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Laser Vein treatments
Experience does make a difference... and at the Carr Dermatology, we are one of the most experienced practices in the area dealing with vein therapy.
 Our treatment package combines options of both Sclerotherapy and laser treatments to eliminate the embarrassing "road map" of spider veins, safely and effectively, with minimal down-time.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy was developed over 75 years ago and at present, is one of the most effective treatments for spider veins. Sclerotherapy is an injection method using a solution injected directly into the vessels. Treatment can last from 15 - 25 minutes. The solution attacks and destroys those unsightly veins.
What results will I see?
Gradual improvement will be noticed. Many patients experience 60% to 80% of the treated vessels resolved. During the consultation, you will be advised as to the number of treatments necessary to achieve desired results.
What are the side effects?
In most cases, you will be able to resume regular activities immediately. However, excessive standing or vigorous activities are not advised for 24 to 48 hours. Following treatment, the affected veins may darken and the area may appear bruised. Support hose is recommended. This application of pressure will help reduce side effects and aid in more effective healing and treatment. After the treatment of larger vessels, the affected area may appear pigmented but this is temporary and will fade over time. Rarely ulceration and scarring may occur.
Who is a candidate?
The physician or his/her staff will determine if you are a candidate. During your consultation, a review of your medical history will ascertain the cause and severity of your condition. Depending on the types of veins, a combination of different treatment modalities may be suggested.
How many treatments will it take?
Several treatments may be required to achieve the optimum result. In some cases, as few as 2 or 3 treatments will fulfill the desired outcome.
What is treatment like?
The vessels in question will be examined and reviewed with you by Dr. Carr. A treatment strategy will then be decided upon to eradicate these veins. You may be asked to stand while the problem veins are marked and photographed. The sclerosing agent will then be injected into the targeted veins. Discomfort is minimal and no anesthesia is required. You may be asked to wear support hose for 21 days following treatment. This precautionary post-treatment measure will apply compression to the treated vessels to help prevent recurrence.
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Laser Therapy
When Sclerotherapy is not the solution, we turn to our FDA approved laser that targets the vessels directly – effectively removing them. The laser produces a unique wavelength of light that safely passes through the skin and is selectively absorbed by the targeted blood vessel. The vein will gradually disappear, leaving the skin intact. Get ready for your  summer and upcoming social season without those vexing veins!
Who are candidates for treatment?
Men and women may be treated. Patients using blood thinners or afflicted with a serious illness generally are not candidates for treatment. Patients with dark suntans or photosensitivity disorders, diabetes, bleeding disorders, or currently taking photosensitizing medications may also be restricted from candidacy.
How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments necessary to resolve your vein concerns depends on the size of the vein and your body's ability to heal. During your consultation, you will be given an estimate of the number of treatments required to obtain optimal results.
What does the treatment involve?
Treatments are 15 minutes. As a result of treatment, the walls of the veins are damaged by the laser's heat. The body next induces a healing process. The veins shrink and become less visible or disappear altogether. Medical studies have documented exceptional results on veins with laser treatments. Utilizing a laser allows customized treatment of virtually every small vein disorder, including deep veins and veins that do not respond to other treatment methods.
What are the side effects and is there "down-time"?
The beauty of this treatment is that there is no down time involved. You can resume regular activities immediately. Pain is generally mild. Swelling and mild bruising can occur, but most always resolve over time. Limiting sun exposure will greatly minimize the risk of complications.
Which type of veins can Laser Therapy treat?
Laser Therapy treats many types of leg veins, including shallow spider veins and reticular veins.
Spider Veins are very small veins caused by a dilation of the small venules under the skin. This occurs when the pressure inside the vein increases enough to overcome normal resistance of the vein wall.
Reticular Veins are small, bluish-colored veins that carry blood to the skin Venules and are larger than spider veins. These veins have thin walls and dilate with excessive venous pressure. When this occurs, they become large enough to be unsightly, but are not considered to be varicose veins.
Both spider veins and reticular veins respond well to Laser Therapy.
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Medical treatment photos courtesy of Candela® Corporation, Sanofi Aventis, and Allergan®.
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