As common as they are, varicose veins can be stubborn and frustrating to treat. They are most likely to show up with age, but extra pressure on your legs can cause them to develop prematurely as well. While they can be treated surgically, surgery isn’t a good fit for everyone. Our team at Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine in Dothan, AL, utilizes Vaculaze as a safe, less invasive alternative.
What Is the Best Treatment for Varicose Veins?
We Use Vaculaze
Vaculaze harnesses the power of intense pulsed light, also known as IPL, to target the problematic veins. This IPL treatment will make your blood use deeper veins, instead of the ones up close to the skin. This will cause the appearance of your varicose veins to quickly fade and improve.
How Does It Work?
Hemoglobin is a red protein that transports oxygen throughout the body. The laser used in this treatment is safe but powerful. Vaculaze has a small, precise tip that can target red pigment and break up hemoglobin. That means that while excess hemoglobin is being carried away and discarded by the body, red pigment can also be reduced. Other pigments are spared in this process since the treatment is specialized.
Having a treatment option that is both fast and effective is always the goal, and we’re pleased to offer a treatment that combines those two benefits together for our clients. The less invasive nature of this treatment is also a significant benefit. If you’re not ready to consider surgery and the downtime and recovery associated with it, Vaculaze may be the right call for you.
Where Can It Be Used?
The Legs and Face
Varicoses can affect any gender. They’re most commonly found on the legs, but they can also show up on your face. As such, this treatment is able to target both areas, so no matter the area you’re struggling with, we can do our absolute best to give you a solution.
Good Candidates
Vaculaze was developed to work for any skin tone and type. This versatility makes it a fit for most clients who are looking for treatment. During a consultation, we’ll take a look at your overall health as well as your treatment goals.
You’ll be able to let us know any concerns or questions you have, and we’ll be able to give you a better idea of whether or not this treatment will be a good fit for your needs.
What To Expect From This Treatment
As Stress-Free as Possible
This treatment is designed to be as comfortable as possible, right up to the cooled tip of the laser. Our team is passionate about providing a seamless and welcoming experience. In addition to answering your questions, we want you to feel welcome and at ease throughout the entire process.
Results
It’s common for clients to notice a visual improvement after their first treatment, but how many treatments you’ll want to pursue depends on your goals, how your body responds to treatment, and the size of the vein being treated.
Treatments are usually spaced a few months apart, so you can monitor the appearance of your veins. Anywhere from one to three treatments is usually what we expect to provide for our clients.
What Else Can It Treat?
This treatment may be a great option for varicoses, but it’s far from a one-trick pony. Vein issues can take many different forms, and treatments for these cosmetic vein concerns can be limited. Vaculaze gives us the flexibility to help our clients address many different vein concerns so they can feel more confident in their skin.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are little damaged veins under the skin. This damage makes them more visible. They can show up on your face, especially if you’ve enjoyed plenty of sunshine, and they also appear on the legs and arms. Since our treatment can target the red pigment that makes spider veins visible, it can effectively reduce the appearance of your spider veins.
Port-Wine Stains
Port-wine stains are a kind of birthmark. At birth, they usually appear pink and gradually turn dark red or purple over time. When it comes to clients with birthmarks, each case is individual. Some clients love their birthmarks, while others may find the location or texture of this type of birthmark to be upsetting.
Our job is to help you feel confident in your body, and if you want to reduce the appearance of your birthmark, this treatment may be able to help you do that.
Angiomas
Angiomas are blood vessel growths that are benign in nature. The three forms they can take are cherry angiomas, angiokeratomas, and spider angiomas.
Before seeking cosmetic treatment for angiomas, it’s important to be sure that’s what you’re actually dealing with. We recommend having new skin growths looked into so you can rule out skin cancer. If your angiomas get the all-clear, we can take it from there.
Cherry Angiomas
Have you noticed a round dot on your body that looks a bit like a mole, except it’s red? It may be a cherry angioma. These tend to be very small, round, bright red markings on the body and can appear pretty much anywhere. They can be raised, or flat.
If the location or appearance of your cherry angiomas is bothering you, Vaculaze can reduce that bright red color they’re known for.
Angiokeratomas
These cutaneous lesions are usually asymptomatic, but may occasionally bleed. Unlike cherry angiomas, this formation tends to be larger and can have a more mottled appearance. They can appear red, brown, or black. If you have angiokeratomas you want to be rid of, we can help set up a treatment plan for you during your consultation.
Spider Angiomas
Spider angiomas look very similar to their “cherry” counterparts. They are usually small, red, and round, but the key difference is there are little red veins coming out from the base of this growth. Like both spider veins and cherry angiomas, Vaculaze can help you get rid of this swollen blood vessel.
Varicose Veins FAQ
1. How Often Will I Need Treatment?
These treatments are meant to last for the long haul, but an occasional touch-up may be needed to maintain your optimal results. Since each body can respond differently, whether or not you need any touch-ups at all will depend on how your body takes to the treatment.
2. What Should I Do Before Treatment?
We may ask that the skin you’re going to have treated be clean and shaved. We would also recommend you steer clear of the tanning salon for a couple of weeks before your treatment. Other than that, we’ll go over your health and medication during your consultation and can give you individualized advice then.
3. Can I Prevent Varicoses?
Sometimes they are unavoidable. Just like any part of our bodies, our veins are affected by age, and the appearance of varicoses can be just one of those things that happen. However, there may be some things you can do to either delay the onset of vein issues or help them not to be as severe when they do show up.
Improving your circulation is an important part of keeping your veins healthy. Exercise is one way to do that, and changing how you sit regularly can help as well. If you’re sitting or driving for extended periods, take the time to walk around every hour or so. Watching your weight can help reduce the pressure on your veins, and limiting salt may also be helpful.
4. Will They Go Away on Their Own?
Unfortunately, no. Exercising and improving your circulation is great for you and may help prevent some cases. However, if you already have them, there aren’t any known at-home treatments that can completely resolve them.
The appearance of varicose veins does tend to progress over time, so we recommend seeking out treatment sooner rather than later. Earlier treatment tends to translate to a shorter treatment process.
5. The Difference Between Varicose and Spider Veins
We treat both of these conditions, but they aren’t exactly the same. Spider veins can’t turn into varicose veins, or vice-versa. Both vein issues are caused by damage to the valves and are considered a kind of venous insufficiency.
The concerns attached to these conditions are usually cosmetic, but varicoses may also make a person more at risk for blood clots. Spider veins are usually smaller, and you can’t feel them under the skin. They usually look like small, red patterns that are similar to the appearance of a spider web.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicoses are deeper and larger than spider veins, and you can usually feel them easily. They can be twisted, lumped, or straight in appearance, and their color can range as well. Some other symptoms that can come along with varicoses can include:
- Tenderness in the area
- Itching
- Swelling
- Heavy legs
6. Why Should I Treat Them?
Whether you want to have your varicoses treated is completely up to you. Some people choose to leave theirs be, especially if they aren’t causing uncomfortable symptoms. The most common reason someone seeks out treatment for varicoses is if they don’t like the look of them. That said, if your varicoses are causing painful symptoms, it may be time to treat them.
They Can Cause Swelling
When pressure builds up within these affected veins, they may begin to leak fluid. This can lead to the surrounded tissues swelling as a result. Elevation or compression garments may help improve this symptom, but treating the underlying cause may be a good call if the symptom becomes chronic.
Skin Ulcers Could Develop
The swelling caused by varicoses can lead to some changes in your skin. If the skin is stretched and weakened, it might have a harder time healing from injury.
This issue is exacerbated by the fact that swollen tissue can limit the flow of oxygen and nutrients, which are a vital part of the healing process. Ulcers that refuse to heal may develop as a result of this swelling and tension in the skin.
It May Put You More at Risk for Blood Clots
Blood clots are painful, and can, in some cases, be deadly. Varicoses may put a person at a slightly higher risk of developing blood clots. If you suspect a blood clot, it’s crucial you seek out medical attention immediately. Some signs of a blood clot are pain and warmth in the affected area, as well as the vein becoming hardened.
Come Meet Our Team
Our team believes in working with our clients to support both their physical and mental wellbeing. We believe health starts from the inside out. Rather than being just a number, we want to treat you with individual care and respect. If you’re ready to learn more about the treatment options we provide, contact our team at Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine in Dothan, AL, today for a consultation.