Laser Vein Treatment
What Is Laser Vein Treatment?
Are You A Good Candidate
Meeting With The Doctor
How The Procedure Is Performed
What To Expect After Surgery
How Long Will The Results Last
What Is Laser Vein Treatment?
As we age, it is not uncommon for veins on our legs and on certain areas of the face to become red, purple, and blotchy. These veins, sometimes called spider veins, can occur in both men and women, but are more common in females. The exact cause of spider veins is not known, but genetic predisposition as well as changes in body chemistry due to puberty, birth control pills, menopause, and hormone therapy can cause spider veins to occur. The spider veins that appear on the face can also be the result of too much sun exposure.
Laser vein therapy is a proven new approach to the treatment of unsightly veins, especially veins smaller than 3 mm. Lasers emit a specialized light that passes through the skin and is absorbed by the hemoglobin (the red portion of the blood) in the unwanted veins. The laser causes the unwanted vein to break up and disappear. Laser vein treatment is safer, faster, and more effective than any previous treatment for the removal of small, discolored veins close to the surface of the skin.
Laser vein therapy is available only in the offices of qualified plastic surgeons such as the doctors (link to About_Bio Drs.doc) of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery. The doctors and staff of the Institute will provide you with detailed information on laser vein therapy and determine how the procedure can be used to achieve the appearance you desire.
Are You A Good Candidate for Laser Vein Treatment?
Women and men of any age may be good candidates for laser vein treatment, but most people have the procedure done between thirty and sixty years of age. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it may be better to postpone laser vein treatment because, in most cases, veins that surface during pregnancy will disappear on their own within three months of birth.
Meeting With the Doctor
The doctors and staff at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery have treated many patients for unsightly, discolored veins. During your initial consultation, the doctor will explain the various vein treatment options and help you decide which course of treatment is best for you.
The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery doctors and staff will:
· Outline in detail how laser vein therapy is performed and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure
· Clearly discuss the potential risks of the procedure
· Provide detailed cost and payment information
· Answer all your questions
You will be asked to provide:
· Details about your medical history
· A list of all medications you currently take including over the counter medications such as aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements
· Information regarding your tobacco and alcohol use
How The Procedure Is Performed
Laser vein therapy is a relatively simple procedure and generally requires no anesthesia (link to Ed_Anes.doc) or sedation. The procedure will be performed on an outpatient basis at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery.
Most patients describe experiencing a feeling like a rubber band snap as the laser is directed at the skin. A topical anesthetic cream may be used to numb the area to be treated. Any discomfort can be eased with the application of cool compresses. After treatment, you can immediately return to normal activities.
What To Expect After The Procedure
Laser vein therapy is performed at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery. Since the treatment is simple and relatively painless, you can go home as soon as it is completed. The most common side effect is bruising around the treated area. The bruising will disappear within a few days of your laser vein treatment. You can resume all normal activities immediately after your procedure.
The doctor will be happy to answer any questions you have concerning potential side effects of the treatment during your initial consultation.
How Long Will The Results Last
Laser vein treatment will dramatically improve the appearance of those areas on your legs and face where spider veins occur. While laser therapy will entirely remove the veins that are treated, it is important to note that it does not prevent new veins from forming in the future. The length of time for new spider veins to develop is highly individual and, therefore, not predictable.
Questions You May Have
· How soon will I see the results of laser vein treatment?
Because laser vein treatment works by causing the unwanted veins to break up and dissolve, the disappearance of the unwanted veins will take place over the course of several weeks.
· Are there other procedures that could be done along with laser vein treatment to enhance the overall appearance of my legs?
A technique called sclerotherapy can be used to treat veins that are too large to be treated with laser therapy. In this technique, the unwanted veins are injected with a solution that causes them to collapse and fade from view. During your initial consultation, the doctor will discuss which approach is best for you.
If you'd like to remove fat from your upper thighs or other areas of your legs, a new procedure called LipoSelection can be used to give your legs a more contoured and slimmer appearance. The doctors at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery are the first specialists in the Washington DC area certified to perform LipoSelection.
· Will insurance cover my laser vein treatment?
Laser vein treatment is considered cosmetic surgery and, therefore, is not covered by insurance. You are responsible for the full payment of the procedure. Cost and payment information will be fully discussed with you during your initial consultation.
