of your skin. Feel free to discuss financing options in order to make your treatment more affordable.

Harry Mittelman, MD, is recognized as a pioneer in facial plastic surgery. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializing in both surgical and non-surgical or non-invasive cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Mittelman provides his patients with exceptional skills and results that last. For more information on treatment of spider veins or to schedule a private consultation at Dr. Mittelman’s office, please contact us today.We serve the entire Southbay and Bay Area including Los Altos, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Mountain View, San Mateo, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and the surrounding areas.

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